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How to Make knitting patterns and sell the Patterns Online (Ultimate Guide) -

Jan 19, 2023

 Last updated: 18 January 2023

Are you a knitter looking to make some extra cash? Another option is selling knit patterns. With the right platform as well as some understanding of how to advertise your knitting work, you can transform your hobby into a business. This article provides an easy-to-follow guide to how to make knitting patterns available for sale and make a profit.

Below is a brief overview of the topics we'll be covering:

 What's a knitting pattern?

A knitting pattern is simply an instruction manual for knitting the specific product. It explains everything you have to know about knitting the item: what type of yarn to use along with the gauge, additional materials or tools needed, the size(s) of the completed product, and then the stitches to use.

 How to Make knitting patterns: A Step-by-Step Instruction

The process of creating your first design can be daunting, but here are the step-by-step instructions to make your pattern writing life simpler.

 1. Finding Your Audience's Target

Before you start making the patterns and then selling them it's important to identify your target audience. Think about who would be attracted to your patterns. Which type of knitter do you want to target beginners or more experienced knitters? Understanding who you're is going to help you design patterns that will appeal to your audience.

It is also possible to use market research to help you identify the target market. Check out what knitting patterns are popular and who is buying these patterns. This can give you an idea of whom your intended audience might be and what type of patterns they are looking for.

 2. Choose the Type of Product You Want to Buy

When you've got a clear understanding of who you are targeting then decide on the type of products you would want to design knitting patterns for. Some great beginner-friendly patterns include accessories like scarves baby booties, dishcloths and socks, as well as smaller blankets. If you're creating knitting patterns for advanced knitters, then you could be able to create patterns for dresses, sweaters and other complex clothes and accessories.

 3. Design Your Own Design

At this stage, it's a good idea to start making a sketch of what your desired end product will look like. Begin to think about which types of yarn would you recommend for your design and what stitching techniques and patterns are required to complete your idea. If you're not comfortable with drawing skills Don't fret, you just need to be able to create an initial concept and an sketch an approximate silhouette. You can then sketch out some details of the patterns you intend to stitch the yarn's weight and much more.

Be sure to keep your group in mind when you think of your stitching designs. Do you intend for them to create complex knitting products or do you want your knitting pattern to be doable for an easy knit-while-you-Netflix type of knitting?

When you're making wearable clothes take note of designs and methods that may influence the function. Cable knits, for instance, can result in thicker knits, and they are appropriate for winter wear. This is an excellent source of inspiration for various knitting patterns to get your imagination flowing.

 4. Create the Sample Swatch

The creation of a swatch can be the most important thing to do. Simply, you need to create an swatch of knit according to your preferred yard size, needle size, and the pattern of your stitch. It allows you to view your work on a tiny scale, check that your garment looks and performs how you would like it to. Also, it ensures that you have the right gauge, which is essential for grade.

Also, you will be able to measure your knitting gauge so that you can ensure your pattern is accurate. For this, you need to knit the largest sample (at at least 6" square - though you don't need to be a square!) using the needles you've selected for the pattern. Remember to knit around if you're going to be working in the round. Then, take a count of the number of stitches and rows you've made for each inch. Check out this article for further details to the best way to take measurements of your knitting gauge.

 5. Make the Knitting Pattern's Instructions

There are many free editors that can be used to create knitting patterns, such as Google Docs and Sheets. You can also use a free online graphic design software similar to Canva and offers additional options to help your documents look polished and professional. When you've established yourself as knitter You may wish to consider investing in other software such as Adobe InDesign, as you're capable of creating professional document layouts.

In deciding on the format of the pattern You'll need to think about what the document is going to use. Think about how you've used knitting patterns in the past: do you read them on a computer screen or print them out? Are you able to make notes on the patterns? This will impact your layout choices.

You may also want to take into consideration accessibility issues here. There is actually a thriving community of blind and low vision knitters. So think about (for an example) the way your work can be used with a screen reader. There are guidelines to make visually accessible knitting patterns that you can find here.

