Have you ever felt the itch to leap from knitting patterns to designing them but just didn’t know where to start?

I’ve been in those exact shoes.

Back in 2016, I spent every moment of my 90-minute commute engrossed in the search, sifting through online resources and trying to piece together a roadmap that would take me from passionate knitter to successful designer.

Despite the huge amounts of information out there, that clear, structured path remained elusive, but my determination never wavered. I knew there was a designer in me, just as I believe there’s one in you, too.

I just needed more than the scattered pieces of advice I could find on Google. I was looking for a comprehensive guide, not just with steps but with milestones and practical action points.

And that’s what you’re about to find here - a clear pathway you can follow to take you from where you are right now to where you want to be. This is your personal journey, detailed and demystified, born from my own experience as a knitting pattern designer so far.

How to Become a Knitting Pattern Designer

Stage 1: Getting Inspired

If you’re in this stage right now, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and creativity. The world of knitting pattern design has called out to you, and each stitch or pattern you see fuels your imagination. At this foundational stage, your focus should be on exploring and soaking up as much inspiration as you can.

Milestones

• Want to Design: You feel really excited and curious about creating your own knitting designs.

• Starting to Explore: Armed with your sketchbook and a pile of yarn for swatching, you are taking steps towards discovering your own unique style.

• Knitting Daily: You're always knitting, and it's become a regular part of your everyday life.

Stage 2: Learning the Basics

As your initial excitement grows, you want to learn more and improve your skills. Knitting is no longer just a hobby for you; you're working towards becoming a designer. Working from a variety of patterns, understanding garment and accessory construction, and connecting with other knitters is now a key part of your design journey.

Milestones

• Learning More: Every pattern you study, and each project you finish helps you to gain a better understanding of knitting pattern design.

• A Set Schedule: You set aside specific times during your week to work on tasks that will improve your design skills.

• Trying Out Test Knitting: By becoming a test knitter, you're doing more than just knitting; you're gaining insight and understanding about what happens behind the scenes in the design process.

Stage 3: Becoming a Designer

All your studying and practice are now paying off! You’re not just following others' patterns; you’re designing your own. The countless hours you’ve spent mastering construction, understanding patterns, and absorbing the skills and knowledge knitting pattern design requires have culminated in this exciting moment.

Milestones

• Working on Patterns: Your designs are no longer random sketches; they are evolving into structured patterns that others can follow.

• Finding Your Style: In the sea of designs out there, your unique signature style is starting to emerge.

• Getting the Hang of Grading: Designing patterns that fit a range of different sizes is no longer a huge challenge; it’s a skill you’re getting the hang of.

Stage 4: Self-Publishing Your Work

Your patterns are now ready for knitters to buy, and the internet makes it really easy to connect with a worldwide audience.

Milestones

• Feeling Confident: Every piece of feedback or completed project helps you feel more confident as a knitting pattern designer.

• Your Own Website: Your patterns are available to buy online, including on your website. This is a space that's all yours, aside from the usual pattern marketplaces, where you can list all the patterns you've designed for sale.

• Starting an Email List: Now, you can talk directly with people who love your work. It makes sharing news, getting feedback, and promoting patterns quick and easy.

• Makers Are Sharing: Knitters have started sharing their projects knitted using your patterns.

Stage 5: Knowing Your Customers

Your knitting patterns have gone from personal projects to digital products for sale. Now, feedback is not just kind words but important information that helps shape your future designs. The key thing is being ready and willing to tweak and change your work to fit what buyers are looking for.

Milestones

• Ten Patterns Published: You've hit a big achievement - ten of your knitting pattern designs are now out there, helping knitters to knit their own versions.

• Meeting Demands: Now, it's common for you to tweak your designs based on customer feedback and trends.

• Making Some Money: As your creative work gets better, you start to see more money coming in, too.

Stage 6: Teaming Up

Now, you’re joining forces with other brands. Your own self-published designs are doing well and bringing in chances to work with others. These partnerships help get your designs out to even more people and can be a lot of fun!

Milestones

• Collaborations: Working together on projects shows the amazing things that can happen when creative minds join forces.

• Published Work: Popular publications are now publishing your designs, reaching an even bigger audience.

• More Patterns: Your portfolio of patterns is growing and improving, showing just how far you’ve come.

• Diversifying Your Income Streams: With money coming in from different sources, such as teaching, you’re starting to see how you might turn your passion for knitting pattern design into a modest full-time job.

Stage 7: Becoming a Leader

You've gone from a beginner to a “master,” but this isn’t the end - it’s just a new start. Now, you’re not just making things; you’re making a difference, helping to shape what’s next in the world of knitting.

Milestones

• Leading the Way: Your ability to create new and exciting designs comes easily now. You're setting trends and inspiring others in the knitting community.

• Helping New Designers: Aspiring designers look up to you, seeking your advice and wisdom. Your journey and the lessons you’ve learned along the way are now sources of inspiration and guidance for those following in your footsteps.

• Community Projects: You lead or inspire projects that strengthen the knitting community, connecting makers of all skill levels.

Conclusion: Your Personalised Path from Knitting Enthusiast to Prolific Pattern Designer

Remember the thrill of finishing your first knitting project? That same energy and enthusiasm can propel you to create and share your own designs.

No matter what stage you are at, do something today to move forward. It could be sketching a design, studying a new pattern, or sharing your designs online. Every step you take makes you a better designer and makes the knitting world a richer, more interesting place to be.

So, what's your next move? Share below, and let’s inspire each other to grow as designers!