The information that should go on the first page of a knitting pattern
When it comes to knitting patterns, the actual line-by-line instructions are super important, but before we get to that point, we need to know some information before we get started.
In this blog post, I’ll break down the information that should go on the first page of a pattern to help the maker get set up to start knitting.
Sizing / Measurements
I grouped these into one section because they are often listed together, or at least near each other, but I do consider sizing and measurements to be two separate pieces of information. Sizing is about body measurements, and measurements is about finished measurements of the knit piece. For instance, saying that a pattern that is designed to fit a bust size of 30 (34, 38, 42, 46) (50, 54, 58, 62)” with 6” of positive ease is sizing. Saying that a pattern measures 36 (40, 44, 48, 52) (56, 60, 64, 68)” at the bust is the finished measurements.
So, sizing is more about relating to a maker’s body and what size they should pick, whereas the measurements are how it will fit on that size body.
I also recommend including a measurement chart and schematic that shows various measurements of the piece beyond bust circumference, such as sleeve circumference, sleeve length, length from underarm to hem, etc.
Yarn
For yarn, I recommend including as much information about the chosen yarn as possible, to help makers with yarn substitution.
This includes:
The yarn brand and base: Knit Picks Palette, Lion Brand Coboo, Hobbii Carnival, etc.
The yarn weight: Fingering, sport, DK, worsted, etc.
Fiber content: 100% SW Merino Wool
Yardage and/or weight of a skein: 231 yds per 50 g
Yardage and/or weight used in pattern: 440 yds
All together, this might look like:
MC: 161 yds (35 g) Knit Picks Palette fingering weight yarn (100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 231 yds per 50 g) in Huckleberry Heather
CC: 92 yds (20 g) Knit Picks Palette fingering weight yarn (100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 231 yds per 50 g) in Shire Heather
Of course, you can adapt how you write this depending on your own style, just ensure that the important information for the maker is there.
Needles
For the suggested needles, I recommend including the following information:
US size AND size in mm
Type of needles
If recommending circular needles, length of cable
For example:
US 6/4.0mm 16” circular needles or DPNs for main stitch pattern
Gauge
Gauge is important because it’s how a maker can ensure they can replicate what you’ve created.
For the gauge section, be sure to include:
The number of stitches and rows/rounds (depending on if it’s knit flat or in the round) in a 4” (10 cm) square
What stitch pattern gauge should be made in
If measurements are before or after blocking (ideally you should be giving the blocked gauge in most cases)
If multiple needles are used, note which needle size the listed gauge is for
For example:
4 x 4" (10 x 10 cm) = 20 stitches x 36 rounds in pattern repeat, knit in the round on larger needles, blocked.
Notions
This section is where you list all of the other things a maker needs to make the pattern. I have a bit of a bone to pick with notions because it seems like the industry has sort of standardized on what to include and not to include. Like, I almost always see a tapestry needle listed, but never things like scissors or a measuring tape, which are also things you usually need!! So I don’t know, this section always sort of bothers me because of how arbitrary it feels.
But ANYWAY, some things to include in here might be stitch markers, blocking materials, and a tapestry/yarn needle.
Abbreviations
Okay, at this point you might be onto page 2… Before you get to the pattern, you also need an abbreviations section that lists out all of the ones used in the pattern. You don’t need to include common non-knitting abbreviations like cm, yds, approx., but any knitting term that you abbreviate should go in here.
I prefer the abbreviations to be in alphabetical order to make it easy to find what you’re looking for.
If you have complex techniques in your pattern, you may also want a special techniques section near the abbreviations that goes into more detail about how to execute a particular stitch or technique (like an uncommon cast-on method), along with links to tutorials for it.
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