Being a Crochet or Knitting designer is an amazing and rewarding experience, as it allows you to use your creativity and skills to design unique and beautiful pieces. However, it is important to recognize that there are also challenges involved in the process of creating patterns. Here are our top tips and tools to get you started on creating your first pattern! First, we recommend using Ribblr’s pattern builder, Ribbuild, which you can use completely for free. Ribbuild helps you design new interactive patterns with ease. All you need to do is enter your instructions. Ribbuild does everything else for you - applying layout and graphic design, translating your pattern, converting cm to inches (and vice versa), enabling smart sizing and built-in video tutorials, and so much more. You can download the free Ribblr app and open a designer account to use Ribbuild! To explore all the amazing tools and features of Ribbuild please see our guidelines.

1. Choose what you want to create

It’s important to plan what kind of design you want to create. Some options are wearables (scarves, sweaters, socks, etc.), home decor (Table runners, doilies, cushion covers etc) and stuffed toys. (dolls such as animals or characters, also called ‘Amigurumi’ - Japanese for: knitted doll) We recommend starting by sketching your design idea. Knowing what the overall image you want to create looks like is important. And you always have the freedom to change it while you continue to create it. It’s also worth knowing what kind of shapes you need for your design. Since this is your first design, we recommend keeping it simple. Remember: a design never comes out perfect the first time! Creativity never stops, and as you work on a design, you might find inspiration and ideas to make it better.

2. Gather the materials you need

You’ll need different materials for different types of projects. Choose what weight and yarn type you want to use. Different yarns work well for different types of projects. For example, if you are making a summer top, you might not want to use a bulky weight 100% wool yarn. Instead, you might want to choose a lighter blend such as cotton or bamboo. Add your materials into the materials section in Ribbuild, selecting the weight, color, and name.

3. Familiarize yourself with stitches and make a swatch

Once you have your materials, you can make a swatch to test the stitches you plan to use. Then you can check the gauge (if it’s important for your design), and choose the right needle/hook size accordingly. It’s also important to know how to do basic stitches and write them down. For example, double crochet is DC. Ribblr has a built-in stitch bank that automatically opens a video tutorial for crafters when they click on a stitch in your pattern. It also translates between US terms and UK terms. You can find a full list of abbreviations and video tutorials here: Crochet abbreviations, Knitting abbreviations, Tunisian page and Sewing abbreviations.

4. Take photos and videos

While working, it’s essential to take photos or videos. This will help you know what each step looks like and it will make it easier for those following your pattern. You can also use a built-in image editor. Videos are particularly helpful for more complicated parts of your design. On Ribbuild, you can click the media icon to take pictures and videos and attach them directly to a single line in your pattern!

5. Find testers

Once you feel confident with your design and you have your notes, pictures and videos at hand, it’s time to polish your pattern by letting others in the community try it. It’s really easy to test patterns on Ribblr. To submit a tester call head over to your shop, find the pattern you wish to test and click the testing icon or use the settings icon and then select 'Manage testing.' Make sure you thoroughly explain what you expect from your testers such as a deadline for the testing, communication/feedback requests and more. Your pattern is protected from theft with Ribblr’s digital format as it is not downloadable. This means it cannot be shared and redistributed. And you can always remove access for testers who are not participating as required. Once you receive feedback from your testers, gather all their notes and make any amendments required to your final pattern.

6. Set your price and click publish!

Pricing patterns can be tricky. We recommend pricing your pattern based on its length, complexity, and uniqueness.

7. Promote your pattern all over social media

Now it’s time to get those sales rolling! Share photos of your design with all your followers. You can also ask your testers to help promote the pattern by sharing a photo of their finished make. Don’t forget to use your $elFee link! With Ribblr’s signature $elFee point system, you earn points every time someone clicks your unique link. This reduces your sale fee and can even eliminate it completely.

You’re all set!

It can be intimidating to design your first pattern but with this new information and the tools Ribblr offers, we are confident you’ll be able to create your first pattern with ease. The more you practice, the easier it will be to put new design ideas into words and instructions. We can’t wait to see your art on Ribblr!