Submitting Your Patterns to Magazines and Books: A Step-by-Step Guide

Submitting your knitting patterns to magazines and books can be an exciting and rewarding step in your design career. Seeing your work published in a well-known publication not only builds credibility but also expands your reach as a designer. However, the submission process can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before.

This guide will walk you through Submitting Your Patterns to Magazines and Books: A Step-by-Step Guide, helping you navigate everything from finding the right publications to crafting a compelling proposal. Let’s turn your dream of seeing your work in print into reality!

The Benefits of Getting Published

Before we dive into the details, let’s talk about why submitting your work is worth the effort.

✅ Visibility – Being featured in a magazine or book introduces your work to a much larger audience.
✅ Credibility – A published design adds professional weight to your portfolio, building trust with customers.
✅ Income & Exposure – Many publications pay for accepted designs, and even if they don’t, the exposure can lead to future opportunities.
✅ New Challenges – Working with an editor pushes you to refine your skills and meet industry standards.

While publishing isn’t the only way to grow as a knit designer, it’s an excellent opportunity for those looking to expand their brand.

How to Choose Where to Submit Your Work

Not all knitting magazines and books are the same. Some focus on modern designs, while others specialize in vintage, lace, or colorwork. Submitting to the wrong publication is a wasted effort, so start by researching:

• Magazine Websites – Most have submission guidelines listed under “Call for Submissions.”
• Past Issues – Review previous designs to see if your aesthetic fits.
• Designer Credits – Look at who they’ve published before. Do they feature emerging designers?
• Deadlines & Themes – Magazines often release seasonal calls, so timing is key.

📌 Pro Tip: Follow publications on social media! Many announce open calls there first.

Following the Rules to Make a Strong Impression

Every magazine and book has unique submission requirements. Editors receive hundreds of proposals, and not following instructions can lead to an automatic rejection.

Here’s what you’ll usually need:

• A Pattern Proposal – A summary of your design idea, including sketches or swatches.
• A Mood Board or Inspiration Notes – Helps the editor see your vision.
• A Designer Bio – Highlight your experience, past work, and why your design fits their publication.
• Pattern Details – Yarn recommendations, techniques used, and difficulty level.

If they request email submissions, keep your subject line clear.

How to Capture an Editor’s Attention

Editors receive more submissions than they can accept, so yours needs to shine. Here’s how to make an impact:

• Keep It Clear and Concise – Your email should be professional and to the point.
• Show Your Best Work – Attach high-quality sketches and swatches in natural lighting.
• Match Their Aesthetic – Tailor your proposal to fit the publication’s style.
• Be Confident, Not Pushy – Express your enthusiasm without demanding a response.

Want a bonus tip? If a publication has worked with a designer multiple times, analyze their designs. What elements make them a great fit? Learn from their success!

Waiting, Follow-Ups, and Rejections

Once you hit send, what’s next?

• The Waiting Game – Magazines and books often take weeks or months to review submissions. Be patient!
• Follow-Up Etiquette – If you haven’t heard back after the stated review period, a polite follow-up email is okay.
• Handling Rejection – Even experienced designers get rejected. If you receive a no, don’t take it personally—editors have to consider many factors beyond quality.

📌 Pro Tip: If your design isn’t accepted, you can repurpose it! Submit it elsewhere, self-publish, or refine it for a future call.

Deciding What’s Best for Your Business

Publishing your pattern in a magazine or book has amazing benefits, but it’s not the only path. Let’s look at the pros and cons:

The decision comes down to your goals. Do you want the prestige of being published? Or do you prefer the flexibility and financial control of self-publishing? Both are valid paths!

Submitting your knitting patterns to magazines and books is a big step, but it’s also an exciting one! By researching the right publications, crafting a strong submission, and handling the process with professionalism, you increase your chances of success.

And remember—every designer, even the most famous ones, started exactly where you are now. If your first submission isn’t accepted, keep going! The right opportunity is waiting for you.

So, what are you waiting for? Start researching upcoming submission calls and take the next step in your knit design journey! 🚀

Would you like a submission checklist to help you stay on track? Let me know in the comments! 👇