It's now time to write your knitting patterns down. An excellent knitting pattern usually includes the following components:

  • Written instructions, row by row or round-by-round, for creating the item
  • An abbreviation list employed and an explanation of why each one means
  • Charts for any stitch pattern or colorwork, including an important
  • Yarn weight and how much yarn is needed
  • Size of the needle
  • A list of any other concepts or tools that may be required
  • Dimensions and dimensions of the finished product which includes a sketch for any item that is complex, or can be found on the body of a vehicle
  • Images of the completed product, both in and out of the body, if necessary.
  • Information about you as the creator
  • Terms of Use

In writing your first pattern, you will make a huge number of decisions about your writing style. Make with a Style Guide document and write the details of every decision you make starting from the font's name and size to whether you begin with a capital letter in the beginning of a row or round or not. This Style Guide is a great source for you as well as your technical editor (see the section below) to make sure that the patterns you create are consistent and your customers know exactly what they can expect when purchasing from your.

Make sure to keep your knitting draft in an editable format, so that you can make additional modifications as you build the final product.

 6. Design a Test Sample of Your Final Product

Now that you've written somewhat complete knitting patterns adhere to your own directions and begin knitting a small prototype of the finished result. You will need to follow the instructions step-by-step to make sure that you can spot any errors or information missing.

Don't forget to take lots of photos while knitting as you can incorporate those pictures into the knitting pattern's directions. They also serve as great social media content for building anticipation for when your patterns are released! You should also take lots images of high-quality photos of the finished item, including close-ups of the design and special techniques, as your target audience would want to see the finished item to see whether they'd like to buy the knitting patterns.

 7. You can grade your pattern

Although some product types come in a single size, the majority will have to be graded to multiple sizes, particularly anything that goes on the body.

It is recommended to consult a reputable, inclusive size chartlike those of the Craft Yarn Council that we recommend for further reading. It will assist you to decide what size each part of the finished item should be.

There are lots of online courses available that instruct you on how to grade even if you're not certain how to. Additionally, certain tech editors (see below) provide a Grading service.

 8. Make Your Knitting Pattern Perfect for the Sale

In this point at this point, you must have composed all the necessary instructions to make your product. It's now time to get the pattern edited and test! A tech editor is like a copywriting editor, but specifically designed for knitting patterns. They will typically check that your stitch counts are correct and correlate with your instructions the charts. They will also ensure that they say similar things to your written instructions, that the grading adds up, and that the instructions you've given are clear. It is essential be sure your directions are simple to follow.

In simple terms, they'll ensure that the instructions you provide are accurate and understandable. Editing your tech documents is an essential part of the process - it's nearly impossible to edit your documents precisely! It is essential to review the work before submitting the document to an editor. there is an excellent pre-tech-edit checklist that you can download here.

The next step is to have your knitting pattern tested. This is when you make the initial PDF version of the pattern available for free to volunteer knitters, who knit the pattern and give feedback. Test knitting is a great way to get real feedback from real knitters regarding everything from the clarity and precision of your directions as well as the usefulness of your images.

When you've established that your knit pattern is ready for sale, create a final PDF version of the pattern since this is the file you will digitally you'll give to customers.

 Selling Knitting Patterns Online for Free

There are a variety of alternatives available, from marketplaces online and social media platforms, to your own web-based site. Each has their unique advantages and disadvantages which is why it's crucial to decide the best one for your company. It is also possible to think about listing your designs across multiple platforms. That said, the easiest and most budget-friendly way to sell your own patterns is to set up an online store that is free to use .

 1. Make a website or store online for free.

Platforms like these let you build a stunning website that you are able to sell your own knitting patterns. It is not necessary to think about purchasing third party platforms or costs as it the tool is free that lets you start the online store of your patterns within just a few minutes!

Some benefits of using are:

  • Generous forever-free platform. only charges a 5% fee when you make a sale, so if you're just beginning out and don't have a lot of clients yet, you won't have to be charged anything.
  • Digital files are instantly delivered to your clients. Your customers can make a payment through your site and receive instant access to your knitting pattern without having to be involved. This allows you to have more time to focus on other areas of your business - yay!
  • If your knitting pattern is updated in future, use 's Email Updates feature to send the latest download links to your clients
  • Fully-hosted and free domain. You'll get a free website/online store with the following customizable store name .com/[yourcustomstorenamehere]. However, you are able to connect a custom domain e.g. janesmithknitting.com if you'd like to
  • Easy drag and drop site creator that can be completely personalized to fit your brand's style. There are no coding or design skills needed
  • Instant cash outs via Paypal and Stripe.
  • Automated collection and payment for VAT of UK & EU VAT
  • The most advanced marketing tools like referral system, affiliate program cross-selling, upselling, coupon codes, marketing via email, and more are all available on the free plan

is well-known for having a beginner-friendly and intuitive user interface. It also offers a variety of videos that provide guidance to help you ensure the success of setting up your online business.

