Knitty.com - Winter 2023

Knitty

Design Or Write For Knitty

Submission Guidelines

Interested in getting your pattern or tutorial published in Knitty?

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Diversity Statement: Knitty is for everyone and it's important that the designs and photos we publish reflect the diversity of our audience. Our readership is diverse in body size, age, gender identity, physical ability, cultural heritage and skin color. We especially encourage Black people and all People of Color to send their work to us, and we encourage all designers to embrace diversity in the people who model your designs and the choice of images you send us. We want all people to see themselves in our pages.

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FAQ for designers and authors
[Last update: Jan 17, 2024 | Mood boards for 2024 have been posted!]
NOTE: Please download the latest version of our style guide before preparing your submission.

We are now soliciting patterns for our First Fall 2024 issue which goes live in early June 2024. We accept both knitting and crochet (including Tunisian crochet) designs, and are happy to see designs that incorporate multiple techniques. In 2023, we moved the top end of what we can pay to $300USD (from $200USD) per design. See the What do you pay for submissions? section below for further details.

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 First Fall 2024 is March 15, 2024.

We've reintroduced themes to our issues. Designs don't have to follow the theme. But we hope these thought-starters can inspire you into something fabulous!

First Fall 2024's theme is Convertible

It's amazing what a simple rectangle of fabric can be turned into. A slightly more complex rectangle, like Elizabeth Zimmermann's legendary Baby Surprise Sweater, even moreso! Our interpretation of Convertible is a design that lets the wearer tweak how they wear it. Can you dream up one pattern doing double or even triple duty? Removable sweater parts like sleeves, collars, cuffs; something adjustable in length or width (like a wrap sweater) since bodies (and moods) fluctuate daily; fun surprises like a collar that flips up to become a turtleneck with patterning revealed (like the b&w illustration of the Schiaparelli design in the moodboard below); something that makes getting a garment on and off easier for someone with mobility issues. Add or remove sleeves, gather or relax fabric, wrap something simple into something stunning.

And if this isn't sparking inspiration for you, remember that designs submitted to Knitty do not need to adhere to the theme. But we so love when they do!

First Fall, when it comes to the season between June and August, is about layering, giving you options for a rare cool day or over-air-conditioned office. It's not about heavy or bulky yarns. It is about wool blended with cotton or other plant fibers, and other yarns that work well in the in-between seasons. It's also about planning ahead for gift-knitting season at the end of the year, so you're not in a needlework crunch trying to get things made for those who deserve it!

Remember, we like things that are odd, amusing, or surprising...or all three! Weird is welcome at Knitty.

First Fall mood board, featuring
click the image above to see a larger version

Have you never been published before? That's why Knitty was created: to give a platform to new designers. Don't let fear hold you back. If your design is good and your pattern is knittable, we'll help you through the whole publishing process. That's what we do!

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 unique approach 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.

Remember: we also like weird and surprising things that make you gasp or giggle. To get an idea of what we like to publish for First Fall, some suggestions: 2023 | 2022 | 2021

Knitty is about what you want to knit right now, with a little twist in the construction or design to make it feel fresh. We prefer saturated semi-solid colors over neutrals, unless a neutral is the perfect thing for your design. We don't usually publish designs featuring novelty yarns like fake fur, pompom, and chenille.

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 neutral,
so nothing related to any religion 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.

Click each section below for more details.

The choice of yarn is entirely up to you.

  • Use currently available yarn and colorways when possible
  • 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.

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.

No. Knitty doesn't require or recommend you have your pattern tech edited before you submit it to us. We have a team of skilled, dedicated tech editors who will do that for you, making sure the pattern works and matches Knitty's style sheet and conventions. We do expect you've done your best to make sure your pattern is knittable, and your math and grading (if applicable) is as good as you can make it.

Knitty does not have patterns test knit. If you wish to go through that process before submitting your pattern to Knitty, that's up to you. Having a pattern test knit does not
necessarily influence our decision when choosing what patterns to publish. But it may be extra assurance for you that your pattern works as you intended.

The honorarium ranges from $200-300USD per published submission (thanks to our Patrons, we have been able to increase the fee we can pay for designs). More complex designs, such as sweaters, or uniquely constructed garments like creatively built socks, will merit the top end of the scale. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Issue Theme Deadline Issue live
First Fall +
Holiday Headstart 2024

Convertible: Transitional cool-weather layers + things to knit early for holiday gifting...no mohair or angora!
One pattern doing double or even triple duty. Removable sweater parts like sleeves, collars, cuffs; something adjustable in length or width (like a wrap sweater) since bodies (and moods) fluctuate daily; fun surprises like a collar that flips up to become a turtleneck with patterning revealed (like the b&w illustration in the moodboard); something that makes getting a garment on and off easier for someone with mobility issues.

Mar 15, 2024 June 2024
Deep Fall 2024

Seaside Indigo: Super-cozy cool-weather garments + accessories
What it says on the tin in the usual weights and shapes for when the temperature drops. Unexpected uses of nautical inspiration. True indigo yarn. Cream and indigo together.

