Tips for new knitwear designers

Designing knitting patterns can be very daunting for people who have never done it before. Where do you even start? For knitwear designers, the process begins with understanding the basics of pattern making, from choosing the right yarn to perfecting design techniques. Having a clear process can make the experience less intimidating and more rewarding.

Figuring out where to start can be so challenging that it can often result in doing nothing at all.

This article shows how to get started as a knitwear designer as well as break down some of the common obstacles that prevent aspiring designers from starting.

Start at the beginning

The biggest obstacle to starting is mindset. There is some information on designing knitting patterns out there, but all the different stages make it feel overwhelming. Take baby steps and start at the beginning: inspiration.      

Getting inspired looks different for everyone. Gather lots of images and seek the common themes. From there, narrow it down until you have some very specific images that will inspire my future design.

For other designers, they start with the yarn. They knit some swatches, play around with stitches and let the swatch tell them what to do.

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Listen to the yarn

You can’t fight the yarn and what it wants to be. If you get into a project and find that the yarn you’re using is just not a good fit for the stitches you chose, swap out one or the other – either get new yarn, or pick different stitches.

• Experiment with Various Types: Gain practical experience in handling different yarns and assess their behavior when knitted into fabrics.

• Learn Yarn Weights: Familiarize yourself with yarn weights such as lace, fingering, DK, and bulky, to understand how they affect fabric density and appearance.

Begin with small projects

A one-size shawl or an accessory that only needs to be graded into a couple of sizes is ideal for your first knitting pattern design. It is especially helpful if you design something in a construction that you’re very familiar with. It will be lots of fun to design something you enjoy knitting and it’s much easier than jumping right into garment design even if that’s what you want to do eventually.

Develop some building blocks.

Designing an item completely from scratch every single time can be exhausting, and it opens you up to making mistakes in the pattern-writing process. Have a few templates and then riff off of those templates.

Focus on Fit

Proper fitting is crucial for knitwear to appeal to buyers. An ill-fitting garment can overshadow the creativity and craftsmanship of your design.

• Understand Sizing Standards: Familiarize yourself with sizing charts and standards in your target market to ensure consistent fit across all pieces.

• Use Model Fittings: Conduct fittings on models to assess fit and make necessary adjustments to patterns or designs.

All in all, start making quick decisions

When you’re struggling to even start, it’s time to make quick decisions. Weigh up your options and go with your gut. Decision paralysis or perfectionism is not helpful here. Deep down, you know what you like and making quick design decisions will not only help you to start, but also allow you to tap into your own personal aesthetic.

So now you know where to start if you want to be a knitwear designer. Remember to be patient with yourself and use these tips to keep you driven.

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