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FAQ for designers and authors
[Last update: Sept 30, 2021]
NOTE: Please download the latest version of our style guide before preparing your submission.
Q1. What types of patterns are you looking for?
A1. We are now soliciting patterns for our Spring+Summer issue which goes live March 2022. We accept both knitting and crochet (including Tunsian crochet) designs, and are happy to see designs that incorporate multiple techniques.
Please be sure to download the new Style Guide Template and write your pattern into that document. Your Tech Editor will love you for it. (And make you do it if you didn't in the first place, so...ya know. Please do it.)
The deadline for Spring+Summer 2022 is January 1, 2022. Here is our publication schedule:
| Issue |
Theme |
Submission
Deadline |
Issue live |
| Spring+Summer 2022 |
Beach dreaming (see below): Warm-to-hot-weather garments + accessories |
Jan 1, 2022 |
Mar 2022 |
First Fall + Holiday Headstart
2022 |
Living in lace: Transitional cool-weather layers + things to knit early for holiday gifting...no mohair or angora! |
Mar 15, 2022 |
June 2022 |
| Deep Fall 2022 |
Pop Culture: Super-cozy cool-weather garments + accessories |
June 15, 2022 |
Sep 2022 |
| Winter 2022 |
Midnight Sun: Cold-weather garments + accessories, quick last-minute gift knits |
Sep 15, 2022 |
Dec 2022 |
Starting in 2022, we're re-introducing themes to our issues. Designs don't have to follow the theme, but we hope these thought-starters will inspire you into something fabulous.
SPRING 2022's theme is BEACH DREAMING.
Whether you actually get to go to a beach, or just wish you could, what would you want to wear once you're there? On the sand, along a rocky shore, or wandering the streets of a charming beach town. Beaches can be tropical, but they can also be the sandy banks of a lake up north, or along the side of a slow-moving river. Sitting around a campfire as the night gets cold, after a day in the lake. Fresh, bright color combinations, the feeling of linen against your skin, summer naps, waking up to a beach view. We love t-shirt sweaters, and flowy things feel right to us, too. And we're very pro-stripes.
Think about how to turn your design into something extra special...a twist in the construction, an unusual stitch pattern or technique. And remember: we also like weird things that make you gasp or giggle.
A reminder: crocheted patterns are now welcome at Knitty (including Tunisian crochet), as well as combo knit-crochet patterns!
We're open to whatever you can create, especially if its got some sort of twist in the construction or design details. What we love most is innovation: what twist can you bring to your design that will catch the eye of our readers? Be creative!
Note: Our own Kate Atherley wrote a great beginner's book about how to write knitting patterns, if you need guidance.
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Remember: we also like weird and surprising things that make you gasp or giggle. To get an idea of what like to publish for Spring+Summer, some suggestions: 2021 | 2020 | 2019
We don't do novelty yarn, and we rarely publish children's garments or accessories, unless they're exceptionally clever or unique. For the best chance of being published, submit your designs for men's or women's sweaters. We prefer saturated semi-solid colors over neutrals, unless a neutral is the perfect thing for your design.
Remember, as you design for Knitty, ask yourself this: what makes your design unique? Tell us about it when you write your e-mail to us. Bullet points are fine. Be clear and succinct.
An important reminder: Knitty is religion and politics neutral,
so nothing related to any religion or political party will be published.
Submissions must be new -- not previously shown in any form [even just a picture] in another mag or on any website, including Ravelry or Instagram. Once your work is published in Knitty, you may include a picture on your website with a link to the Knitty website. After the following issue is published [3 months later], you may do whatever you wish with your work, including self publishing or submitting it to other publications. The copyright for your work always remains with you.
Q2. What yarn should I use?
A2. The choice of yarn is entirely up to you. We encourage you to use currently available yarn and colorways. Please be aware of the total cost of the project as you choose your yarn; we want as many people as possible to be able to knit your design in the original yarn, if they wish to. Super luxury yarns are not the best choice unless the project is small. If the yarn you use is discontinued by the time your pattern is submitted, please list an alternate that will produce similar results.
Q2a. Does Knitty arrange yarn support?
A2a. We try to facilitate this when possible for established contributors to Knitty (ie we know you and your work). Established contributors may email the editor with your concept, sketches, swatches and yarn requirements as far in advance of the issue your work is planned for as you possibly can.
Q3. What do you pay for submissions?
