I learned to knit when I was seven years old. I absolutely love the feel of the yarn, the movement of the needles and to see my work come together. I have written my own patterns, had fun and made numerous items both functional and fun.
Friends have given me patterns over the years from relative’s stashes, old books and other places. Most had no pictures with them; knowing what they looked like would mean knitting a swatch.
Sometimes, I like a stitch pattern within a sweater, but do not like the sweater or item itself. I’ll isolate the stitch pattern and write it down.
After collecting a box of patterns, I decided to do something about it. I made my own knitting pattern book.
You will need:
- · Pen and paper, typewriter or computer
- · Digital camera (optional)
- · Knitting needles and yarn
- · Pattern
- · Scissors
- · Stapler
- · Plastic baggies with zipper lock
Step One:
I purchased an inexpensive “family photo album.” I chose the old-fashioned kind that has wide pages.
Step Two:
Since many of my patterns were hand-written, I copied them on a typewriter. This was in the days before I owned a computer; now I use Word.
Step Three:
I’m not a great photographer by any means. Most of my pictures do not show the details of my knitting. If you can, take pictures that clearly show the stitches. Professional photographers have the skill, cameras and studios.
Me, I decided to do something different. I practiced knitting each pattern with different sized needles. I decided to use size 0 needles and size 30 crochet yarn. Some of the swatches were made using size 3 needles and baby yarn.
I made four-inch square swatches of each pattern. I placed the swatches in the plastic baggies and stapled them to each photo album page in a way that allows me to open the bag. I can remove the swatch so I can look closely at the details.
I placed the patterns into page protectors and glued the protectors onto the album pages. I can take the patterns out any time.
Step Four:
Every pattern is clearly labeled on the album page, the baggie, the page, the protector and the swatch. A tag attached to the swatch also contains the size of needle and yarn used to make it.
If I have used the pattern in a project, I make a note of it and include the information on the page. I also include information such as how the project looked and how the pattern worked for the recipient.
Step Five:
I had to decide whether or not to place my pages in the album by alphabetical order or categorize my patterns under headings such as “Lace,” “Cables” and so forth.
I decided to go with alphabetical order.
Step Six:
I made an index for the front page. Each pattern name was listed with the page number and category. “Lace,” “Cables,” “Filler stitches” and more were used to list the patterns.
I lost my precious album in an overseas move when I was returning from England. I hope a knitter found it.
I’m building another.
Sometimes, friends ask me about why I collect patterns. Not every pattern is written in a book. I still create and write my own. One fact about knitting stitch patterns is simple: any stitch pattern can be inserted into any piece of work as long as the required number of stitches is present.
This album can be used to store your knitting, spinning, dyeing or crochet work. It makes a terrific Christmas present. Place the baggies, page protector, tags and blank labels in the book and give it to your friend.
Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse forms of DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects, RV’ing and more.
