Siskin Hat & New Pattern Layout
I’ve just finished updating my pattern layout template to align with the recent web makeover, and took the opportunity to also make some further improvements which I’m sharing with you below. Quality is important when writing patterns and I’m keen to make each pattern as easy and pleasurable an experience for you, the knitter, as possible.
I’ve written a little on the topic of writing your own patterns before - this post includes the basics of what you need to include in a pattern, but today I’m focussing on a few other aspects I think are important to consider about the layout which can really enhance the experience of the knitter.
Skill level and techniques
Skill or experience level is highly subjective and varied. What one knitter thinks is beginner level, another might think is intermediate (or vice versa), and experienced knitter of many years may not have encountered certain techniques before. However it is helpful to provide an approximate ‘level’ to help decide if this is the right project for where you are at our knitting skills journey.
With this in mind I’ve added more information about the skill level or techniques used as this information is helpful to you when considering knitting the pattern, and may give some knitters more confidence to know this is achievable.
However please don’t see this as a list of things you need to already have under your knitterly belt - don’t be put you off if you don’t know those techniques already. It's better to see this as an opportunity to learn and try out some new techniques, and knowing the names of techniques used makes it easier for you to look them up in in you favourite books or Youtube.
New learning resources section
Speaking of new learning new skill and techniques, I’ve added a section with links to relevant free learning resources I have created to support you when knitting the pattern. I’ll be adding to these from regularly so it is also worth checking in to my tutorials page from time to time. If you want the heads-up when I have a new one out, sign up to my email list, and if you are stuck on one of may patterns please do get in touch.
Ease of printing
I’ve adjusted the layout with ease/expense of printing in mind. A benefit of digital patterns is you can include lots of large colour photographs to help show the project including close up detail shots. However, you may want to print off a copy to keep handy in your project bag so you can refer to it on the go, but also to make notes on the pattern as you progress. To save you lots of wasted ink and paper I’ve kept the instructions and charts on just a few won’t take up too much space in your in your project bag ( so leaves plenty of room for delicious squishy yarn!).
Siskin Hat knitting pattern is out!
My new Siskin Hat is the first pattern I’ve created with this new layout, and it’s been released into the wild today!
The third in my Feathered Friends collection, the Siskin Hat is designed with negative ease so it’ll fit snuggly and stay in place. Knitted in the round from the bottom up the hat is seamless so there’s no sewing. Featuring variations of mock cable rib, my signature birdy footprints hop their way from brim to crown, finishing with a neat rapid decrease which looks pretty neat as it is, or you can add a pompom if you are so inclined - it’s your call.
Despite it’s good looks, this is a great, functional hat perfect for working in the garden or treks in the countryside. It’s a small, achievable project which makes for an interesting-but-not-eye-watering-knit, and would be a great gift for the bird lovers in your life.
I’ll be using the new layout for all my future patterns and hope these changes will prove to be of value. I’ll also be updating my previously released patterns to the new layout as and when I can - and if you have bought patterns form me previously via Ravelry, you’ll automatically get the updated version when it’s ready.
More Feathered Friends
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