A3. The honorarium ranges from $175-200USD per published submission. Payment will be by Paypal and contributors can expect payment by the time the issue's surprise goes live -- midway between your issue and the next.
In addition to the honorarium, we offer you a highly visible, professional place to show your work to a large, well-connected audience, plus a link back to the website(s) of your choice. Our designers and authors can enjoy significant traffic as a result of their Knitty exposure, and often see a spike in their pattern sales as a result. If you've dreamed of becoming a professional published knitwear designer or writer, Knitty could help you get there. It's also a great way to build an audience and generate sales for your own pattern line or other knitting-related product.
You [the creator of the work] will retain all copyrights to your own work. By submitting work to be published in Knitty and accepting the honorarium, you are giving your permission for your pattern or article and all related images to be included in Knitty magazine in its current format and other electronic or computer-readable distribution formats. Back issues of Knitty [our Library] will remain available online indefinitely.
Once the current issue that showcases your pattern or article has moved to the Library [our archives], you are free to do as you wish with the pattern or article, which includes submitting it elsewhere or self publishing.
Q4. How soon can I expect to hear back about my submission?
A4. Consideration for each issue's designs begins after the submission deadline has closed, and it can take between 2 weeks to 2.5 months to receive a final decision on your work.
Once the submission deadline has passed and all potential designs are in hand, we begin the selection process. We endeavor to let every designer know if they will be included in the next issue as soon as possible. If you have not heard from us by two weeks before publication, please write the editor and inquire.
Patterns not given an initial YES or NO response are being evaluated for possible publication in a future issue. Should we wish to hold your pattern for a future issue, we will write and ask for your permission to do so.
Q5. My submission was not accepted. Should I resubmit it in the future?
A5. Thank you for asking, but no. If your design might work for Knitty, but just not in the upcoming issue, the editor will ask your permission to hold their design for consideration for a future issue. If the editor thinks your design would work with modifications, she will contact you to discuss this.
Q6. How do you select what gets published?
A6. Our editors choose what they like and/or what they think Knitty readers will like. The quality of the knitted item, written pattern AND the images that accompany the submission are very important.
No payment is or has ever been accepted by Knitty in exchange for publishing a design. If it's in our pages, it's there because we think people will enjoy knitting it or be inspired by it.
Q7. What are your deadlines for future issues?
A7. Please take careful note of our deadlines below, and check this page every time you're starting to prepare a submission. We don't want you to lose out because a deadline changed and you missed it!
Q8. How should I prepare my charts?
A8. Knitty uses Stitch Mastery software exclusively to prepare all our charts. If you use this software, please submit both .knt2 and .jpg files for charts. The Tech Editors will thank you. If you cannot use Stitch Mastery, please refer to the Spreadsheet portion of this article for instructions on a simple way to chart with free software (or Excel or Numbers, should you have either of those).
Q9. My work was published in Knitty. When will I be paid?
A9. Payment to all contributors happens around the time that the issue's surprise goes live -- midway between your issue and the next.
Please read and follow all instructions precisely.
Knitty Patterns [see below for additional Knittyspin pattern guidelines]
All design submissions for our Spring+Summer 2022 issue must be received by January 1, 2022. If you are close to having a pattern ready on that date, but need more time, please write the Editor and provide details.
Your submission must include the following, sent as individual files (not one PDF that has the pattern text and images in it) using our online submission form:
1. A complete written knitting or crochet pattern that adheres to the Knitty style guide in a Word or text-only document. Please download this template in RTF format and follow the conventions exactly when creating your submission. Your work will be edited for clarity and format.
Do not send a formatted PDF pattern with photos included. Please use the template provided, and upload the photos and schematic as individual files.
Measurements should be provided in both Imperial (inches) and Metric (millimeters/centimeters).
IMPORTANT: Take some time to read patterns we've published and follow our conventions. A table of Knitty's standard abbreviations can be found here. List any unusual abbreviations and their definitions at the beginning of your pattern in the Pattern Notes section.
Please use current, commercially available yarns whenever possible. "Commercially available" means, at minimum, that the yarn can be ordered from a website, all over the world, without difficulty.
If the yarn you have used is discontinued by the time your pattern is submitted, please list an alternate that will produce similar results. Your pattern will be edited to meet our standards.
All garment patterns must be sized from XS to 5X for women's designs and S to 5X for men's. Knitty requires all patterns to follow CYC sizing standards. Please do not create your own size increments. These standards need to be applied to every pattern submission, and if your pattern doesn't match these numbers, we'll ask you to revise it in order to be able to publish it.
