This comprehensive guide sets new standards for knitting pattern writing, providing clear, accurate, and accessible instructions that will revolutionize the way patterns are written and understood. With detailed explanations and stunning illustrations, McGrath and Walworth demystify the process of pattern creation, offering invaluable insights and practical advice for crafting patterns that knitters will love to make.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its focus on setting clear guidelines for pattern writing, addressing common pitfalls and offering practical solutions. Whether you're interested in publishing your own patterns or simply want to improve your pattern reading skills, this book covers every aspect of pattern creation with clarity and precision.

The book's layout is well-organized, making it easy to navigate and digest the information presented. Each chapter is accompanied by useful checklists and Q&A sections, ensuring that you have all the tools you need to write clear and concise patterns. This would make a great gift for the knitter in your life!

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve done a lot of pattern testing for knitting and crochet, so it was interesting to see a pattern writing guide from a tech editor perspective. I especially appreciated their notes on size inclusivity. As a plus size woman, I have tested a number of patterns that just don’t work; simply adding more stitches doesn’t mean the fit will work!

I definitely think this is a great resource for someone who wants to start designing their own patterns!

Don’t you love when a handbook is actually handy?

Now, I AM a pattern writer (though not on the level of the author), so there’s that, but I do think this guide has lots of good bits for every knitter considering pattern writing.

This is NOT a how-to create patterns themselves. The reader isn’t going to learn how to create a hat/scarf/sweater pattern. The reader WILL learn how (with super-clear instructions, suggestions and charts) to polish up their pattern, making it ready for market.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for this referential ARC.

This is a great resource for anyone looking to write knitting patterns. I honestly wish that more pattern writers had access to this because it's a great tool. The checklists are a smart addition and a great way to recap chapters. I loved the section on photographing knit projects because that's such an essential step and a lot of designers don't do it well enough. I love an artsy styled knitting shoot, but we need at least one picture that shows what the garment actually looks like.

Big appreciation for having a section on size inclusivity, all bodies deserve well fitting clothes.

This book is a great add to your personal library.

The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook is a very well written, information dense, logical, *usable* guide to writing and testing knitting patterns written and collated by Kristina McGrath & Sarah Walworth. Released 31st Oct 2023 by Hachette on their Storey Publishing imprint, it's 176 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

The writing is clear, concise, and easy to understand. That is -vital- for acquiring any skill, but especially in patterns to be followed to a finished and consistent end product. The authors do a very good job of explaining, step-by-step, what a pattern -is-, how to write patterns with precision and understandably (for the end user), and some good tips on developing a personal design style.

The following chapters cover pattern components, gauge, charts, sizing, troubleshooting & pitfalls, and working with a tech editor. The book is slanted toward would-be (or current) designers who promote and sell their patterns through Ravelry, or purpose built websites, but it's usable and relevant for knitters who wish to strike out and make their own patterns for their own use without necessarily having plans to sell commercially.

The graphics are very simple and basic throughout. There are no photographs. Drawings are simple and rendered in pencil sketches. The example graphs and text are high contrast black and white and very easy to read/understand.

Five stars. This is a standalone volume, and certainly can be credibly used to create a written knitting pattern just from the instructions contained within. It will best be used as a good reference addition to the knitter's home library, pattern-writer's studio, public library collection, or knitting shop/fibre arts guild's members' library.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook is an informative guide to the complex world of pattern writing. It included everything from the key components of a pattern to sizing and working with an editor. This book covered every part of the design process and made it feel accessible and achievable. A great book for those looking to get into designing and one that can be referred back to in the future as well!

I really loved the layout of this book. As a novice knitter and someone who is neurodivergent I often like to go off piste when making things. this book gave me some confidence in knowing how to piece together different ideas and formations in knitting to create a cohesive garment. I really think this book with be a great addition to new and professional knitters alike.

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

I'm so glad I was able to read this! I learned to crochet long before I learned knitting, so I'm pretty comfortable freehanding crochet. My next challenge is to get to that same skill level in knitting, and this book has been such a help on that journey.

I'm an keen knitter, and have often considered drafting my own patterns or offering to tech edit (since I am an editor by trade), so this book appealed to me straight away. The instructions were clear and very comprehensive, but the layout of my ebook ARC wasn't the best for image captions or boxed-out text, and all the sizing charts at the back were jumbled. I'm sure that will be fixed for the final version. It's a great resource, though, and I would love to have a hard copy to refer to.

