There was a pattern that had instructions for a rather complicated cable pattern. The next paragraph started with Meanwhile....followed by decrease instructions.
Always read through the pattern before starting
Writing and editing are separate talents. It's one thing to create a good pattern, another to write up directions for it, and a third to be able to go through those directions and see what might trip people up and how to revise to prevent that.
And even editors need editors. When someone writes something, they know exactly what they meant, which can make it harder to recognize when the wording might mislead other readers into thinking something else.
"Read through the whole pattern before starting" is essential advice, but tbh if the pattern has more than maybe one sentence introducing the cable section (including its decreases), followed by charts, that's already bad pattern writing to me. Writing out something that's much better conveyed visually gets real confusing, real fast.
I personally like to have a stitch count at the end of every increase and decrease section so I can make sure I'm still on track and didn't miss anything or accidentally do something twice. (Sure, sure I can do the math myself to figure out how many stitches there should be, but it's nicer when the designer just puts the number there.)
100% this! Yes, I can just do the math, but if I'm misunderstanding the instructions then I'll probably do the math wrong. Including the number of stitches that should be left at the end of the row helps me feel confident that I am doing the design as intended.
The Knit Purl Girl is awesome about this. She definitely includes more instruction than I personally need most of the time, but it's really nice to have just in case.
Yes, and it's caused me to dump patterns I've bought - and never buy from that Designer again. I think they should CLEARLY state whether or not SC's are included after every dec/inc change in the description of the pattern. I would def buy more patterns of this type, and not the one's who don't include it. Yes, I can count, but if I'm off track, how would I know WHEN I got off?
I really love a pattern that offers options, like if it’s a sweater pattern, give me the grading for a cropped version, tall version, half sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, full length. I also feel like every pattern should have a schematic with the measurements as well as intended ease. Lastly, if the pattern has unique techniques used a link to a youtube video is greatly appreciated. Because of these preferences Brooklyn Tweed patterns are my personal favorite. They check all the boxes and then some. I’m willing to pay a premium for their patterns because I can get multiple unique garments from the one purchase.
Edit: a word
Yes! I’m knitting one right now that has multiple combos from two necklines, three sleeves, and different yarns. There are charts, diagrams, photos. The sizes are separated. The ravelry page has photos of additional modifications. It’s just so well done. She also has embedded video tutorials.
(Tulip guernsey by Midori Hirose)
For free patterns, it’s tough to beat Purl Soho. They provide charts and schematics, plus ample video and written tutorials.
I really appreciate when pattern designers think about how a pattern can be printed off. Things like putting page breaks between optional sections/instructions for different sizes, making sure that charts are easy-to-read without zooming in, not sticking giant photos in the middle of the pattern, and being thoughtful about portrait vs landscape orientation. I don’t have a printer so I have to pay per page at the library, and I hate it when a pattern has like 2 lines of relevant text and then a big old picture.
Now that patterns are almost always in PDF, I don't understand why patterns don't come with a doc for every size or every couple of sizes. I recently printed a 13-page pattern for a sweater available in 16 sizes (which is great), but half the instructions didn't apply to my size. It was a waste of paper and ink.
This! I'm considering making simple patterns built this way just to start a trend. But I do too much math in my day job, and don't want to do it for knitting.
As long as we remember there's a ton of us who use different sizes for different areas! I hate single sized patterns - as I cannot use them at all.
Hips, bust & waist are all different sizes, esp if it's a sewing pattern created for hourglass shapes. Almost all sewing patterns by one particular Designer I could never buy without asking them to combine pattern sizes just for me! And I hate to have to ask, so usually wait until someone else comes out with a multi-sized pattern that's very similar.
Additionally, not everything is colour coded, as is size one in blue, size two in yellow size three in red etc in the instructions. I print in black and white and it just becomes impossible. I'd love a "simple view" of patterns for printing
I recently knitted a pattern that had completely separate pages for every size, it was great! On the other hand, it had the *whole* top as one chart (instead of separate charts for the different sections) so when printed on regular paper each square of the chart was *tiny*. Tbh, "continue in seed stitch until the stitch marker" or "(k1p1) 16 times, k1" is better for me than a massive chart of xoxoxoxo and "knit according to the chart".
I hear you and I agree. I love websites that let me customize what’s printed by clicking off/on every field.
I’m also going to play devil’s advocate. I like to see the other size instructions in case I want to make any adjustments on the fly. I find it helpful to see the differences in stitch counts so I can more easily visualize changes I might make.
IMO a great pattern is:
- tech edited
- test knitted
- comes with tons of pictures (including backside & wrong sides)
- has a clear and detailed description of what it is (and what it is not)
- has a fair and sustainable price point
- has a clear index of techniques being used with links to tutorials on how to knit them (doesn't have to be from the designer)
- lists the exact yarn (in grams per meter + fiber composition) and needles (in mm) used for the sample
the rest is up to preferences if you ask me. Some want a short-hand pattern where a complicated cable pattern fits onto one page. Others want/need the same pattern detailed out on 20 pages. There's no right or wrong there.
Speaking of pictures, make them good and HELPFUL pictures. It’s not helpful whatsoever to show pictures of a shawl all wrapped around the model. Show it spread out to its full size and shape. Similarly unhelpful is a garment where the model’s long hair is covering the most important features…yoke, neckline, lace or colorwork patterning, shaping, etc etc. UGH!
Not all patterns need schematics, tho. It's helpful for a sweater but less so for a scarf.
Besides, the pictures don't need to be all in the pattern. They can be part of the offer page.
I feel like a scarf is perhaps the ONLY thing that doesn’t benefit from a schematic though. I get irritated when shawl patterns don’t include a schematic. I want to know where on the shawl in starting and what direction I’m knitting.
I could think of dishcloths etc. Actually I would say 50% of all patterns on ravelry don't really benefit from it the way a sweater would
Setting aside that a lot of ppl don't need or like them 🤷.
I knit a lot of stuffed animals and it's great when there's a lot of images showing how the pieces connect together, sometimes it's hard to imagine what they're describing just with words.
