Announcing the new book: Pattern Writing for Knit Designers

I've been talking about this obliquely for a while, but it's time to come clean. I've been working on a new book...Pattern Writing for Knit Designers. It's the culmination of my work as a a technical editor and my previous career as a product communications specialist in the technology industry.

The book is a guide to writing knitting patterns: how to translate your great knitting project into a set of instructions that any other knitter can follow.

I feel very strongly about the quality of knitting patterns: good pattern writing matters because we want knitters to keep knitting.

Aimed at emerging designers and knitters creating their own patterns, Pattern Writing for Knit Designers is the comprehensive guide that can help you translate your project into a set of instructions that any knitter can follow.

In my typical no-nonsense (but friendly!) way, I provide concrete guidelines with lots of examples on everything from pattern writing basics (what information needs to be in a knitting pattern), to schematics and charts (what they are, why you need them, and how to create them), to handling multiple sizes, establishing a personal style sheet, and more. The book addresses the details of how to create complete, clear and easy-to-use knitting patterns, for any type of design, and for any level of knitter.

With over ten years of experience as the Managing Technical Editor for Knitty.com, as well as tech editing for Annie Modesitt, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, Laura Nelkin, Interweave magazines, Cooperative Press and Potter Craft, I've edited literally thousands of patterns for designers, yarn companies and publishers. I believe that my unique combination of skills and training (a degree in math and training in fashion design), and my 10+ years' experience as a knitting teacher across North America, offer a one-of-a-kind perspective on ways designers can improve their patterns to make knitters love them.

I provide concrete guidelines, with lots of examples, on topics including:

• what information needs to be included in a knitting pattern
• how to properly and clearly communicate sizing and measurement information
• what schematics are, why you need them, and how to create them
• how to use charts and written instructions to express special pattern stitches like cables and lace
• stitch nomenclature (especially related to cables), abbreviations, and glossaries -how to handle multiple sizes and versions
• use of brackets and * to indicate repeats
• how to establish a personal style sheet 

And much, much more. So much more!

I discuss technical editing and test knitting – explain what they are how, why they’re important, and when they need to be done. I give tips for designers who wish to self-publish, and for those preparing submissions to a publication.

In addition, I provide two key resources: a master template – both in printed and digital form –and a master glossary and abbreviations list.

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I'm proud of the book, and I'm very pleased to say that people are already saying great things about it.

This book is AWESOME. - Donna Druchunas

Kate Atherley's marvelous book is essential reading for any designer looking to create patterns that work well and sell well; and intriguing reading for any curious knitter who has ever wondered what goes into the creation of pattern. - Franklin Habit

If you are considering pattern writing, or want to become a knitter who understands how to read patterns more deeply, this book is for you. I certainly wish I had it when I was starting out! - Laura Nelkin

Kate is a fount of knowledge gained  from her years of experience tech editing pattern instructions and  working hands on with knitters of all levels. She is uniquely situated  in our industry, forming a bridge between designer and pattern user.  This book distills all of the information she has researched & is in  her head into a step-by-step check list of what we need to consider  when publishing our work. - Fiona Ellis

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It will be available as an e-book December 2014.

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I promise I will only use your email address once, to let you know when the book is available. Thanks for your interest!