Visit our new page that will help you with sizing standards and information about grading a pattern to different sizes. Need help with sizing? Ysolda has created a brilliant chart that we highly recommend.
Please pay particular attention to fit as you grade the sizes upwards, and note any possible pattern adjustment recommendations such as bust darts in the Pattern Notes section. Patterns must be graded to the requested size range by the designer before submission to Knitty.
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2.  A clean sketch of the silhouette of the pattern [see example at right] that shows all relevant measurements in Imperial and Metric. If your pattern covers multiple sizes, please indicate their measurements as well. The sketch should be provided as a GIF file, or EPS artwork, if you are able. Clean, hand-drawn sketches are acceptable.
3. A selection of clean digital images [JPG, best possible quality] of the finished project at 300dpi, at least 1000 pixels wide. Please include as many photos as you can -- pretty shots for atmosphere, and a variety of clear detail shots showing the piece from all sides. Do keep your original, unedited photos. If chosen, the editor may request more photos, or larger versions of the ones you've submitted. Please note this addition as you plan your shoot, and choose the setting and person(s) who will model the items.
Please ensure that all relevant design features are visible in the photos you send, since this often helps people follow patterns. The style and quality of your photos is very important, so show your work to its best advantage! Have a photo shoot, take lots of different shots from different angles and have fun with the poses! Non-traditional poses are what we love best. Photos need to be well-lit and in crisp focus.
Are you a designer that's new to Knitty? [as in we haven't published your work before]: It's absolutely essential that your submission photos be clear, in focus, bright, and of the style that we request above. The quality of the photos is an essential component of everyone's submission.
In order to evaluate each submission properly, every submission MUST contain photos that are good enough to publish. As always, if you are unable to provide images that meet all our guidelines by deadline, but will provide them soon after, let us know in your submission notes and we can likely work something out. We know that taking great images can be a challenge for some, and if your design is fabulous, we can help you get there with a little coaching after deadline.
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Photography tips:
- Knitty's readership is worldwide and diverse, encompassing people of every possible age, size, color and gender. We encourage you to choose a model (yourself or someone you know) who reflects your perspective on the world. A wide range of diversity in our models is important to us, and we welcome the opportunity to reflect the reality of the world around us in this way.
- Shoot the photo in a bright, naturally lit location. Outdoor shots are usually a great choice. Avoid flash photography unless you're using professional studio equipment.
example 1 • example 2 • example 3
- The background and styling of the photo should be interesting and enhance or pleasantly contrast with the garment/item but not distract from it. Avoid standing against a tree or a wall, please. Unless it's a really cool wall. Also please remember that people have heads, and your photos should, too.
example 1 • example 2 • example 3
- If your submission is wearable, please photograph it on a human model in the way you want to see it worn and in an appropriate setting. i.e. if it's a formal item, make the accessories, associated clothing and background formal as well; if it's a winter item, try to make the scene feel like winter, even if the current season isn't the least bit snowy. Choose a model who is the correct size for the garment. If you mean it to be worn oversized, please put it on a model who will show it as an oversized garment. If it should fit with minimal ease, then it should be worn by someone whose body measurements are close to the measurements of the garment.
example 1 • example 2 • example 3
- Items like scarves, shawls, bags, and other flattish items should be shown flat against a neutral background in a few of the submitted photos so that all key knitting details can be clearly seen. Modelled shots are also important to set the mood for your design.
example 1 • example 2 • example 3
- We can't accept photos of finished items on stuffed toys, dolls or dogs, unless those items are specifically meant to be worn by stuffed toys, dolls or dogs. If you've knit a baby garment, please show the garment on a real baby. :-)
example 1 • example 2 • example 3
- Remember: Knitty is a publication with a sense of humor and we're not afraid of different; we prefer it.
example 1 • example 2 • example 3
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4. A signed, dated statement that the pattern you are submitting is your own original work. Please copy the following text, sign below and include it with your submission:
By submitting a design to be published in Knitty, I verify that I am the original creator of the work, and that I have not infringed and/or violated the existing intellectual property rights of any third person in the creation of the work I claim as mine. Further, I agree to hold Knitty and its editors and publisher harmless from any and all expenses, losses, liabilities, damages or third-party claims that may arise from any infringement and/or violation of such intellectual property rights. The one-time fee paid by Knitty is my full compensation for all electronic and/or computer-readable media distribution rights. This notice will serve as my written permission to allow my pattern and all related images to be published in Knitty magazine in its current format and in any future format in perpetuity.