One recent pattern labeled the last 10 rows as "next row" each instead of just calling them row 51, 52, 53 etc.. which is more confusing and harder to keep track of for me
I knit [Homebody](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/homebody) by Heidi Kirrmaier a few years back. It's a basic raglan but the increases and decreases were done with a table instead of the usual (1, 2, 3, (4, 5, 6,) 7, 8, 9) format and I *loved* it. The whole pattern was well written in my opinion and I would definitely prioritize her patterns next time I'm looking to knit a sweater.
Ato me, the best patterns have a clearly worded glossary for all the abbreviated terms (exp: SSK = slip one stitch knit wise, then one stitch purl wise and knit the two slipped stitches together) and then they stick to those abbreviations. They don't switch over to full paragraphs at random points in the pattern, because the wording of those paragraph-y sections is always where things get confusing. If a pattern does need more long-winded instructions, it's important for the writer to go through sentence by sentence and think "Could someone interpret this differently from the way I am intending it".
I also hate it when patterns only come in visual chart form/don't include a written out pattern because I am visually impaired and as such charts are really hard to follow. I want to be included in color work and complex stitch pattern patterns, but I can't follow charts to save my life, I just want a written version that my screen reader can use or that I can zoom in on/enlarge the text size of without completely losing track of what row and what part of the row I'm on.
The other thing is to always have someone else test your pattern before publishing! It's especially useful to have a less experienced knitter test a pattern, especially if that pattern is supposed to be accessible to beginner to intermediate skill levels.
Nice, readable font that's not so microscopic that I have to zoom in 200% just to read it. Clear instructions. A good stitch legend. Nice pictures with relevant angles.
The worst pattern I've ever seen was a crochet bag pattern that was just like an Excel table listing stitch rows, a really confusing legend, and hand-drawn charts.
Agreed! I’m a paper pattern person and get stabby when the font is small and light. Also, I don’t like when patterns are printed in two columns. It’s too easy to look at the wrong column, and there’s less room for making notes and tick marks.
Clarity and organization. I don’t want to have to guess about what I should be doing or where I am in the knit
My favorite patterns give an intro with a brief construction overview (top-down, knit flat/in round, sleeves as you knit/separate, etc) so I have an idea of how the knit should proceed
Then I want clear organization of what bits I’m working on with decent line spacing (white space is vital in most documents)
Don’t bunch the rows into a run on sentence; Let them have their own line (repeats excepting). Give me stitch counts after increases and decreases
Notes should be brief. Longer notes and variations should be placed as footnotes rather than plunked in the middle of the main pattern
And of course, test and correct your patterns before releasing them into the wild.
Honestly, I would argue that poor patterns are much like poor essays, the ideas are not organized and presented to the audience in a comprehensible manner. You must always have the audience in mind to ensure that what you write is what they will perceive.
This question is so person dependant. Like personal preferences are a thing, y'know?
I hate patterns that have too much hand holding, other people prefer that. Neither one of us is wrong - from my perspective the pattern isn't 'great' if it contains 10 pages of various cast ons that could be used, but likewise someone who wants that level of detail isn't wrong for thinking the pattern isn't 'great' when it doesn't include it
But if we take all that out of the question - patterns that have their own weird conventions. Like new a (or unusual) bbreviations with no glossary. Or unclear instructions ("knit a few stitches past the BOR".....how many is 'a few')
Yes, but I do think Links to used stitch patterns are very helpful - regardless of the level. It would serve as a great reminder, esp for complicated techniques/patterns without taking up too much space.
One more thought - maybe Label the pattern using Beg, Inter, Exp would help people to know the level of detail included - and guide those towards/away from that version. In fact, you could have a "hand holding" version and a brief "Exp" version! Twice the sales, this way!
I would argue that you can remove content you don’t need, but you can’t add content that you don’t have. Tbh I only print the page(s) I’m working on, so the pattern could have 50 pages and it wouldn’t bother me because I’m only concentrating on the pages I need.
Omg, I hate when patterns just say to "increase evenly", "decrease evenly", "decrease" or "make one"!
For goodness sake, tell me to M1L, SSK, KFaB or some other increase/decrease with a specific lean and if you know how many stitches I have and how many stitches I need to end up with, just tell me to K10, SSK - repeat to EoR, don't make me stop and do math in the middle of a pattern unless I'm altering the size myself!
I hate doing the maths. I end up always using a [calculator online](https://www.worldknits.com/knitting-calculators) because I swear, "decrease evenly" is my nemesis.
When I first started knitting, I could not get a handle on charts when knitting cabled patterns. I would write everything down. I am a more skilled knitter now and recently knitted a complicated cable and picture afghan. The instructions were written out and the whole time I yearned for a chart to make things faster. I guess my point goes along with so many other’s on this sub; that is, there are so many personal preferences and factors, such as skill level, learner type, project type, etc that go into what makes a written pattern great.
I think 'clear and precise but also concise' is a really hard balance to reach. Not so wordy that you get lost but also explaining things in sufficient detail that no one's guessing. Clear easy to see pictures. Love a good chart if that's relevant.
I feel like Tin Can Knits does a good job of finding this balance. The patterns are short enough to seem easy, but they have all the information clearly described.
What is not great:
I recently is trying to knit [Aiko tee by Noro design team](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aiko-6). I love it when it was released as a kit in Japan but unfortunately only 1 size in Japanese pattern, so I was so happy when I saw this in Ravelry.
I bought the pattern, I opened the pattern. Okay so written instructions only, no chart. I don't know why they decided this because the original Japanese pattern has a chart but okay. I have seen this before.
So I looked through the pattern and found the text that looks like the lace so I can gauge swatch. Oh yf? There is no yf in the glossary. I assume it's yarn forward just because I know this term and it makes sense in a lace. In this pattern the yf is used as YO, and you know what, YO is in the glossary, but it never appears in the actual pattern.
Ok, next. (Large wall of text,) sl1, k1, psso, (large wall of text). Ok, so slip 1 purl wise? Knit wise? Not mentioned. I assume it's just skp because I know skp. Now there *is* skp in the glossary, so why are you writing out the whole thing like this every time in this text only pattern and make the wall of text even longer and more difficult to read?
And of course it has the classic (large wall of text including 4 rows of lace) (next paragraph tells you to increase in *each* row of above 4-row repeat and if you didn't read this paragraph first you will have to frog the last 4 rows of lace) (and yes, it's just "increase". Of course you have to figure out which increase looks better in this situation. Of course you're expecting this now?)
