Design #1: Simple Chevron Cowl (Idea)

Today, I announce my first venture into the world of design!

Behold: The Simple Chevron Cowl !! 😮

It’s a circular cowl which has a reversible chevron pattern and ribbed borders.

Here’s a close-up of the internal chevron pattern:

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Getting into Pattern Design

I’ve wanted to design my own patterns for a long time, and today I’m finally forcing myself to start somewhere.

However, writing a design seems like a much more intense process than simply following one.

There are so many considerations that I can think of, just off the top of my head:

• Yarn (e.g. brand, weight, material)
• Needles (e.g. straight vs. circular, size)
• Sizing (e.g. gauge, dimensions, parallel size instructions for XS/S/M/L/XL)
• Techniques used in pattern (e.g. specific incs/decs, cables, colorwork)
• Visual Readability of pattern (e.g. pictures, text/visual formatting, charts)
• Ease of Understanding for reader (e.g. st abbrs +key, written explanations of uncommon sts)
• Accessibility for low-vision and screen reader use

I’ll definitely have to explore these individually and learn as I go.

Found some good resources to start with:

• Online:
  • Kate Atherley: Resources for Designers
  • Kate Atherley: Pattern Writing Templates for Download
• Books:
  • The Beginner’s Guide to Writing Knitting Patterns by Kate Atherley
  • The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook by Kristina McGrath & Sarah Walworth

It might be worth buying one of these books if I’m planning to design more in the future 🤔

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Rough Idea for Pattern

• Materials:
  • Circular needles:
    • Size = US 10
    • Cable length = 32″
    • (Can be adjusted as needed for desired sizing)
  • Yarn:
    • Charisma Heather Yarn by Loops & Threads
    • Weight = 5 (bulky)
    • Color = China Blue
• Instructions:
  • In the round, CO N×20 sts (in my test cowl, N = 8)
    • Join in the round
    • Place marker
  • 8 rows of 2×2 ribbing
  • Latvian (horizontal) braid
  • Chevron pattern (repeat for desired number of rows)
  • Latvian (horizontal) braid
  • 8 rows of 2×2 ribbing
  • BO all sts in the round
  • Seam in ends

Here’s my hand-written rough design:

The chevron pattern is pretty simple as it’s composed of only K and P sts, and repeats smoothly.

Initially I went with a basketweave pattern, but that didn’t work on WS as it isn’t reversible

The one difficult part is the horizontal braid, so I’ll probably have to include my own instructions about how to do that, plus an option for the reader to omit it or replace it with something simpler.

Also, I’m not sure of the best way to make the chart (apart from manually in a spreadsheet).

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Next Steps

The pattern itself is mostly done, so the main hurdle is writing up the pattern and testing it.

I’ll consult those online/written resources and get ideas from other online patterns.

Once I’m done with this first pattern, I’ll post it for free here and on Ravelry.

Eventually I might sell patterns, but I’ll wait until I actually know what I’m doing before asking for money 😅

Wish me luck!