IDEA TO PATTERN

A workshop for new and aspiring knitwear designers. Gain the confidence and skills to bring your idea into a working pattern. Let’s create this together!

Enrollment is OPEN!

This eight-week workshop will walk you through the steps of knitted pattern design including in-depth talks on sketching and swatching, grading and yardage, formatting and layout, working with tech editors and test knitters, and much more. Work with us through the class week-by-week, or go at your own pace - it's up to you!

Enrollment is now open for our Fall 2023 session and classes start on October 9th!

Course Content

  • Week 1 - Sketch

    It all begins with an idea. This week is going to be all about getting ideas from your brain onto paper. We'll be talking about inspiration and where you can find it, how to sketch your ideas out in a quick and easy way, and some tips and tricks for finding your signature design style.

  • Week 2 - Swatch

    Creating your fabric. Swatching may not be everybody's favourite, but it is essential to a good design. This week we'll be going over the whys and hows of swatching so you can create the perfect fabric for your design.

  • Week 3 - Measure

    Creating a schematic. This week we'll be talking about design schematics and how to use one, along with gauge, to find the most important numbers of a pattern.

  • Week 4 - Math

    Grading a pattern and yarn requirements. We'll be going over the basics of grading and how to turn your one-sized pattern into a multi-sized pattern, as well as how to figure out how much yarn you'll need for each size.

  • Week 5 - Pattern

    What makes a pattern. This week I'll be going over how to write your pattern directions and what information you'll need to include in your pattern.

  • Week 6 - People

    Who else can help you make your pattern the best it can be? Tech editors and test knitters of course! I'll also go over how to professionally request yarn support.

  • Week 7 - Publish

    Do you plan to self-publish your designs or work with third-party publishers? This week I'll be discussing both, and how to be successful however you choose to publish.

  • Week 8 - Live Q&A

    This week I'll be hosting a live Q&A, either on Zoom or YouTube Live, so get your questions ready! Replay will be available if you're not able to make it.

What you’ll walk away with:

  • Ability to take a design from idea to pattern

  • Ability to sketch, swatch for, and use schematics to create a knitting pattern

  • Ability to create the perfect fabric for your design idea

  • Knowledge on what needs to be included in a pattern, including PDFs to help guide the process

  • Ability to grade simple patterns

  • Ability to accurately calculate yardage for your patterns

  • Knowledge about how to find your signature style

  • Confidence in your point of view as a designer

  • Connection to other aspiring designers

Hello, I’m Megan. I’ve been a knitwear designer for over ten years and have been knitting even longer. Over that time I have learned the ins and outs of the world of knitted pattern design and I am so excited to be able to share my knowledge with you.

The details:

  • Lifetime access to all videos and course material, including anything that may be added to the course in the future

  • Work through the course over eight weeks with me, or complete at your own pace

  • Each week a new section will be added with a recorded video on the topic, any corresponding pdfs, and other relevant content

  • A community where you can ask questions and connect with me, and fellow designers

  • Our last class will be a live Q & A where you can ask specific questions or just share your experiences