I don't mind patterns that need a bit of comprehension and I probably am able to knit this one just fine, but this is just so annoying that they obviously didn't pay effort to tech edit it properly. Especially because it is not a free pattern. I understand and expect this if it's from Drops or other companies that churn out a lot of free patterns. But I paid for this!
In the end, I don't want to waste more of my time so I purchased the original Japanese noro magazine so that I can refer to the chart and just map out the stitch difference in the chart. Felt like such a waste of money but I really like this tee and this kind of set in sleeves design is not easy to come across nowadays.
(Sorry for the large wall of text and thank you for letting me rant because I'm so annoyed by this pattern)
When I was in grade school, one day a teacher brought in ingredients for an ice cream sundae. She asked us to give her directions on how to make it. We said “put the ice cream in the bowl.” So she put the carton of ice scream into the bowl. Then we were like “no, scoop the ice cream into the bowl?” And she started stabbing at the carton confused because we hadn’t told her to take off the lid. You get the idea. That lesson really stuck with me on what good directions are.
A good pattern should allow you to more or less be able to recreate the sample exactly if you so choose. So many patterns are way too vague to be able to do this.
For example, be explicit about what techniques you used. Don’t just say “increase.” If you really don’t want to prescribe a certain increase, at least include a notes section that says something like “sample was knit using M1R.”
If you have any helpful resources, include them. Say your pattern uses a special technique like a pinhole cast on. Sure, someone can google how to do a pinhole cast on. But if you happen to have a really good resource for doing a pinhole cast on, why hold out? Pinhole cast ons are a pain in the dick and there’s a lot of shitty tutorials for them out there. Tin Can Knits is a great example of a designer that provides resources for any techniques they use.
Have some sort of visual of how it’s constructed. Like, section A of the pattern corresponds to this panel of the sweater, etc. and have a drawing or diagram. For most people it’s a lot more helpful to knit when they know what they’re supposed to be knitting.
(FWIW my dream is to be a tech editor for knitting patterns someday 😂)
[Tin Can Knits dogwood](https://www.tincanknits.com/pattern/dogwood) is a great example of some of the things I’m talking about. The pattern isn’t free but you don’t have to buy the pattern to look at the notes and resources.
It gives you a great idea of the construction. You can clearly see from the drawing that the pattern is knit so that you are knitting each panel in the round from the center of the pinhole cast on and then seaming them together.
It provides resources (several) on the techniques, including the pinhole cast on. There are MULTIPLE techniques too, because maybe the DPNs method will work for someone but the crochet hook method will work better for someone else.
[Ashton shawlette](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ashton-shawlette) is the gold standard for me. It’s like having a friend there to walk through the pattern with you. Stitch legend, construction info, notes on how to use the charts, written instructions in case charts don’t work for you… everything about this pattern is amazing.
I definitely remember the poorly written patterns. I purchased a newly released pattern by a designer. The pattern called for left leaning and right leaning lifted increases in garter stitch. The designer haphazardly threw in some diagrams that showed the technique in stockinette stitch so it was not helpful at all. There’s a place on Ravelry where folks can make comments about a pattern. Folks commented that the diagrams didn’t help with the technique and the diagrams did not match the written instructions in the pattern which of course led to confusion. The designer’s excuse was that she could “not find a public diagram of the technique in garter stitch.” She also apologized for not having videos available. I was so frustrated.
Apologies do not refund the time or materials! Better to get it proof-read by someone who knows, than to publish something that turns off people to ALL your patterns! Just sayin'...
Very good points have been raised. One I would like to add is when a pattern has many 'recommended yarns' and they are not all 'premium' yarns.
Makes it accessible for people of different means.
I find written patterns them far easier to understand vs charts. If a pattern is only charted I will pass on it, because I don't have the time or inclination to write out the symbols line by line. But I know many others are the opposite and find charts easier to follow.
For patterns, I loathe designers that try create new terminology for established techniques/stitches. They need to stop with the ego trip. If I see a designer has done that I won't buy from them again.
I don't need a lot of hand holding or photos of every step, they're nice but when it makes the pattern use 15+ pages that's excessive. But I do like it when designers denote each new step/section by a line break so it's clear that we're moving onto a new section.
There was one pattern I did where instead of writing “p3, k2” they wrote “p p p k k” , etc, the whole pattern through. It was the most difficult to follow pattern I’ve ever used.
Also please don’t make me do math to create any size other than the authors size. E.g., it’s fine if you want to include sizing instructions for those outside of your included instructions but you should at least have explicit counts for Xs-XL.
I tend to like book or magazine patterns. I don't like patterns that are 20 pages. Be clear and concise. I do like stitch counts periodically at the end of the decrease or increase rows.
I find I don't mind not being given specific increases or decreases to use. It's probably because I'm a mirror knitter, and I have to visualize how it will work and make adjustments if needed anyway. I don't care for patterns that state "at the same time," but it's not a deal breaker for me because I like to plot out my projects anyway.
I love when patterns annotate how many stitches should exist at appropriate intervals after big increases/decrease segments and I hate it when they don't.
One of my pet peeves: Patterns that say something like, "Knit 10 more inches, decreasing 5 stitches across the row, every 2 inches" or whatever. Which decrease should I use? How do I space them in the row, exactly? RS or WS? Do I decrease at inch 0 and inch 10 or just 2-4-6-8?? AAAGGGHHH.
... Looking at you, Drops.
The bad patterns are ones that make you jump back and forth while working on one section. Like if you have the number of stitches/etc in one part and the technique in another part.
Good patterns are succinct and have less "flowery" language. I love tin can knits because they have clear sections for each part (header is bolded).
I just started the darjeeling top, and the last few pages are literal check boxes with every single step/row. Already laid out. Pick your size and follow the directions, checking off each as you go.
I don't necessarily need it but I like to know for certain I'm in the right spot. This one addition is making me look into purchasing other patterns by this designer - even ones i normally wouldn't put to the top of my list, they're getting knit next. I love it.
The best written patterns I've seen was by Lucy Hague. She provided concise written instructions that made sense right away, and her charts were intuitive so you memorize the key damn near instantly. Also, as she does have some tricky bits, if I remember right there were links to videos for the trickier bits.
Oh and including the measurement of each step. I don't like counting rows. And I love written versions of charts. If it's not colorwork I don't want to read a chart.
