tips for designing knitting patterns | lily kate makes

Answering by far my most frequently asked question - WHERE DO I START? My tips for how to start designing your own knitting patterns, from the best type of sweater to start with, to the most useful Excel functions for grading patterns into different sizes, and book recommendations.

I filmed this video in a different room of the house to usual, and did not realise how much closer to the camera I was than in my normal setup 😅 I won't sit so unnecessarily close next time!

ITEMS MENTIONED
◼ Abydos Top, pattern coming late July

◼ AXIS by Lily Kate yarn in shade Neutrino

Where to find me

My knitting podcast is about my life as a knitwear designer; new knitting patterns 2021; how to knit; learn to knit; knitting tutorials; yarn inspo; knitting inspiration; knit sweaters; knit cardigans; chunky knitting; knitting photography tips; knitting instagram; knitting life; slow fashion; sustainable fashion; handmade fashion; how to design knitting patterns; grading knitting

[williambissonnette]

i just designed my first sweater and i've been asked for the pattern by multiple people so im doing my best to write it out, make charts and grade it, but its giving me such a headache. the body is knit flat, from front to back, and is essentially a big chevron panel (with increases in the middle, and decreases on the side) with a continuous cable+lace pattern throughout, so it has a V appearance. there's short row shaping at the shoulders so the pattern shifts from being on the bias to being vertical, and the sleeves have the pattern repeat as well. i've got to be honest, this entire thing was a mess and a half to design when i started (but it was worth it, it fits great), but grading it for different sizes seems impossible. This video is a blessing and i want to thank you for giving us tips and tricks, it is very appreciated and encouraging <3

[lotalimareva]

Thank you Lily, this was super helpful! Dabbling a bit to the designing process at the moment and I could definitely use several of your tips & tricks!☺️☺️

[thekindles]

I thought this was great. I love book recommendations and I think you have had to knit quite a few patterns before venturing out on your own. I am a newer knitter of three years about.. and I realize how much you have to try and frog to understand things. Great advice and thanks for the time, Kimberly

[TootightLautrec]

This was wonderful! I've just crossed the line from only knitting quadrilaterals to trying my hand at socks and sweaters. I finished my first top-down sweater and am learning how even the trying on as it goes part is a learning process. I just got a bunch of books on knitting bottom up ganseys and am really looking forward to frogging my slightly wonky first sweater in an attempt to make a less-wonky gansey. All of which is to say I'm a long way from designing, but am quite happy learning and making design decisions on my own as I go. You're a real inspiration!

[squintyseam]

Could you do a spreadsheet tutorial? I have searched for some nitty gritty ones but yet to find any.

[coralthompson]

wow, it is beautiful. Looking forward to the pattern. Thank you for sharing.

[AD-uwxs]

I’m happy to find a knitter say that tension changes throughout a project, no matter what.

My question is, do you then frog back the work? And for pattern writing, do you still write the change into the pattern or do you write it based on the swatch tension?

Last but not least, you’ve mentioned you frog your work, sometimes, doesn’t this wear out your yarn?

[nicoletrost]

I loved this video. It was very interesting to hear what your thoughts are about designing. Great advice

[beadedbroochchan]

Your tips are awesome. Appreciate it very much. BTW the blouse on you looks amazing. Any tutorial? Thks very 😅😊

[rosiemcfadyen]

love this its super helpful!! I am currently trying to design a dress and really like the top you're wearing in this - can I ask what type of stitch did you use at the lower interface between the sheer mohair and DK yoke? it has produced a lovely thick stitch which is exactly what I'm looking for!!!

[pialindeg]

Thanks to you Lily - though I am an old knitter - your tricks is very helpful. ( done these whole garments and made up the whole pattern - just to realise that nothing was good😣You are always interesting to listen to.😻

[blackmorerose]

This was a really interesting video. I'm not sure if I'll ever design a whole garment for myself but I think a lot of these tips and tricks could apply to modifying existing patterns. I do have one question. Do you know of any good resources for upping my Excel game, which is something I want and need to do? Thanks Jo😀

[patipardo]

Do you have a tutorial step by step for your creations?

[ninavolante]

Just to change, another useless video, extremely verbose and full of obviousness. 35min. spent, to express concepts and infos that required max of 5min. Not to mention that she shows some books (4 of which are well known to most knitters, but in any case..) without inserting the bibliography in the video description, and this is something that YOU MUST NOT DO, if you show a book in a video then you have to write the title and the author in the description, another of those unwritten but obvious rules that many people don't understand they have to follow.