Author: Maz from the Knitting Times. Our posts contain some affiliate links.

This post is about writing clear instructions when designing knitting patterns.

I am asking for your opinion. More specifically, I would love to know about the type of explanations that you like to see on a pattern.

I have an Etsy store where I sell a handful of instant download PDF knitting patterns. These are easy accessories that I have designed over the years.

I recently received my first ever really bad review. Now, any online presence, including selling, requires a thick skin. People will be negative, and of course bad reviews are part and parcel of running any business.

I am discussing this particular review today because I want to improve my knitting patterns. My goal is to make written instructions as easy and clear as possible. I am sure other designers will be interested in feedback too.

I would be really grateful if you would take a little look at the review and the actual instructions. You see, I have looked at the knitting pattern and I think what I wrote makes sense. It is of course difficult to critique one’s own work though.

Ok, let’s get right to it. Here is the Etsy review of doom for my design, which is an easy super chunky beanie hat for adults. This design is called The Girlfriend Beanie.

So that is the review. The issue is the way I described the finishing of the hat. This is what the pattern actually says:

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail for seaming, and pull it through the remaining stitches to form the top of the hat and then sew up the back seam.

Weave in loose ends.

Hmm. Looking at it, I guess the sentence is too long. And the review said the instructions weren’t in chronological order. The reviewer also mentioned that there were ‘extra words’ that she didn’t appreciate. The review also states that it isn’t a very elaborate pattern. I don’t actually know what that means or how it fits in with the extra words issue. This is a knitting pattern for a very easy to knit hat.

Dear Reader, I would be very grateful for any opinions you have about this issue. How do you expect or would like to see the description of the finishing of a hat?

I think that because I have knit so many hats I do the finishing part automatically. Which means that the process is not always easy to put into words.

I am most grateful for any hints, tips, and opinions about writing clear instructions for knitting patterns. I am especially interested in what you find easy to follow when you are finishing your piece of knitting. I am sure that many knitting designers would love to hear your much valued feedback in the comments section.

You can check out the The Girlfriend Beanie hat knitting pattern here. It is a very nice hat but has awful instructions 🙂

Thank you for reading this post about written knitting pattern instructions, it is very much appreciated.