One of the key building blocks of knitting is stitch patterns. Every sweater, blanket, sock, dog coat, whatever, has at its heart one or more stitch patterns – combinations of purls, knits, yarn overs, slips, knit togethers and all the other knitting elements, that make a pattern. These can go from the very simple – garter, knit all stitches – to intricate lace that takes real focus to avoid making mistakes.
While there are numerous online libraries of stitch patterns, I’ve failed to find one that works as a database, where you can search for parameters that might guide your selection.
That’s why I’ve started building an interactive library, which I’m opening up today for people to start using so I can see whether it is worth pursuing.
I’ve listed stitches according to a number of parameters:
repeat – how many rows are required to set the pattern
fabric – what does the pattern look like
look – does it look the same on both sides (reversible) or not
colours – what are the minimum number of colours needed for the pattern
number of stitches – this is a key one, and where I think the database will be really helpful. How many stitches are needed to set the pattern
**update** based on feedback, I’ve also added a difficulty rating. 1 star for patterns that are combinations of knits and purls, 2 stars for patterns that use slips, yarn overs, increases and decreases and 3 stars for other more expert techniques.
There are then a few other selectors – does the pattern give straight sides, a shaped cast-on edge or does the cast-on edge curl.
Then there’s a photo. On the day of launching, I have knit every one of these patterns myself and uploaded the photo and description. Once I start accepting submissions that might not be the case, but I would hope to try them all and only have verified patterns in the database.
So there it is. I’d love your thoughts on this – is it useful, what have I left out, anything really. Have fun with it and keep checking in for new stitches.
Photo by Les Triconautes on Unsplash