***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A most helpful book for knitting fanatics.

I recently read The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook by Kristina McGrath and Sarah Walworth, and I must say this is a highly informative and valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their knitting pattern writing skills. The book sets new standards for clear, accurate pattern writing, walking aspiring and experienced designers alike through each must-have component of a thorough, well-written pattern, including how to devise and present gauge, charts, and sizing information that is correct and easy-to-follow.

What I liked most about the book is the focus on making patterns accessible to contemporary knitters, especially beginners. With a staggering 90,000 patterns being sold annually on the popular knitting community site Ravelry, this much-needed reference book is destined to become a classic in an industry that is beginning to professionalize after decades (even centuries!) of informal and home-based instruction.

The authors, Kristina McGrath and Sarah Walworth, are experienced knitwear designers who host a monthly live broadcast on the technical aspect of knitting design. Their expertise and experience are evident in the book, which covers everything from the basics of knitting pattern writing to more advanced techniques.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook to anyone interested in improving their knitting pattern writing skills. The book is well-written, informative, and easy-to-follow, and it provides valuable guidance for anyone looking to enter the growing world of indie knitwear design. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced designer, this book is an essential addition to your knitting library.

This book will be helpful for people who have either devised their own patterns but are stuck on trying to translate that into a pattern for others, and for those who are trying to create or adapt designs. If you are ever on Ravelry thinking that you'll never be able to create your own patterns, pick this up and you'll be on your way. Clear insights and guidance!

A jammed packed book of sensible instructions and advice

Some really helpful reference materials in it, including check lists to go through each time

Highly recommended if you're a pattern designer, even if you're not new to it.

I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley, on the expectation that I would provide an honest review.

When I finished this book, I just sat back and said "wow." I have been interested in writing my own knitting patterns, and I have been overwhelmed with what feels like the enormity of it all. This book breaks down the essentials of any good pattern and provides a comprehensive guide to any would -be pattern makers.

They have a section specifically geared towards sizing and being size-inclusive. They challenge pattern writers to write for everyone, "Because all bodies deserve well-fitting clothes". AMEN! I just really appreciated the approach the authors took to get pattern creators to think about their own views and possible biases before limiting the pattern sizing.

I love the attention to detail in every aspect of the pattern design process and I feel that this book is a great resource for anyone who wants to write their own knitting patterns. When I work up the gumption to write a pattern of my own, I'll definitely be referring back to this book. There is a very nice section of "further reading' in the back of the book for anyone who wants to know more.

received a copy from netgalley for a honest review.

This was a very common sense kind of book. I think it has some very helpful hints. I read it as an e book but I think I would need to see it as book to really decide if it would be helpful to me. But it has some good guidelines.

A very good resource. I found it immensely helpful. A great gift for yourself or any knitter interested in adapting or writing their own patterns.

An excellent book for an knitter who is considering the daunting step into designing. It's clear and concise and will come in very handy for when I want to make modications to patterns too.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC

This is a very clear, thorough guide to writing knitting patterns (as the title suggests!). I don't know that I -want- to write knitting patterns, but now I feel like I understand the basic process. This is not a book about how to design knitting patterns; it's much more about the technical process of producing the directions once you've designed something. I love the way the book is organized, with checklists for each section of the process, and a list of practical resources at the back. It also gave me a great deal of appreciation for pattern companies I keep returning to (Brooklyn Tweed) - and how their patterns check nearly every box given here. It also points out all of the things I've struggled with in certain patterns. Every designer who has responded defensively to requests for help on pattern comment pages on Ravelry should read this book.

I think just about everything that an aspiring knitting designer needs to know is covered in The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook. The foundation of successful pattern writing is explained in great depth so that a pattern that is “ correct, clear, concise and consistent. Each section of a pattern is explained in great detail, with explanations given not only how a pattern should be written but also why.

I enjoy reading patterns to see how a designers mind works, Designers develop their own style in design and in their pattern organization. Successful designers not only create beautiful knit wear designs. Their patterns are written with all the instructions needed to recreate the creators designs stitch by stitch.

As an aspiring designer I learned a great deal about the technical writing aspects knit wear design. I had several patterns thought were ready to go to tech editing and sample knitting. After reading this manual I can see that I have more work on my writing and how to clarify my instructions before sending my patterns to tech editing and then on to sample knitting. I have an even greater respect for the designer’s patterns that I enjoy knitting or reading to learn new knitting techniques.

If you are considering writing a pattern to sell, I definitely recommend adding this book to your knitting library.

My thanks to Netgalley.com for access to a copy of this book for a review.