 2. List Your Knitting Pattern for sale

Once you've created your own free online store or website  your knitting pattern, now is the time to submit your knitting patterns as a product listing.

Wherever you choose to sell your patterns, it is essential provide ample information to your customer in order that they'll be able to determine whether your design is suitable for them. Needles and ideas, sizes and lots of photographs are essential!

The most crucial options is determining the cost of your pattern. Low and you'll undervalue not only your design but that of other designers working in the same field. Too excessive and potential customers could be turned off. It's crucial that the price accurately reflects the amount of information contained in your pattern (as there are differences between designers!). It's likely that you be aware of the amount other designers are charging for their patterns similar to yours However, you should take the time to do your own research.

Once your pattern file and its product listing is completed, you're prepared to market your product!

  1. You can upload your knitting patterns PDF to the listing of products
  2. Set up your knitting pattern Product title, description, and price
  3. Uploading some pictures as your pictures for the listing of your products
  4. Publishing your product listing

The whole product upload process will take less than 2 minutes.

 3. Promote and Drive Traffic to Your Knitting Pattern Store

It's now time to begin promoting your patterns store. It could be done through social media, attending trade shows and other events, or advertising on other knitting related websites.

It's also a good idea to establish a blog where you'll be able to post blog that are related to knitting. Your blog post will gain organic search traffic through Google Search Results, resulting in more visitors to your site.

It is also possible to offer promotional discounts for a short period in order to get people to buy the patterns. This is particularly beneficial during the release of new patterns.

You might want to reach out to knitting bloggers and influencers who can review the patterns you have created and to let them know about them. In addition, you could create a mailing list to inform your customers about new patterns and promotions. You can also create a referral program to give customers a reward for referring their customers to your designs.

Make sure you take advantage of 's free marketing tools like coupon codes, referral program, affiliate program, mailing list and cross-sells, upgrade discounts as well as other. This allows you to launch successful marketing campaigns through your social media and elsewhere.

SELL KNITTING PATTERNS ONLINE

Join the more than 130,000 sellers who have launched online their businesses using

 Troubleshooting Common Issues When Making Knitting Patterns for Sale

If you are selling knitting patterns there are several typical issues that you might face during the process. They include copyright infringements, receiving negative customer feedback or low sales. Here are some tips to overcome these issues:

  • Develop a complete set of terms for usagewithin the knitting pattern's PDF. It should also include guidelines about what your customers are allowed to do with your knitting patterns e.g. are your patterns free just for personal use? Are you also granting commercial rights to your clients? You'll also be able to define your rights as property in the section on terms of usage.
  • Response to feedback from customers. One advantage of selling your knitting patterns from your own site (as compared to selling on marketplaces like Etsy) is that you can enable an approval-only customer review feature to make sure you do not be a victim of unfair one review ratings. If you do receive negative feedback, you may decide to not publish those reviews on your website however, you must reach out to those specific customers to reach a resolution.
  • You can offer your knitting patterns gratis to receive the feedback of your customers. Test knitters who will try the pattern out is an excellent way to ensure that your pattern is optimized to appeal to a variety of audiences. The test knitters you choose to use are likely to be able to give useful feedback and notes on the pattern to make your knitting pattern better. On , you can easily set your knitting pattern product listing to $0 or to an option of pay-what-you-want.

 FAQ - Creating your own patterns and then selling them online

 You can create your own knitting pattern?

Making your own knitting pattern could be a fun and creative experience. What you must complete for writing a pattern is choose the type of knitted item that you'd like to make and then write down your instructions on how to make the pattern, and then post it online for other knitting enthusiasts.

 Do you earn money selling knitting patterns?

 What is the best place to sell knitting patterns on the internet?

 Final Ideas

With the right system, pricing strategy, and marketing plan, you can turn your love of knitting into a profit. We're hoping that this step-by step guide will assist you start off with the correct footing to design your own knitting.