June 1, 2024 Sep 2024
Winter 2024 Self Care: Cold-weather garments + accessories, quick last-minute gift knits
The comfiest of garments and accessories, like what we wrapped ourselves in (sweats!) during lockdown; softest yarns; coziest silhouettes; nothing body-con...just comfort for the knitting/crocheting and the wearing.
Sep 15, 2024 Dec 2024
Spring+Summer 2025 Theme TBD Hot-weather knitwear + layering for cool days and nights
Dec 1, 2024 Mar 2025

Payment to all contributors happens around the time that the issue's Surprise goes live -- midway between your issue and the next.

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Please read and follow all instructions precisely.

Knitty Patterns [see below for additional Knittyspin pattern guidelines]

All design submissions for our First Fall 2024 issue must be received by March 15, 2024. 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 or Word doc that has the pattern text and images in it) using our online submission form:

Click each section for more details.

A complete written knitting or crochet pattern that adheres to the Knitty style guide in a Word or text-only document without images. Download this template in RTF format and follow the conventions carefully when creating your submission

  • 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.
  • 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. This page will help you with sizing standards and information about grading a pattern to different sizes. 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.
  • For shawl/wrap patterns, we prefer designs that can fit a variety of bodies. Shawls that have a more generous wingspan, or can be worked to the knitter's desired width are ideal.
  • For sock patterns, this table is a helpful reference:
    • for adults, please create 3 to 5 sizes, to fit feet between 8 and 11 inches in circumference.
    • for adult women, 3 sizes to fit feet between 8 and 10.5 inches in circumference
    • for adult men, 3 sizes to fit feet between 9 and 11 inches in circumference
  • For hat patterns, this chart, created by Woolly Wormhead, provides standard measurements. Please provide hat patterns for adults in at least 3 sizes.
  • Measurements should be provided in both Imperial (inches) and Metric (millimeters/centimeters).
  • 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 work will be edited in order to match Knitty style.

Upload each photo as an individual file. Do not include photos in your pattern document. Knitty's editor will retouch, resize and crop photos as necessary.

  • A selection of clean and crisp digital images [JPG, best possible quality] of the finished project at 300dpi, at least 1500 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 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! Take lots of different shots from a variety of angles and have fun with the poses! Non-traditional poses and photos that feel natural are what we love best.

  • Photos must be well-lit and in crisp focus.

  • Please do not include any other knitted or crocheted garments in your photos; just show the one(s) that you are submitting for publication.

  • Want a chance to be on the cover? Shoot some great images in landscape (wide) format.

  • 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.

Photography tips:

Knitty's readership is worldwide and diverse, encompassing people of every possible age, size, color, physical abililty level, 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 1example 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 must as well.
    example 1example 2example 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 1example 2example 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 1example 2example 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 1example 2example 3

  • Remember: Knitty is a publication with a sense of humor and we're not afraid of different; we prefer it.
    example 1example 2example 3

  • imageGarment patterns require a schematic of the shape of the garment [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.

  • Unless they are a very unusual shape, other items do not require a schematic.

  • The schematic should be provided as a GIF, PNG or EPS file. Clean, hand-drawn sketches are acceptable.

If your pattern requires a chart or charts, send them as individual files.

  • 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/don't haveStitch 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).

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 pattern, 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 First Fall 2024
pattern sub: *yourpatternnamehere*"

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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 crochet? Share what you know!

Tutorials for our First Fall 2024 issue must be received by March 15, 2024.

Your submission must include the following, sent as individual files using our online submission form:


Click each section below for more details.

Tutorials should be between 1000–3000 words. Introduce the technique(s) you are going to talk about in a paragraph or so, then use clear wording as you describe each step of the process.

  • Compose the tutorial in either Word or a rich text file. Do not send PDFs.
  • Note the filename of each image in the location you feel it belongs in the document (ie IMG1234.jpg).
  • Do not include images in the tutorial document.
  • Include URLs of supporting techniques or video demonstrations in the appropriate location in the document.
  • Your work will be edited for length and format, in order to match Knitty style.

Supporting graphics or photography are essential. As an example, see this article.

  • Images must be clean, crisp, and well-lit.
  • A solid white background is usually best (choose a contrasting yarn/fiber that will show up well against the white).
  • Format: JPG, best possible quality, 300dpi, at least 1500 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.

A txt, RTF or Word document with the following information:

  • 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

A signed, dated statement that the tutorial you are submitting is your own original work. Please copy the following text, sign below and include it with your submission:

By submitting a 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 tutorial, 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 First Fall 2024
tutorial sub: *yourarticlenamehere*"

spindle

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 pattern, 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 First Fall 2024 pattern sub: *yourpatternnamehere*"


Knittyspin Tutorials
Tutorials 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 Tutorials above. In addition, please include any of the following details that are applicable:

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 Tutorial, 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 First Fall 2024
article sub: *yourarticlenamehere*"