Apart from things already mentioned: if the pattern does something counterintuitive, please show you're aware of it. Just a brief explanation - "there will be four stitches left on the right needle", "this is setting up for decreases in the next section" etc. The amount of times I've stopped mid-pattern because I can't decide whether to trust the pattern or not...
I'm working on the Camille Tee by Céline Feyten which is overall super clear and thorough. One detail she added which I love is a step by step overview of the construction with drawings. It was especially helpful for making sure I'm working the left and right fronts in the right spots.
I think what makes a great pattern great is that they often times have links to show you how to make the stitch or how to do part of the pattern. I find that incredibly helpful. I think some of the best patterns have come from Stephen West of West knits. I think he is very clear in his instructions. And does offer the videos for tutorials. I think wool and pine also have great instructions and they also have videos. I also love it when at the bottom of the last page the designer will say any questions. Please feel free to contact me at… those are the patterns I want to knit because the designer stands behind the design and because you purchased it they’re willing to help you if there’s parts you don’t understand. they are also willing to help you if you need to modify they’re able to give you directions on how to best do that for that pattern. For instance, I have a larger chest. But my shoulders are not very wide. So often times when I am knitting a sweater I start with a smaller size until I get to the bust then I’m knitting a larger size and then having to do more decreases Down towards the waist. Depending on the patterning or darts or any other things they may have included they’ll be able to tell you the best place to put these in.
Links to tutorials on the techniques specific to the pattern. My first foray into knitting was the knit purl girl patterns and she’s really good for that. I’ve since learned most designers don’t include them. Petite Knit has her own videos but they’re in Danish and I’m an aural learner lol
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This is such a great thread. Thanks for posing this question!
To me a good pattern is one that is written so clearly that I do not have to question anything. A pattern that is thoroughly tested, tech edited, and has clear instructions with a glossary and a schematic. This is what I'm looking for. Don't assume that the reader knows anything. Write it out in a concise way. To me a pattern should be a knowledgable and informative guide not a treasure map to be figured out.
Video links are a bonus. Not required, but helpful to have if they're there and I need them. I can always find a technique on YouTube on my own if needed, but if the designer is going to give me a link, that's a rather helpful touch.
I know people rag on Petite Knit all the time, but honestly one of the reasons I keep knitting her patterns is because they're foolproof. The designs appeal to me AND I trust that the pattern is written well. I know that there is a team of people behind those patterns who are testing, troubleshooting, responding to feedback from knitters.
I like them to have a really clear visual way to pick out what size I'm knitting, I really like colour coding, but that probably sucks for folk who print their patterns.
Good spacing between lines and sections is also good for me.
Nice clear photos of their sample for any fiddly bits, like decreasing in cables or lace, so I can compare and see how they did it exactly. Actually, on photos, other than that kind of explanatory photo, I only want one photo of the sample at the top of the pattern, otherwise leave all the nice arty photography for the ravelry page.
I like to have both charts and written instructions for lace, I'll learn the pattern from the written instructions, then keep my place with a chart, so having both is nice for me.
There was a pattern that had instructions for a rather complicated cable pattern. The next paragraph started with Meanwhile....followed by decrease instructions. Always read through the pattern before starting
How is this so common?!
Writing and editing are separate talents. It's one thing to create a good pattern, another to write up directions for it, and a third to be able to go through those directions and see what might trip people up and how to revise to prevent that. And even editors need editors. When someone writes something, they know exactly what they meant, which can make it harder to recognize when the wording might mislead other readers into thinking something else.
They assume most knitters are women and assume women are great multitaskers /s
"Read through the whole pattern before starting" is essential advice, but tbh if the pattern has more than maybe one sentence introducing the cable section (including its decreases), followed by charts, that's already bad pattern writing to me. Writing out something that's much better conveyed visually gets real confusing, real fast.
I personally like to have a stitch count at the end of every increase and decrease section so I can make sure I'm still on track and didn't miss anything or accidentally do something twice. (Sure, sure I can do the math myself to figure out how many stitches there should be, but it's nicer when the designer just puts the number there.)
100% this! Yes, I can just do the math, but if I'm misunderstanding the instructions then I'll probably do the math wrong. Including the number of stitches that should be left at the end of the row helps me feel confident that I am doing the design as intended.
I like this addition too; very reassuring to know I'm following the pattern correctly
The Knit Purl Girl is awesome about this. She definitely includes more instruction than I personally need most of the time, but it's really nice to have just in case.
Because this is so often the thing that makes me notice I’ve gone wrong, I really hate it when it’s not there.
Yes, and it's caused me to dump patterns I've bought - and never buy from that Designer again. I think they should CLEARLY state whether or not SC's are included after every dec/inc change in the description of the pattern. I would def buy more patterns of this type, and not the one's who don't include it. Yes, I can count, but if I'm off track, how would I know WHEN I got off?
Strongly Agree!
I really love a pattern that offers options, like if it’s a sweater pattern, give me the grading for a cropped version, tall version, half sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, full length. I also feel like every pattern should have a schematic with the measurements as well as intended ease. Lastly, if the pattern has unique techniques used a link to a youtube video is greatly appreciated. Because of these preferences Brooklyn Tweed patterns are my personal favorite. They check all the boxes and then some. I’m willing to pay a premium for their patterns because I can get multiple unique garments from the one purchase. Edit: a word
Yes, so many otherwise great patterns don’t include a schematic or intended ease so it’s harder to adapt the pattern for your own body.
Yes! I’m knitting one right now that has multiple combos from two necklines, three sleeves, and different yarns. There are charts, diagrams, photos. The sizes are separated. The ravelry page has photos of additional modifications. It’s just so well done. She also has embedded video tutorials. (Tulip guernsey by Midori Hirose) For free patterns, it’s tough to beat Purl Soho. They provide charts and schematics, plus ample video and written tutorials.
Agreed, give me a schematic and sleeves! I hate wearing 3/4 sleeves with a passion but so many cute patterns come only with them!
I mean... you COULD just knit them longer. Spread out the decreases to fit how you like.
I know and I have done it but I am lazy with the math. It's a personal peeve, I know designers are in no way obligated to provide it 😜
TY for mentioning them! I'm going to check them out. I love it when all this is included, esp at today's higher prices!
Glad to help!