To send us your submission, use our direct submission method using our simple online form.
If you are unable to use the form, you may send the submission by email to the Editor. Kindly title your e-mail: "Knitty Spring+Summer 2022 pattern sub: *yourpatternnamehere*"
Tutorials
[see below for additional Knittyspin article guidelines]
Tutorials of unique techniques, or techniques that have not yet been covered by other articles in our archive are most welcome. Tutorials require clean, detailed photography and clear step-by-step instructions. Do you have a unique skill related to knitting or fiber? Share what you know! To have the best chance of being published, a tutorial should accompany a pattern designed by you. See pattern submission guidelines above for the full requirements.
Tutorials for our Spring+Summer 2022 issue must be received by January 1, 2022. Submissions must be from 1000 to 2000 words in length. Submit files in Word or as text-only documents. If accepted for publication, your work will be edited for clarity and format.
Your submission must include the following, sent as individual files (not one PDF that has the pattern text and images in it) using our online submission form:
1. Supporting graphics or photography are essential. As an example, see this article. The photographs of the process, yarns and color key were supplied by the author. This is a very good thing. Important: Note the name of each image in the location you feel it belongs in your article.
Image guidelines: Clean, well-lit digital images [JPG, best possible quality], 72dpi, at least 1000 pixels wide. Please include as many photos as you can. We will crop and retouch as needed. As with patterns, photo quality is very important.
2. Contact details -- please include:
- Your name as you wish it to be published
- an e-mail address where readers can send questions or feedback
- your Paypal e-mail address so we can pay you
- the URL to your website or blog, if you wish us to link to you
- a short bio [100 words max], written in 3rd person
- a headshot of you
- the name of any models featured in photographs you submit
- the photographer's name
3. A signed, dated statement that the pattern you are submitting is your own original work. Please copy the following text, sign below and include it with your submission:
By submitting an tutorial to be published in Knitty, I verify that I am the original creator of the work, and that I have not infringed and/or violated the existing intellectual property rights of any third person in the creation of the work I claim as mine. Further, I agree to hold Knitty and its editors and publisher harmless from any and all expenses, losses, liabilities, damages or third-party claims that may arise from any infringement and/or violation of such intellectual property rights. The one-time fee paid by Knitty is my full compensation for all electronic and/or computer-readable media distribution rights. This notice will serve as my written permission to allow my article and all related images to be published in Knitty magazine in its current format and in any future format in perpetuity.
To send us your submission, use our direct submission method with our simple online form.
If you are unable to use the form, you may send the submission by email to the Editor. Kindly title your e-mail: "Knitty Spring+Summer 2022 tutorial sub: *yourarticlenamehere*"
Knittyspin Patterns
Knittyspin is for people who want to knit with handspun yarn, whether they have spun it themselves or not. Handspun yarn is used in a lot of beautiful accessories and we get many accessories submitted each issue. We really want to encourage you to submit patterns for garments, especially garments that combine handspun and commercial yarn.
Knittyspin follows the same guidelines as our big sister, Knitty, but we have our own style guide. Please download this MSWord document or the text-only version and follow the conventions exactly when creating your submission. The Knitty pattern guidelines apply for the rest of your submission.
To send us your submission, use our direct submission method with our simple online form.
If you are unable to use the form, you may send the submission by email to the Editor. Kindly title your e-mail: "Knittyspin Spring+Summer 2022 pattern sub: *yourpatternnamehere*"
Knittyspin Articles
Articles about all aspects of spinning, and all aspects of knitting with handspun are welcome.
Knittyspin follows the same guidelines as our big sister, Knitty. Read the requirements for Articles above. In addition, please include any of the following details that are applicable to your article:
Fiber: (include company, colorway and where it is available to purchase)
Preparation:
Drafting method:
Ply:
Wheel system: [double drive, scotch tension or bobbin drive]
Ratio (singles/plying):
Wraps per inch:
Twist angle:
Yardage used:
Yarn classification: (please include a commercial substitute)
Yardage used:
Finished size:
To send us your submission, use our direct submission method with our simple online form.
If you are unable to use the form, you may send the submission by email to the Editor. Kindly title your e-mail: "Knittyspin Spring+Summer 2022 article sub: *yourarticlenamehere*"
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