Half price offer ends April 30

Throwback Tee was $6

Now $3

Pattern Writing: How We Do It

Here's a backroom look at how we write patterns here at Graywood Designs.

As the design develops, we work off the hand written directions and begin choosing photos. We know that diagrams are helpful, too, so we decide what part of the process needs artwork and what needs a photo as we move the written directions onto printed pages.

We like closeup photos as well as photos that show the entire design whether it is a hat or a scarf or a sweater.

Because the TBTee pattern involves evenly spaced increases we were able to add a spreadsheet-type chart where each round can be checked off as the sweater progresses. That chart is a real plus for first time knitters.

Photo above: Outtake photo showing first lifeline.

Outtake photos add charm and life. Outtakes are chosen from photos taken during the first knitting and give a glimpse of how the design progresses. Sometimes they are selfies. Often they are just fun to see. The TBTee pattern has a eight outtake photos which show process and design.

Photo above: Artwork developed for TBTee pattern

The Graywood writing style is concise and complete. We know that abbreviations can be perplexing and we try to use them in a standardized fashion.

We recognize that writing for knitting is like writing computer code. We stick to the conventions of writing that code down for knitting.

Fonts are chosen for clarity and ease of reading. Our patterns use 2 or 3 fonts with varied point size. If we used more, the page would be confusing.

White space is important. It's hard enough to read directions without looking at a lot of printed lines on a page, so we keep to the logic of the knitting, add space where we can, and keep artwork with the appropriate part of the directions.

Proofreaders and test knitters get the draft pattern to test and read. Some of our readers look to improve grammar and writing; others are our "get that math right" folks; still others give feedback on the knitting process itself.

All of this backroom talk is our way of saying that we are proud of our patterns and invite you to knit one.

Throwback Tee

Canyon Walk Hat

Striped Helical Beanie

We used HiKoo Sueno, a smooth, easy to knit yarn with great color choices for designing the Throwback Tee. This yarn is a blend of superwash merino and bamboo. It's lightweight to wear and easy to care for (but we suggest hand washing your hand knits).

Photo above: Trying on the sweater during knitting.

Notice the lifeline. TBTee has hints for using lifelines.

 Use Coupon Code 🟣

25BY25

for 25% off on your order of $25 or more.

All you have to do is put $25 or more into your online cart

and then add the code when you check out.

Use it when you shop our collections of yarns and needles and more!