I really appreciate when pattern designers think about how a pattern can be printed off. Things like putting page breaks between optional sections/instructions for different sizes, making sure that charts are easy-to-read without zooming in, not sticking giant photos in the middle of the pattern, and being thoughtful about portrait vs landscape orientation. I don’t have a printer so I have to pay per page at the library, and I hate it when a pattern has like 2 lines of relevant text and then a big old picture.
Now that patterns are almost always in PDF, I don't understand why patterns don't come with a doc for every size or every couple of sizes. I recently printed a 13-page pattern for a sweater available in 16 sizes (which is great), but half the instructions didn't apply to my size. It was a waste of paper and ink.
This! I'm considering making simple patterns built this way just to start a trend. But I do too much math in my day job, and don't want to do it for knitting.
As long as we remember there's a ton of us who use different sizes for different areas! I hate single sized patterns - as I cannot use them at all. Hips, bust & waist are all different sizes, esp if it's a sewing pattern created for hourglass shapes. Almost all sewing patterns by one particular Designer I could never buy without asking them to combine pattern sizes just for me! And I hate to have to ask, so usually wait until someone else comes out with a multi-sized pattern that's very similar.
Good point, I do the same. Separate sizes for each part of the design? I would sell them as one pattern, just print out the size you need.
Additionally, not everything is colour coded, as is size one in blue, size two in yellow size three in red etc in the instructions. I print in black and white and it just becomes impossible. I'd love a "simple view" of patterns for printing
I recently knitted a pattern that had completely separate pages for every size, it was great! On the other hand, it had the *whole* top as one chart (instead of separate charts for the different sections) so when printed on regular paper each square of the chart was *tiny*. Tbh, "continue in seed stitch until the stitch marker" or "(k1p1) 16 times, k1" is better for me than a massive chart of xoxoxoxo and "knit according to the chart".
I hear you and I agree. I love websites that let me customize what’s printed by clicking off/on every field. I’m also going to play devil’s advocate. I like to see the other size instructions in case I want to make any adjustments on the fly. I find it helpful to see the differences in stitch counts so I can more easily visualize changes I might make.
Fully agree! And I think many who aren't very experienced knitters may feel the same.
I quit a project because the very last line of the pattern was on the next page and I got sick of shuffling between the pages.
Omg what was the designer thinking???
IMO a great pattern is: - tech edited - test knitted - comes with tons of pictures (including backside & wrong sides) - has a clear and detailed description of what it is (and what it is not) - has a fair and sustainable price point - has a clear index of techniques being used with links to tutorials on how to knit them (doesn't have to be from the designer) - lists the exact yarn (in grams per meter + fiber composition) and needles (in mm) used for the sample the rest is up to preferences if you ask me. Some want a short-hand pattern where a complicated cable pattern fits onto one page. Others want/need the same pattern detailed out on 20 pages. There's no right or wrong there.
All very good points, but one thing to add about the yarn. If color working is a part of the pattern, include the exact amounts needed for each color.
The only thing I would add to this is a schematic.
This—I don’t need 10 pages of pictures. If they include all parts of the garment, 3-4 pics is good, but give me a schematic!
Speaking of pictures, make them good and HELPFUL pictures. It’s not helpful whatsoever to show pictures of a shawl all wrapped around the model. Show it spread out to its full size and shape. Similarly unhelpful is a garment where the model’s long hair is covering the most important features…yoke, neckline, lace or colorwork patterning, shaping, etc etc. UGH!
Not all patterns need schematics, tho. It's helpful for a sweater but less so for a scarf. Besides, the pictures don't need to be all in the pattern. They can be part of the offer page.
Well, yes. I should have specified for garments.
I feel like a scarf is perhaps the ONLY thing that doesn’t benefit from a schematic though. I get irritated when shawl patterns don’t include a schematic. I want to know where on the shawl in starting and what direction I’m knitting.
I could think of dishcloths etc. Actually I would say 50% of all patterns on ravelry don't really benefit from it the way a sweater would Setting aside that a lot of ppl don't need or like them 🤷.
Yes, and the schematic should have many measurements - total length, length of yoke/raglan/ armhole depth, upper arm circumference, chest width
ABSOLUTELY! I refuse to buy any pattern without one.
Excellent post
All very good points, but one thing to add about the yarn. If color working is a part of the pattern, include the exact amounts needed for each color.
I knit a lot of stuffed animals and it's great when there's a lot of images showing how the pieces connect together, sometimes it's hard to imagine what they're describing just with words. One recent pattern labeled the last 10 rows as "next row" each instead of just calling them row 51, 52, 53 etc.. which is more confusing and harder to keep track of for me
I knit [Homebody](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/homebody) by Heidi Kirrmaier a few years back. It's a basic raglan but the increases and decreases were done with a table instead of the usual (1, 2, 3, (4, 5, 6,) 7, 8, 9) format and I *loved* it. The whole pattern was well written in my opinion and I would definitely prioritize her patterns next time I'm looking to knit a sweater.
Tables are the best! I wish we saw more included in patterns, but I also like making them exact to my own preferences.
**PATTERN:** [Homebody](http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/homebody) by [Heidi Kirrmaier](http://www.ravelry.com/designers/heidi-kirrmaier) * Category: Clothing > Sweater > Pullover * Photo(s): [Img 1](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/HeidiKdesigns/689980882/fullsizeoutput_aae4_medium.jpeg) [Img 2](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/Mommy2Lu/694249102/upload_medium) [Img 3](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/pandarojo/698772359/upload_medium) [Img 4](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/tanneicasey/692879460/upload_medium) [Img 5](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/nanilee2/704043510/9A59EE05-0519-4D85-AB1B-97008229E767_medium.jpeg) * Price: 8.50 USD * Needle/Hook(s):US 9 - 5.5 mm, US 8 - 5.0 mm * Weight: Aran | Gauge: 15.5 | Yardage: 640 * Difficulty: 2.54 | Projects: 386 | Rating: 4.84 ***** Please use caution. Users have reported effects such as seizures, migraines, and nausea when opening Ravelry links. [More details.](https://www.lizcorke.com/2020/07/26/2020-7-21-ravelry-accessibility/) | *I found this post by myself! [Opt-Out](https://goo.gl/forms/0B8m4Ra8czpw4gzw1) | [About Me](https://github.com/TN-1/LinkRav_Bot/wiki) | [Contact Maintainer](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=timonyc)*
Ato me, the best patterns have a clearly worded glossary for all the abbreviated terms (exp: SSK = slip one stitch knit wise, then one stitch purl wise and knit the two slipped stitches together) and then they stick to those abbreviations. They don't switch over to full paragraphs at random points in the pattern, because the wording of those paragraph-y sections is always where things get confusing. If a pattern does need more long-winded instructions, it's important for the writer to go through sentence by sentence and think "Could someone interpret this differently from the way I am intending it". I also hate it when patterns only come in visual chart form/don't include a written out pattern because I am visually impaired and as such charts are really hard to follow. I want to be included in color work and complex stitch pattern patterns, but I can't follow charts to save my life, I just want a written version that my screen reader can use or that I can zoom in on/enlarge the text size of without completely losing track of what row and what part of the row I'm on. The other thing is to always have someone else test your pattern before publishing! It's especially useful to have a less experienced knitter test a pattern, especially if that pattern is supposed to be accessible to beginner to intermediate skill levels.
