Are you a new or aspiring designer that's wondering how you can make a good start publishing your patterns? Here are some tips for you!
1) Outline your pattern
Make sure you have all the components of a well-written pattern before you begin filling in the details.
At minimum, you should have:
- Yarn details: quantity of yarn required in yards/meters as well as fiber content and structure. Here's an example of recommended formatting: __ yds/__m of light fingering weight yarn. Sample used Fearless Feet Fiber Co Soft Sock [100% superwash merino yarn; 464 yds/424m per 100g skein] in the color way "The Greens"
- Pattern sizing, including a schematic for garments, in both imperial and metric
- Needle/hook information in both US and metric sizing (or the correct system for where you and your intended maker live)
- A list of abbreviations used and their definitions
- The actual instructions for the pattern
- Photos of the finished project that matches the pattern so makers can see the shape of it and visually check their work
- Written & charted instructions for cable/lace details
- A copyright/usage statement that matches your country’s laws
- Contact information for pattern support
2) Find the right editor
Get into contact with tech editors who are comfortable working with new designers. If you have areas where you’re uncertain, check that they have expertise to guide you.
3) Know your audience
If you know who you're writing for, you'll be able to marker yourself more easily and meet your customer's needs.
Make a list of attributes your ideal client has.
- Are they a new maker, or experienced?
- Do they like photo tutorials, videos, or to figure techniques out on their own?
- Do they have lots of knitting/crochet time, or a limited amount?
- Where do they live?
- What is their job?
- What problem will you solve for them by publishing your patterns?
4) Make a pattern release schedule
When do you want to publish your pattern?
Pick a date and work backwards from it to include all the steps you need to take prior to release
How long will editing take?
Testing? Photos? Uploading to your selling platform?
Factor them all in
5) Begin as you mean to continue
Are you planning to be a designer that charges for PDF patterns, or will you post the pattern for free on your blog and monetize it in other ways?
What are your terms for pattern support or dealing with customers who have questions? Will you be available 24/7 or will you have business hours?
The way you begin your business sets a prescedent for the remainder of your patterns.
6) Wait for good pictures
YOU know how good your pattern is, but without clear and well-edited photos, no one else will.
Social media is all about visual marketing.
If people can’t see your product, they won’t buy your product.
It’s really easy to be excited for publication and want to just toss the pattern out there, but trust me - wait for the good photos!
If you have a phone with a camera, you can take well-lit outdoor photos, and edit them.
7) Pick a niche
What do you want to be known for?
If you don’t choose your niche, others will.
If you don’t choose your niche, others will.
It’s worth writing twice to make sure you see it.
I gained a reputation as a sock designer because that’s all I published for a year. Those don’t sell for my business, yet they’re all third party publishers ask for from me now.
My “niche” was “everything” and you see how that turned out. You can always re-niche into other areas, but know that you’re building brand recognition.
8) Find a community
It’s easy to feel isolated in self-publishing, especially with the way we portray ourselves on social media.
Get to know people who have been in your industry for a long time and watch what they do.
Don’t expect them to teach you - not every maker has the time or inclination to teach or answer your questions.
Instead, ask them if they’d be willing to chat with you about their experiences, or simply join a community and pay attention.
9) A rising tide lifts all boats
Don’t just engage with the community or your customer base when you have something to sell.
Be looking for ways you can encourage others in the community and add value to their lives, whether it’s designers, dyers, tech editors, or makers.
A rising tide lifts all boats, which is a cliche way to say that when we lift up others, we lift up ourselves as well. What's beneficial for the community is beneficial for us all.
That's it for now! Any thoughts?
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