Designer tips - Finding pattern calls

I have done a few posts on design submissions, including what you need to put in your submission, and deciding on self-publish vs third party submissions. It is time to talk about where to look for pattern calls.

A good place to start is on websites from your favourite yarn companies and magazines, they might have a designer submission area. You can approach them even if you can't find the information online- send an email asking for the information, it might be the start of an exciting working relationship!

Here's a few suggestions (note, some of these go to links that were current at the time of writing, it should be possible to access the latest calls through the link though):

• Knitpicks

• Knit Now

• Moorit (crochet)

• The Fibre Co.

• Laine

• The Knitting Guild Association

• Quince & Co.

• Purl Soho

• Making Stories

• Pom Pom

• Knotions

• Knitty

Some have their design calls on the website, others have a designer newsletter sign up, handy as pattern calls will drop into your inbox.

Designer groups on Ravelry are also worth checking if you use the site, they sometimes have threads for pattern calls.

Pattern release - Interlocking Circles

These socks feature a bold geometric pattern- challenge your colourwork skills with three colours; wrapping floats is optional as the longest will be five stitches. Made in a cosy blend of wool and alpaca, with the added warmth of colourwork, these socks will keep you super snug. This pattern is worked from the top down with a short row heel.

Needles: 2.25 mm / US 1 either double pointed needles or circular(s). 2.5 mm / US 1 ½ either double pointed needles or circular(s).

Yarn: MC - 50 (55, 60, 70) (80, 90, 100) g 4 ply / sock / fingering weight yarn. CC1 – 20 (20, 25, 30) (30, 40, 40) g 4 ply / sock / fingering weight yarn. CC2 - 10 (15, 15, 20) (20, 25, 25) g 4 ply / sock / fingering weight yarn. Sample shown in: The Fibre Co. Amble; 70% Easywash Merino wool / 20% Easy-wash alpaca / 10% recycled nylon; 325 m per 100 g MC - Heathland CC1 - Walk Me Home CC2 – Castlerigg

These socks can be worked with colourwork on the leg only – you will need approximately half the amount of CC1 and CC2, and an extra 10-20 g of MC.

Notions: Tapestry needle, 2 stitch markers.

Skills: Cast on, working in the round, knit, purl, colourwork, working flat, short rows (instructions given), decreasing stitches, grafting, weaving in ends.

Gauge: 36 stitches and 35 rounds over 10 cm / 4” in stockinette colourwork pattern using larger needles, measured after blocking.

Sizing: Pattern gives stitch counts for XXS (XS, S, M)(L, XL, XXL) adult size. The colourwork will reduce the stretch of the knitted fabric; you will cast on a larger number of stitches than for a plain sock in the same size. Sample shows size M on a UK 5 foot.

Find the pattern on Ravelry and Payhip.

Designer tips - Yarn choices

You have a perfect design idea, but one of the many important decisions to make is what yarn you are going to use. The decision might have been made for you, for example, if you are working with a yarn company they might specify the yarn, and perhaps even the colour.

If you are planning to self-publish you can choose any yarn you like that will suit your project.

Some things to consider:

• Suitability for the project - Does the yarn perform in the way you want? Does it have the right drape? Fibre content? Thickness?

• Colour - some colours are much easier to photograph than others, and some will obscure any detailed stitch patterns.

• Price - as well as considering the cost of making your sample, think about whether you want to show the pattern in a range of price point yarns - showing more affordable substitutions can increase the pattern appeal.

• Availability - choosing a discontinued yarn can reduce the appeal of your pattern to makers who like to use the sample yarn. This can be an issue if you use stash yarn for your project, check it is still available to buy. If you are set on using a discontinued yarn, or find part way through that it is no longer available, making suggestions of other suitable yarns in the pattern will be helpful.

• Do you have a theme? This might be part of your branding and style, or part of a collection project - you might be using a particular brand of yarn, all British wool, a specific colour....

• Do you want to approach a yarn company or indie dyer for yarn support? If so you will need to show the sample in their yarn, possibly exclusively.

Having your project made by testers gives an opportunity to show off the pattern in different yarns, ask your test knitters if you can share their photos to show potential pattern buyers different ways the project can look.

Suggesting substitutions, or presenting the yarn information in a way that helps the maker to choose an alternative can be useful for increasing appeal too.

Once you have decided on the yarn for your pattern make sure you include all the details the knitter needs - check out this post for more information.