The Rambling House: I asked designers and knitters a couple of questions.
You know Threads. Meta automatically hook you to it if you have an instagram account. I had it but didn’t do much about it. Oneday, I had this pressing question which I wanted to ask fellow designers and knitters. So I started “Threads”
After watching one of “Fruity Knitting” episodes which featured one of nordic designers - Aegyo Knit. I kept thinking about how she compared knitting patterns between US and Europe (mainly Northern Europe). I cannot remember how exactly she worded but the gist of it is like this; It was coming from her experience in writing patterns for international audience (mainly from the US) as a nordic designer. American knitting patterns give very detailed explanations, examples etc. while nordic patterns give rather condensed summery of it. Knitters in Nordic countries are expected to know the basics of garment construction and the technique in advance to finish the garment. On the other hand, the US knitters who are very used to detailed written patterns would be more likely to demand both very detailed directions and the references (or even a tutorial) of techniques that are used in the pattern.
After watching this, a few questions kept bothering me and I wanted to ask knitters and designers. However, I do not have a big followings on any social media. (As you might have noticed, I suck at keeping up with social media). And then, I thought about “Threads”. So I posted some questions. To my surprise, many people responded. Hooray!
Before I delve into my findings, I would like to give some background. I’ve knitted since I was very little. But my experience in following knitting patterns is very limited. My nana who taught me crochet & knitting made her own design mostly (in front of me at least). So I naturally knitted from my made up designs. In my late 20s, I found out the fact that many designers write patterns for knitters. Even after that, I didn’t follow patterns much. As the result, when I started to write patterns, I had to learn the “pattern language” from the beginning. The point is that I have neither a good sense of ‘what is appropriate pattern contents” nor any opinion about it, hence the following questions.
Should designers provide all the information and description in the pattern as possible as they can?
If so, the current pattern prices justify the workload? The workload exploded but not the price in my general opinion.
If not, how much would be appropriate? where would be the balance?
Especially for knitters, do you prefer “all-in-there patterns”? or a bit of room to learn for yourselves?
I got around 80 responses. That was an amazing result considering I didn’t even had 80 followers on Thread at that time. Not that I have a huge follower now. Anyhoo, I’ll just jump to the result.
The responders can be divided into three categories; relatively novice knitters, seasoned knitters, and designers. Of course, seasoned ones preferred succinct and simple pattern showing overall construction of garment with simpler notes rather than step by step instruction. One responder says that she would get lost if she follows too detailed instruction. She would like to know how the pattern will be expand in advance so that she can plan adjustment if needed. Also, I mentioned earlier that the knitters preferences differ according to their location. Nordic/Europe knitters prefer simpler patterns while knitter from the US are more familiar with detailed pattern instruction.
Here are some actual words from them.
“When a knitting pattern has too much information, I often find it confusing. I think sometimes too much detail leads me to focus on the wrong things so my mind glazes over… I maybe in the minority.” (actually, this opinion was not in the minority in my thread responses.)
“As an America knitter who lived in Denmark for almost 14 years, I honestly hate the way the Danish designers do it. After paying the same as I would for an American pattern, I would open it and be like - really?”
“As an advanced beginner knitter and an experienced crocheter, I hate how inflated patterns have become. I wish designers would accept if a pattern is intermediate, it shouldn’t have explanations for everything so that beginners can make it.”
There were a couple of views that some differentiation of the level(s) or identifying target knitters would be appreciated as the beginners would need more “holding-hands” approach while the advanced knitters might not. This is an interesting view to take into account, I think.
Another interesting point was from one who has chronic illness. Although she is an advanced knitter, she needs prompt to follow through a pattern. Hence, more explanation is appreciated. I think this could be a separate issue to think about in the future.
From designers’ perspective, overall opinions were similar. The majority of designer opinion would be summed up as “Keep patterns patterns” not “knitting how to books”. Or “only add details if there is a special stitch that knitters wouldn’t have easy access to learn”. “There are loads of Youtube tutorials and what not. Knitter can be proactive in honing their skills.” Some lamented that “new knitters would not improve their skill sets because of being spoon-fed by patterns. This wouldn’t be a good thing for knitters either.”
For the question asking about the pattern prices, designers and knitters answered similarly that current pattern prices do not reflect the amount of work the designers put in, generally speaking. The prices were compared to sewing patterns which enjoys almost double the price of knitting patterns. Only one knitters has an issue with price hikes recent years. I belive she referred the prices of some very famous knitters’ or knitting companies’ patterns . I note that some patterns are priced as high as $13. However, I neither have increased my pattern price for the last 6 years and nor many other less known designers have. So I would dare say, her opinion does not reflect the majority of cases. (I might be biased, though). I couldn’t get opinions regarding the proper price for the pattern. It would’ve been better if I could find out what people are willing to pay for a pattern.
My conclusion is that many knitters and designers alike want “balance” and “options to choose from.” Although the sample size is vey small, the opinions are note-worthy. It was great experience for me as a person who has very little following. Thanks again to all the responders for your kindness. The online presence is great sometimes - The end.