Knitting Websites

Ravelry

This is an essential site for anyone one looking to sell their own designs, or just to join a community to help them understand how to get started.

This huge international network is not only great for selling your patterns but also gives you access to lots of useful groups and people. You will will be able to find support with your designs, how to market your patterns and find test knitters through the forums.

If you have a problem there is always a lovely person willing and able to give you some advice and help.

Site: www.ravelry.com

Books About Knitting

The Beginner’s Guide to Writing Knitting Patterns

by Kate Atherley

This is an essential book for anyone looking to create there own designs. It works through all the different aspects to consider when creating your own design. With clear examples and explanations. There are lots of useful resources within the book that can help you produce a detailed set of pattern instructions.

Anne Budd (Author)

Anne Budd has a couple of books that have a basic range patterns in numerous sizes. Many of her books also allow you use any weight of yarn that you choose. The patterns appear very complex at first but once you understand how to read the charts then it becomes easier.

She is American, so American terms are used through out the book. Also most of the patterns are done in the round. The fact that there are a range of different sizes from a 26 inch chest (child) to a 54 inch chest (larger adult) make it a great starting point when wanting to produce various sizes of your design. Just remember to check your tension and the effect any pattern has on the end product. The books that I use are:

• The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns: this contains basic pattern of hats, gloves, socks and simple garments in a range of sizes
• The Knitter’s Handy Book of Sweater Patterns: this book covers different construction techniques for sweaters and cardigans.
• The Knitter’s Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters: A growing popular construction technique. Includes 4 basic sweater types: seamless yoke, raglan, set-in-sleeve and saddle shoulder.

Stitch Bibles

There are numerous Stitch Bible books available on the market. These are very useful as they not only can give you inspiration for your design but can give you clear instructions on how to create the effect. I would recommend finding one that has the instructions both in a chart and written format as this will help you when producing your own pattern.

Patterns

A variety of other people’s knitting patterns are a useful resource to have handy. There are many basic patterns out there which can assist you when you are designing your own pattern as they can help with size, shaping and construction (though do not take them as fact as tension and design will effect your end product).

Existing patterns can help you identify style and content that may help you when producing your own pattern. Think about the patterns that you love to use and why that is, this will help you develop your own style.