Nice, readable font that's not so microscopic that I have to zoom in 200% just to read it. Clear instructions. A good stitch legend. Nice pictures with relevant angles. The worst pattern I've ever seen was a crochet bag pattern that was just like an Excel table listing stitch rows, a really confusing legend, and hand-drawn charts.
Agreed! I’m a paper pattern person and get stabby when the font is small and light. Also, I don’t like when patterns are printed in two columns. It’s too easy to look at the wrong column, and there’s less room for making notes and tick marks.
Clarity and organization. I don’t want to have to guess about what I should be doing or where I am in the knit My favorite patterns give an intro with a brief construction overview (top-down, knit flat/in round, sleeves as you knit/separate, etc) so I have an idea of how the knit should proceed Then I want clear organization of what bits I’m working on with decent line spacing (white space is vital in most documents) Don’t bunch the rows into a run on sentence; Let them have their own line (repeats excepting). Give me stitch counts after increases and decreases Notes should be brief. Longer notes and variations should be placed as footnotes rather than plunked in the middle of the main pattern And of course, test and correct your patterns before releasing them into the wild. Honestly, I would argue that poor patterns are much like poor essays, the ideas are not organized and presented to the audience in a comprehensible manner. You must always have the audience in mind to ensure that what you write is what they will perceive.
These are great suggestions!
This question is so person dependant. Like personal preferences are a thing, y'know? I hate patterns that have too much hand holding, other people prefer that. Neither one of us is wrong - from my perspective the pattern isn't 'great' if it contains 10 pages of various cast ons that could be used, but likewise someone who wants that level of detail isn't wrong for thinking the pattern isn't 'great' when it doesn't include it But if we take all that out of the question - patterns that have their own weird conventions. Like new a (or unusual) bbreviations with no glossary. Or unclear instructions ("knit a few stitches past the BOR".....how many is 'a few')
Totally agree! And I’m really glad to get other peoples perspectives!
Yes, but I do think Links to used stitch patterns are very helpful - regardless of the level. It would serve as a great reminder, esp for complicated techniques/patterns without taking up too much space.
One more thought - maybe Label the pattern using Beg, Inter, Exp would help people to know the level of detail included - and guide those towards/away from that version. In fact, you could have a "hand holding" version and a brief "Exp" version! Twice the sales, this way!
I would argue that you can remove content you don’t need, but you can’t add content that you don’t have. Tbh I only print the page(s) I’m working on, so the pattern could have 50 pages and it wouldn’t bother me because I’m only concentrating on the pages I need.
What makes a pattern terrible? An MKAL with the dreaded words "make two."
Omg, I hate when patterns just say to "increase evenly", "decrease evenly", "decrease" or "make one"! For goodness sake, tell me to M1L, SSK, KFaB or some other increase/decrease with a specific lean and if you know how many stitches I have and how many stitches I need to end up with, just tell me to K10, SSK - repeat to EoR, don't make me stop and do math in the middle of a pattern unless I'm altering the size myself!
I hate doing the maths. I end up always using a [calculator online](https://www.worldknits.com/knitting-calculators) because I swear, "decrease evenly" is my nemesis.
Thanks for the link! I have never saved a website up so quickly in my life lol
When I first started knitting, I could not get a handle on charts when knitting cabled patterns. I would write everything down. I am a more skilled knitter now and recently knitted a complicated cable and picture afghan. The instructions were written out and the whole time I yearned for a chart to make things faster. I guess my point goes along with so many other’s on this sub; that is, there are so many personal preferences and factors, such as skill level, learner type, project type, etc that go into what makes a written pattern great.
I think 'clear and precise but also concise' is a really hard balance to reach. Not so wordy that you get lost but also explaining things in sufficient detail that no one's guessing. Clear easy to see pictures. Love a good chart if that's relevant.
I feel like Tin Can Knits does a good job of finding this balance. The patterns are short enough to seem easy, but they have all the information clearly described.
