Designer tips - Third party pattern submissions

So you have decided to submit your pattern for third party publication (check out this post for some pros and cons), what next?

First up is to look at some pattern calls. You might have already done this, and the pattern call inspired your design, in which case skip ahead. If you are looking to submit a pattern you have thought up without design call inspiration, you will need to match it with a suitable one.

Check through the current pattern calls (sign up to publication and yarn company designer newsletters to have them arrive in your inbox, check websites) and see what would suit your design. You might have to make some tweaks to your pattern to make it fit. Shoehorning your pattern into the inspiration is less likely to be successful!

Once you have found a pattern call that you are interested in, and have worked on a design idea to match, it is time to write up that submission.

Next job - read the pattern call details carefully, there might be specific items that you need to include; for example, a sketch on a body, a write up about your inspiration, maximum one page submission. If they ask for it, include it, or your submission will hit the floor at the first review [true story - not reading carefully led to my submission of a knit item to a crochet publication, don't be like me, read the submission!].

Sometimes you will see a sample pattern submission included, take a look for an idea of what they are looking for, you can see a Knitpicks one here.

Make a note of the submission deadline and plan ahead for making your submission, avoid leaving it to the last minute [taking pictures on the morning of the submission deadline is not ideal, again - don't be like me].

You will need to make a swatch of any stitch patterns you intend to use in the design. Some publications like you to include samples of basic stitches such as stocking stitch/garter as well as stitches like lace and cables - check the pattern call. Usually the swatch does not need to be in a specific yarn, but choose one that is similar to the pattern call to get the best effect, again, check the pattern call (see a recurring theme?!).

Then it is on to the write up. In addition to specific items you have noted above elements that are usually needed include:

• A photo or scan of your swatch.

• A sketch of the design, you don't need to be great at drawing for this. Drawing onto a croquis (body shape sketch) can be a good idea as it can make sketching easier and show how the design will fit. If you have already made a sample of your design you can use a clear photo instead.

• Some text about your inspiration and how the design will fit the pattern call.

• A brief description of the construction, including any special techniques that will be required.

• Sizes offered, some calls will specify this, check you are offering the range they have requested.

• Details of the yarn required - yarn weight, fibre content, amount needed for the sample and range for all sizes, colour suggestions. If you are submitting to a yarn company they might want you to choose from a particular range of yarn.

• Your details, including contact details and places previous work can be seen if applicable.

Try to keep your submission brief, a single page is great, remember they will be reviewing a lot of submissions and anything very long may get skipped. All images should be included in the submission document, not sent as separate files unless the pattern call states otherwise.

Check through a final time to make sure everything is covered and there are no mistakes, a final review of the pattern call to compare is a good idea!

Check you have the correct email details for the submission and hit send!

Now we wait....... it can take a while and if your submission is unsuccessful you might not get a reply. Check for the cut off date for successful replies so you can submit your pattern elsewhere once it has passed - avoid having the same pattern on multiple live submissions.

Receiving a rejection can be disheartening, remember it does not mean your pattern is no good, just that it doesn't fit the company's vision for their publication. Consider submitting your pattern to a different design call, or self-publishing instead.

Looking for more tips and examples - search "Knitting pattern submissions" for more information and helpful suggestions.

Designer tips - Winter 2022 moodboard

As the weather turns colder in the Northern hemisphere knitters are grabbing their needles and planning projects. There is still time for making cosy sweaters to wear as it gets chilly and smaller projects are always popular for gift knits - what designs do you have planned for this season?

Click the picture below for a Pinterest mood board of Winter 2022 inspiration- there's lots of oversized sweaters, with classic cables, neutral colours and a surprise appearance of balaclavas!

Designer tips - Third party vs Self publish

There are lots of decisions to make as a pattern designer- what yarn to use and the pattern details are just the start. Something to consider is whether to offer your design idea out to third party publishers or go solo and self publish.

Each option has pros and cons, here are just a few, in no particular order:

Third party

Pros:

• Yarn is usually provided.

• Photography done professionally, depending on the agreement you may be allowed to use these images when the rights revert back.

• Tech editing costs usually covered.

• Pattern seen by publishers audience - potential to bring in new customers.

• Lump sum payment for work rather than waiting for individual sales.

• Rights may revert back (depends on agreement) and you can self publish later.

Cons:

• Submission process takes time and can be disheartening (remember rejection just means your pattern isn't their choice for the call, it doesn't mean the pattern is not good).

• Have to work to publishers style and requirements, which may not be your preference.

• Need to meet deadlines, can be a challenge when the pattern is being difficult or life throws a curveball.

• Less or no choice on working partners - yarn, tech editor, testers etc.

Self publish

Pros:

• Total control over the design - the yarn, sizing, details, pattern style etc are all your own choice.

• Flexible schedule.

• Choose your own pricing structure.

• Publish any pattern you choose, no need to fit a particular pattern call.

Cons:

• You have to cover all the costs up front - yarn, photography, time, tech editing; then wait for sales to bring in income.

• Need to market your pattern to achieve sales - promotion on Instagram, Ravelry Newsletter etc.

• Working without deadlines can lead to procrastination.

You might decide to do a combo - offer your pattern idea for third party publication, but if it is not successful with a submission call or two, go ahead and self publish. Remember to check whether the pattern must be kept secret ahead of publication before you share pictures online, and wait until you receive the pattern call verdict or withdraw your submission before you self publish.

If you have a pattern accepted you may be able to self publish it later depending on the agreement with the publisher. Check the details and make a note in your diary of when the rights revert back.

There are other options, like collaborations with yarn companies to consider too. These tend to be a middle ground in terms of the pros and cons. Chat through the details with the yarn company / dyer and see if you are happy with their terms before you commit yourself.