Ding!
The light bulb goes off, and you have an incredible idea for a new pattern design.
But what if someone’s already hatched a similar pattern?
First, you could conduct a pattern search by yourself.
If you find something similar in model and stitches, you can transform and evolve your idea, and end up creating your original knitting pattern.
No, you can’t just alter a pattern and sell it.
If you haven’t searched publishing, it is possible to have unintentionally designed the same thing as another designer to accidentally create the same thing, especially if it’s a basic pattern with standard stitches.
You can reach the designer and explain your design and your inspirations. This sort of thing happens all the time and that there are no hard feelings, so you can continue to sell your pattern.
Have you stolen a stitch?
We have access to a ton of different stitches, and often we use stitch dictionaries to find inspiration for a new design.
If you use a stitch pattern from a dictionary, it is accepted that you don’t need to reference it in your knitting pattern. So no, it’s not stolen.
But something you discovered a very unusual stitch via another designer’s work or a unique stitch dictionary, and want to use it.
In this case, it is good practice to first ask permission from the designer/writer and share your source in the knitting pattern description, so you can legally steal it!
Is your pattern idea original?
There are several ways to make your pattern original, whether it’s by using an interesting silhouette, a different stitch, an innovative construction, or adding unique details.
You can select one feature of your design that you want to focus on and start your design.
My most significant piece of advice is to explore and follow your instinct.
You will find your unique design aesthetic if you do what feels good to you and take note of what your ideal client particularly loves about your work.
Once you’ve found your aesthetic, you can create a mood board and stick with it for every new pattern idea!
And remember, it’s not all about design and new pattern ideas!
A designer will get noticed by your photography, your pattern layout, and your excellent instructions.
Commit to making your patterns high quality and beautiful, and you will stand out.