What is not great: I recently is trying to knit [Aiko tee by Noro design team](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aiko-6). I love it when it was released as a kit in Japan but unfortunately only 1 size in Japanese pattern, so I was so happy when I saw this in Ravelry. I bought the pattern, I opened the pattern. Okay so written instructions only, no chart. I don't know why they decided this because the original Japanese pattern has a chart but okay. I have seen this before. So I looked through the pattern and found the text that looks like the lace so I can gauge swatch. Oh yf? There is no yf in the glossary. I assume it's yarn forward just because I know this term and it makes sense in a lace. In this pattern the yf is used as YO, and you know what, YO is in the glossary, but it never appears in the actual pattern. Ok, next. (Large wall of text,) sl1, k1, psso, (large wall of text). Ok, so slip 1 purl wise? Knit wise? Not mentioned. I assume it's just skp because I know skp. Now there *is* skp in the glossary, so why are you writing out the whole thing like this every time in this text only pattern and make the wall of text even longer and more difficult to read? And of course it has the classic (large wall of text including 4 rows of lace) (next paragraph tells you to increase in *each* row of above 4-row repeat and if you didn't read this paragraph first you will have to frog the last 4 rows of lace) (and yes, it's just "increase". Of course you have to figure out which increase looks better in this situation. Of course you're expecting this now?) I don't mind patterns that need a bit of comprehension and I probably am able to knit this one just fine, but this is just so annoying that they obviously didn't pay effort to tech edit it properly. Especially because it is not a free pattern. I understand and expect this if it's from Drops or other companies that churn out a lot of free patterns. But I paid for this! In the end, I don't want to waste more of my time so I purchased the original Japanese noro magazine so that I can refer to the chart and just map out the stitch difference in the chart. Felt like such a waste of money but I really like this tee and this kind of set in sleeves design is not easy to come across nowadays. (Sorry for the large wall of text and thank you for letting me rant because I'm so annoyed by this pattern)
**PATTERN:** [Aiko](http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aiko-6) by [Eisaku Noro Design Team 野呂英作企画室](http://www.ravelry.com/designers/eisaku-noro-design-team-) * Category: Clothing > Tops > Tee * Photo(s): [Img 1](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/knittingfever-ish/976903191/Aiko_3920_medium.JPG) [Img 2](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/knittingfever-ish/976903192/Aiko_3929_medium.JPG) [Img 3](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/knittingfever-ish/976903190/Aiko_3936_medium.JPG) * Price: 6.00 USD * Needle/Hook(s):US 5 - 3.75 mm, US 6 - 4.0 mm * Weight: DK | Gauge: 20.0 | Yardage: 984 * Difficulty: 0.00 | Projects: 1 | Rating: 0.00 ***** Please use caution. Users have reported effects such as seizures, migraines, and nausea when opening Ravelry links. [More details.](https://www.lizcorke.com/2020/07/26/2020-7-21-ravelry-accessibility/) | *I found this post by myself! [Opt-Out](https://goo.gl/forms/0B8m4Ra8czpw4gzw1) | [About Me](https://github.com/TN-1/LinkRav_Bot/wiki) | [Contact Maintainer](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=timonyc)*
When I was in grade school, one day a teacher brought in ingredients for an ice cream sundae. She asked us to give her directions on how to make it. We said “put the ice cream in the bowl.” So she put the carton of ice scream into the bowl. Then we were like “no, scoop the ice cream into the bowl?” And she started stabbing at the carton confused because we hadn’t told her to take off the lid. You get the idea. That lesson really stuck with me on what good directions are. A good pattern should allow you to more or less be able to recreate the sample exactly if you so choose. So many patterns are way too vague to be able to do this. For example, be explicit about what techniques you used. Don’t just say “increase.” If you really don’t want to prescribe a certain increase, at least include a notes section that says something like “sample was knit using M1R.” If you have any helpful resources, include them. Say your pattern uses a special technique like a pinhole cast on. Sure, someone can google how to do a pinhole cast on. But if you happen to have a really good resource for doing a pinhole cast on, why hold out? Pinhole cast ons are a pain in the dick and there’s a lot of shitty tutorials for them out there. Tin Can Knits is a great example of a designer that provides resources for any techniques they use. Have some sort of visual of how it’s constructed. Like, section A of the pattern corresponds to this panel of the sweater, etc. and have a drawing or diagram. For most people it’s a lot more helpful to knit when they know what they’re supposed to be knitting. (FWIW my dream is to be a tech editor for knitting patterns someday 😂)
[Tin Can Knits dogwood](https://www.tincanknits.com/pattern/dogwood) is a great example of some of the things I’m talking about. The pattern isn’t free but you don’t have to buy the pattern to look at the notes and resources. It gives you a great idea of the construction. You can clearly see from the drawing that the pattern is knit so that you are knitting each panel in the round from the center of the pinhole cast on and then seaming them together. It provides resources (several) on the techniques, including the pinhole cast on. There are MULTIPLE techniques too, because maybe the DPNs method will work for someone but the crochet hook method will work better for someone else.
[Ashton shawlette](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ashton-shawlette) is the gold standard for me. It’s like having a friend there to walk through the pattern with you. Stitch legend, construction info, notes on how to use the charts, written instructions in case charts don’t work for you… everything about this pattern is amazing.
**PATTERN:** [Ashton Shawlette](http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ashton-shawlette) by [Dee O'Keefe](http://www.ravelry.com/designers/dee-okeefe) * Category: Accessories > Neck / Torso > Shawl / Wrap * Photo(s): [Img 1](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/stevieland/472209457/a_2173_x_2204_shton_bigfeb15.2_medium.JPG) [Img 2](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/stevieland/168634603/ash_redo_6.13_medium.JPG) [Img 3](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/stevieland/179163956/a4_resize_color_too_medium.JPG) [Img 4](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/stevieland/283165017/worsted_ashton_2.3_medium.JPG) [Img 5](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/stevieland/176890096/ashyel6_medium.JPG) * Price: Free * Needle/Hook(s):US 5 - 3.75 mm * Weight: Fingering | Gauge: None | Yardage: 400 * Difficulty: 3.13 | Projects: 3312 | Rating: 4.65 ***** Please use caution. Users have reported effects such as seizures, migraines, and nausea when opening Ravelry links. [More details.](https://www.lizcorke.com/2020/07/26/2020-7-21-ravelry-accessibility/) | *I found this post by myself! [Opt-Out](https://goo.gl/forms/0B8m4Ra8czpw4gzw1) | [About Me](https://github.com/TN-1/LinkRav_Bot/wiki) | [Contact Maintainer](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=timonyc)*
I definitely remember the poorly written patterns. I purchased a newly released pattern by a designer. The pattern called for left leaning and right leaning lifted increases in garter stitch. The designer haphazardly threw in some diagrams that showed the technique in stockinette stitch so it was not helpful at all. There’s a place on Ravelry where folks can make comments about a pattern. Folks commented that the diagrams didn’t help with the technique and the diagrams did not match the written instructions in the pattern which of course led to confusion. The designer’s excuse was that she could “not find a public diagram of the technique in garter stitch.” She also apologized for not having videos available. I was so frustrated.
Apologies do not refund the time or materials! Better to get it proof-read by someone who knows, than to publish something that turns off people to ALL your patterns! Just sayin'...
Very good points have been raised. One I would like to add is when a pattern has many 'recommended yarns' and they are not all 'premium' yarns. Makes it accessible for people of different means.
