Designer Tips

Have you ever picked out two colors, started knitting, and then realized that they don't look good together? Maybe the colors blend into each other, or they don't look good together? THE COLOR WHEEL Now, let's just start with the basics. The color wheel can be a great tool when choosing colors. It gives you a variety of color variations, and helps choose colors that will always look good together. I like to use the HTML color code site to easily look at colors. You can change

I have a bachelors in Business Administration and have managed a number of small businesses over the years. Here is what I've learned so far that may help you. This is a long article, but it's worth your read if you want to avoid mistakes early on and get ahead of the curve. Now, this is not a short article. I don't want to cut any important details out. So here are tips from a business owner to help you be successful. 1. WHAT IT TAKES TO RUN A BUSINESS Anyone can run a busin

The answer really isn't that hard to find either. It's frustrating when things don't go according to plan, but it's all for a reason.

Photos can make or break it for your pattern. Bad photos that don't show the item well will drive knitters away. If they can't clearly see the finished item, they won't try it at all. So here are some good and easy ways to improve your knitting photos for social media and sales! Please note that this blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase via one of these links, I earn some yarn money at no extra cost to you! Thank you for your support! CLEAN YOUR LENS I c

Listing measurements for your finished object should be accurate to give knitters a starting point to choose sizes and troubleshoot errors during knitting. HOW MEASUREMENTS ARE USED The biggest reason measurements are taken and provided, is to allow the knitters to choose the correct size for them and also make modifications to their preferences. If you do not give them an accurate starting point, then their finished object may come out in the wrong size or proportions than i

Charts versus Written Instructions. Why you should include both.

Unsure of how to design your pattern layout? You've seen plenty of patterns of different styles before, but you just aren't sure how to do it yourself. Let me help you get started! WHERE TO DESIGN There are various places where you can draft and put together a pattern. Many designers use Canva, InDesign, Word, Google Docs. Some options are free, a lot of them you have to pay for. This post will go through the basics of pattern design that can be used in any program. CLARITY T

Why you should use a pattern template and how it differs from a style sheet.

Do accessories need to be tech edited? Absolutely! You never know what kind of silly mistakes you might make.

What is a schematic and why you need one for your patterns.

Are you unknowingly turning away potential buyers? Here's what to include for a quality product page to sell your patterns with success.

There are a lot of reasons why someone may not want to test your pattern, such as poor photos of the finished item, not enough information provided in the posting, or too many requirements and demands put on the testers. Follow these suggestions to set up a successful pattern test call that knitters will want to join! DON'T MAKE IT TOO SHORT You have to remember that knitters have lives, things come up, and that the larger sizes need more time than the smaller sizes. As a goo

Tech Editing versus Test Knitting. What's the difference and do you need both?

Style Sheets - what they are and why you need one. Consistency = Professionalism.

These are some common mistakes I see with measurements and conversions.

Use romance text to help draw people into your pattern, create a connection and gain interest into the piece.

Maybe your current Tech Editor isn't a good fit or it's your first time looking for one. Here are some tips to get started.

Tech editors ensure your patterns are completely error free and ready to be tested and published.

Use this free pre-edit checklist to save time and money with your tech editor!