Kristina McGrath

The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook
By Kristina McGrath and Sarah Walworth

Well written, concise, easy to follow, and very thorough information that will be useful for those who would like to write patterns for hand knit creations. I started knitting when I was nine and have now over sixty years of knitting experience. My knitting has included creating a sweater using the measurements a body builder gave me, making baby blankets and scarves and sweaters and more. I remember my first cable knit sweater and the fact that the adult in charge did not have us make gauges so the sweater ended up being doll sized instead of something I could wear. This book in the hands of someone designing and writing patterns would be a blessing.

The seven chapters are clearly labeled in bold type with subheadings underneath. Each chapter has a checklist and Q&A at the end.
* Foundations of a good knitting pattern includes information on being correct, clear, concise and consistent then goes on to mention establishing your style
* Components of a pattern starts with essential elements, moves on to formatting patterns, and ends with accessibility guidelines
* Gauge is essential and can make or break a knitting project. This chapter gives information on understanding what a gauge is, discusses the size of swatch to make for best results, and explains how to communicate gauge effectively to the person using the pattern you create
* Charts are something not always easy to use but then written directions that are not precise are also a problem. This chapter mentions knowing your knitters, make patterns accessible, make it clear, charts for round and flat knitting projects, stich count checks, number consistently, fit, and a few other things including that you ensure the chart is readable
* Sizing: good designs start with good sizing, ensure accurate measurements, practice size inclusivity – this section is interesting and mentions including patterns for all sizes of people
* Common sweater pitfalls hits things like necklines and shoulders, armhole depth, body and sleeve lengths and girths, upper arm measurements, cuffs that fit – thinking about the measurements I neede to make the body builder’s sweater…those biceps, the neck, and the chest to trim waist proved a bit of a challenge but I felt accomplished when I finished
* Working with a tech editor provided good reasons for using a tech editor, the relationship you should create with the person and the best way to find and hire one
* Glossary, further reading, resources and appendices, acknowledgements and an index are at the end of the book.

The illustrations were hand drawn and perfect. Checklists easy to read. Q&A interesting and informative. I found the information on blocking interesting, too. This is not the book I thought it would be but I did enjoy reading it and found the information helpful.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the ARC – this is my honest review.

5 Stars… (mehr)

The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook How to Write Great Patterns that Knitters Will Love to Make by Kristina McGrath; Sarah Walworth
Wish I had this book when I started writing my own patterns. One of the guidelines was to follow the publication style. Was pretty straight forward with my own personal words.
Love that this covers every single aspect of writing so the end user will NOT have a problem knitting the pattern you create. Appreciate the symbol explanations, being blind I can't use that method myself. Every section also has Q&A.
So many examples, sketches and words that really define this book. Glossary and index makes it simple to find exactly what it is you need help with. Excellent valuable information.
So exhilarating to create things for others to use. Feel like I accomplish something.
A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from Storey Publishing via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#TheKnittingPatternWritingHandbook #NetGalley.… (mehr)