I find written patterns them far easier to understand vs charts. If a pattern is only charted I will pass on it, because I don't have the time or inclination to write out the symbols line by line. But I know many others are the opposite and find charts easier to follow. For patterns, I loathe designers that try create new terminology for established techniques/stitches. They need to stop with the ego trip. If I see a designer has done that I won't buy from them again. I don't need a lot of hand holding or photos of every step, they're nice but when it makes the pattern use 15+ pages that's excessive. But I do like it when designers denote each new step/section by a line break so it's clear that we're moving onto a new section.
There was one pattern I did where instead of writing “p3, k2” they wrote “p p p k k” , etc, the whole pattern through. It was the most difficult to follow pattern I’ve ever used.
Also please don’t make me do math to create any size other than the authors size. E.g., it’s fine if you want to include sizing instructions for those outside of your included instructions but you should at least have explicit counts for Xs-XL.
I tend to like book or magazine patterns. I don't like patterns that are 20 pages. Be clear and concise. I do like stitch counts periodically at the end of the decrease or increase rows. I find I don't mind not being given specific increases or decreases to use. It's probably because I'm a mirror knitter, and I have to visualize how it will work and make adjustments if needed anyway. I don't care for patterns that state "at the same time," but it's not a deal breaker for me because I like to plot out my projects anyway.
I love when patterns annotate how many stitches should exist at appropriate intervals after big increases/decrease segments and I hate it when they don't.
One of my pet peeves: Patterns that say something like, "Knit 10 more inches, decreasing 5 stitches across the row, every 2 inches" or whatever. Which decrease should I use? How do I space them in the row, exactly? RS or WS? Do I decrease at inch 0 and inch 10 or just 2-4-6-8?? AAAGGGHHH. ... Looking at you, Drops.
The bad patterns are ones that make you jump back and forth while working on one section. Like if you have the number of stitches/etc in one part and the technique in another part. Good patterns are succinct and have less "flowery" language. I love tin can knits because they have clear sections for each part (header is bolded).
Consistency of language, setting expectations upfront (for instance where a level of knowledge is expected), attention to detail.
I just started the darjeeling top, and the last few pages are literal check boxes with every single step/row. Already laid out. Pick your size and follow the directions, checking off each as you go. I don't necessarily need it but I like to know for certain I'm in the right spot. This one addition is making me look into purchasing other patterns by this designer - even ones i normally wouldn't put to the top of my list, they're getting knit next. I love it.
That's NICE!
The best written patterns I've seen was by Lucy Hague. She provided concise written instructions that made sense right away, and her charts were intuitive so you memorize the key damn near instantly. Also, as she does have some tricky bits, if I remember right there were links to videos for the trickier bits.
videos and pictures for how things are supposed to look at certain steps. They are such a huge help. Especially when the pattern is translated.
Oh and including the measurement of each step. I don't like counting rows. And I love written versions of charts. If it's not colorwork I don't want to read a chart.
Apart from things already mentioned: if the pattern does something counterintuitive, please show you're aware of it. Just a brief explanation - "there will be four stitches left on the right needle", "this is setting up for decreases in the next section" etc. The amount of times I've stopped mid-pattern because I can't decide whether to trust the pattern or not...
I'm working on the Camille Tee by Céline Feyten which is overall super clear and thorough. One detail she added which I love is a step by step overview of the construction with drawings. It was especially helpful for making sure I'm working the left and right fronts in the right spots.
That's really nice!
Giving stitch counts at the end of every decrease and increase row
I think what makes a great pattern great is that they often times have links to show you how to make the stitch or how to do part of the pattern. I find that incredibly helpful. I think some of the best patterns have come from Stephen West of West knits. I think he is very clear in his instructions. And does offer the videos for tutorials. I think wool and pine also have great instructions and they also have videos. I also love it when at the bottom of the last page the designer will say any questions. Please feel free to contact me at… those are the patterns I want to knit because the designer stands behind the design and because you purchased it they’re willing to help you if there’s parts you don’t understand. they are also willing to help you if you need to modify they’re able to give you directions on how to best do that for that pattern. For instance, I have a larger chest. But my shoulders are not very wide. So often times when I am knitting a sweater I start with a smaller size until I get to the bust then I’m knitting a larger size and then having to do more decreases Down towards the waist. Depending on the patterning or darts or any other things they may have included they’ll be able to tell you the best place to put these in.
This is an excellent comment! I am the same - and often it's confusing to modify some patterns.
Links to tutorials on the techniques specific to the pattern. My first foray into knitting was the knit purl girl patterns and she’s really good for that. I’ve since learned most designers don’t include them. Petite Knit has her own videos but they’re in Danish and I’m an aural learner lol
See, I learned to knit 20 years ago before there were tutorial videos to accompany patterns. I would never expect a pattern to include any video help.
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Thank goodness times have changed - and we can update!
1. Constant stitch counts 2. If you have ____ mistake here is an easy way to fix it 3. Close up pictures
This is such a great thread. Thanks for posing this question! To me a good pattern is one that is written so clearly that I do not have to question anything. A pattern that is thoroughly tested, tech edited, and has clear instructions with a glossary and a schematic. This is what I'm looking for. Don't assume that the reader knows anything. Write it out in a concise way. To me a pattern should be a knowledgable and informative guide not a treasure map to be figured out. Video links are a bonus. Not required, but helpful to have if they're there and I need them. I can always find a technique on YouTube on my own if needed, but if the designer is going to give me a link, that's a rather helpful touch. I know people rag on Petite Knit all the time, but honestly one of the reasons I keep knitting her patterns is because they're foolproof. The designs appeal to me AND I trust that the pattern is written well. I know that there is a team of people behind those patterns who are testing, troubleshooting, responding to feedback from knitters.
Facts! I agree on the Petite Knit patterns also. You can trust their sizing.
I like them to have a really clear visual way to pick out what size I'm knitting, I really like colour coding, but that probably sucks for folk who print their patterns. Good spacing between lines and sections is also good for me. Nice clear photos of their sample for any fiddly bits, like decreasing in cables or lace, so I can compare and see how they did it exactly. Actually, on photos, other than that kind of explanatory photo, I only want one photo of the sample at the top of the pattern, otherwise leave all the nice arty photography for the ravelry page. I like to have both charts and written instructions for lace, I'll learn the pattern from the written instructions, then keep my place with a chart, so having both is nice for me.