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From an Idea to a Knitting Pattern

Yesterday I felt stuck. No, I didn’t have creativity low, I had tons of ideas in my mind, but I just couldn’t get them out into a decent sketch.
I saw just all of the flaws. And of course, I didn’t want to show them to anyone.

Today, I see all those sketches, thinking that it’s still worth turning my idea to a knitting pattern.
Taking a pause and seeing the weaknesses differently is like moving a step forward.
Building upon those non-perfect ideas to see them evolve is growing as a designer!
And you might just find a real win in those design ideas!

If you sometimes felt like me yesterday, I want to help you to get an idea into a knitting pattern.

  1. Take action
    Don’t waste too much time trying to choose the better idea you want to pursue, ideas are quite abstract unless you start sketching and swatching.
    You can also write it down or tell someone about your idea.
  2. Don’t edit
    Don’t judge your ideas. This was my mistake yesterday.
    Avoid thinking about or processing what you’ve just done. Immediate change brings only chaos.
    Your first draft has to be raw. You can go back later and edit multiple times if you want.
  3. Swatching
    Yes, I know, sometimes it’s annoying.
    But this is how to turn an idea into a reality. If you’re not sure with your sketch, if it will work, test it with swatching.
    Physically seeing how your ideas look will make things easier.
  4. Sharing
    If you are indecisive, share sneak peeks on your socials. Your community will give you feedback.
    Listen to their suggestions and take it on board; this is also a great way of building personal connections! When you release your knitting pattern, they will feel connected to its story because they’ve part of it.
  5. Time to design
    Once you have your idea sketched, move on to refine it.
    Here is my to-do list for my design process:
    โ€ข Make the design spreadsheet
    โ€ข Draw the schematic
    โ€ข Write the first pattern draft
    โ€ข Cast on the sample
    โ€ข Book the tech editor
    โ€ข Update the pattern draft
    โ€ข Send pattern for tech editing
    โ€ข Send the call for test knitters
    โ€ข Start test knitting
    โ€ข Update pattern
    โ€ข Do a photoshoot
    โ€ข Create the final pattern
    โ€ข Launch the pattern

In the end, commit with yourself: you will follow this idea to a Knitting Pattern!
Have you ever feel stuck with your ideas? Let me know using the comments section below.

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