Why you need a style sheet

Style sheets ensure your entire pattern library is consistent and professional. They help cement your brand and create trust with your pattern buyers.

WHAT IS IT

A style sheet is a living document that lays out exactly how every pattern should look. It tells you a wide variety of things that help keep your pattern consistent and look professional. The last thing you want is to have ten different patterns that all look different. If you have repeat pattern buyers, they want to see consistency from the designer so they know what to expect and where to look for important things in every pattern.

HOW YOUR PATTERN SHOULD LOOK

• What fonts and font sizes should be used?

• Are your headers in bold, or perhaps a different font than the instruction text?

• Should your materials list be before or after the schematic?

• Are the charts at the end of the document with the schematic?

• How many photos should be present and where should they be placed in the pattern?

• What should the cover page look like?

• How should the materials/info page be structured?

• Where will your schematics be placed?

HOW TO PHRASE INSTRUCTIONS

• 'Knit across' or 'knit to end of round' or 'knit'

• 'k1 (2) 3' or 'knit 1 (2) 3'

• 'Cast on 10 sts using 3mm needles' or 'Using 3mm needles, cast on 10 sts'

• 'knit ten sts, k 5 (6) 7 sts' or 'k 10 sts, k 5 (6) 7 sts'

• How should repeats be noted?

  • * k1, k2tog * or (k1, k2tog) or [k1, k2tog]

OTHER DETAILS

• Do you use both imperial and metric measurements?

• Do you have a complete list of commonly used abbreviations?

  • How are your abbreviations listed? K - Knit or k - knit or K - knit

• Do you have a list of commonly used phrases/instructions?

• You could even include a needle size conversion chart from US to mm.

• How will you list your yarn requirements?

• Do you have different layouts for garment types? What should each look like?

Style sheets can also tell you if any styles or layouts vary based on the item. Maybe for socks you don't want a schematic included or it should be placed in a different part of the document than your other patterns. Maybe your shawl pattern instructions should be in two columns, where your other patterns are one column.

There is so much you can put into a style sheet, and it all helps make sure every pattern is consistent and professional. A style sheet is never finished and can always be changed. That's why it is called a 'living document'. Designer styles change, new ideas come up, so it's important to keep it updated.

If you need help getting one started, many editors offer this as a service, including me. Pick out one of your favorite patterns you've written and let the tech editor know of any specific details you want to be included or changed for future patterns. A style sheet is a must-have for a consistent pattern library.