In your quest for learning more about designing with yarn, drafting patterns, and writing clear and concise instructions, it pays to study. I’ve gathered resources that will help you along your way. Some of these may include affiliate links, which help support me in my quest to make a living teaching and designing, but don’t cost you anything extra.
If you are interested in taking an in-person class from me, check out my most up-to-date workshop schedule, or consider having me teach in your local area. I’m also available for consulting on a one-on-one basis.
These are in no particular order and will be added to as I come across additional resources. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to find everything!
Design Related Classes on Craftsy
Books
These books are available at your local yarn store, independent bookseller, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.
 Knitwear Design Workshop by Shirley Paden |  The Beginner's Guide to Writing Knitting Patterns by Kate Atherley |
 Designing Knitwear by Deborah Newton |  Good Measure by Deborah Newton |
 Knitting Plus by Lisa Shroyer |  Knitting Pattern Essentials by Sally Melville |
 A Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara G. Walker |  A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara G. Walker |
|---|---|
 Charted Knitting Designs: A Third Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara G. Walker |  A Fourth Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara G. Walker |
 1000 Knitting Patterns |  500 Knitting Patterns |
 The Knit Stitch Pattern Handbook by Melissa Leapman |  Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary by Wendy Bernard |
 Super Stitches Knitting by Karen Hemingway |  Knitting Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia by Sharon Turner |
 Knit Stitch Dictionary by Debbie Tomkies |  The Knitting All Around Stitch Dictionary by Wendy Bernard |
 Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible by Hitomi Shida |  400 Knitting Stitches by Potter Craft |
 Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns |  Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns |
 Learn How to Knit With 50 Squares (Note that this is not a true stitch dictionary, a student brought it to class once, and it does function as one!) |  750 Knitting Stitches |
 Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches from Reader's Digest |  Indispensable Stitch Collection for Crocheters by Melissa Leapman |
 Continuous Crochet Motif 60 |  Crochet Stitch Dictionary by Sarah Hazell |
 The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs |  Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia by Robyn Chachula |
 The Big Book of Crochet Stitches |  Super Stitches Crochet |
 The Crochet Stitch Bible by Betty Barnden |  500 Crochet Stitches |
Stitch Charting & Design
 Adobe Illustrator (not stitch charting software, per se, but a powerful graphics program and industry standard) |  |
|---|---|
 |  Inkscape (an open-source vector-based drawing program) |
 Intwined Studio | Knitbird |
 Knit Visualizer | PatternGenius |
 | Stitch Painter and Garment Designer |
| Stitch Works Software | Stitchin Crochet Font |
| Stitchin Knit Font |
Information on body sizing, yarn weights, hook and needle sizes
Article: 6 Armholes and How to Make them Work for Your Body
LoveKnitting’s Designer Academy-a series of blog articles on knitwear design
Multisize Me article Part 1 on Knitty, Part 2
Links to Sizing Guides
Different vendors and clothing lines have different customers in terms of age and body type. As a designer, you have to come up with your own idea of who your customer is and what body types they may have. Comparing size charts from a number of different sources is an excellent way to come up with your own sizing system. Here are some links that you might find helpful in your quest to develop your own set of base measurements. But watch out for vanity sizing from clothing lines when you are comparing these numbers!
ASTM Standards for Body Measurements – The ASTM has many specialized body measurement charts for different body types; some are available free and some for a fee. Poke around on the site for more information.
L.L. Bean – a size chart is given for each separate item. Find a garment that is similar to the one you are designing, and click on the size chart for that item.
Simplicity Complete Measurement Guide – a very useful PDF download
Tot Toppers – for hat sizing
Wikipedia US Standard Clothing Sizes
Woolly Wormhead – for hat sizing