What you can Expect from a Kirsten Joel Designs Knitting Pattern

patternsall

Mar 16

I'm going to talk about myself for a minute, but I promise it's connected to you so just hear me out.

I spent a lot of time last year evaluating my knitting patterns, my grading, tech editing, and test knitting (or lack thereof) process and how I wanted to be better in 2024.

So I learned from some of the best of the best to figure out fit and here are some of the highlights of the changes I made to this business and those processes.

Grading

All patterns will be graded to 12 sizes from 26" - 72" actual chest with additional instructions for cup shaping.

All patterns will be based off of the same KJD Size Chart which you can see here. This way you'll always know what my starting point is when I grade a new pattern.

Tech Editing

All patterns have been and will continue to be tech edited for maths and clarity.

Test Knitting

Test knitters receive a tech edited pattern. My goal for the test knitting process is not to catch errors (although they do, thankfully!) but to find ways to make the pattern as clear as possible. That way you adventurous beginners can feel right at home.

Back Catalog

You might have noticed that I pulled a lot of my back catalog from my website and ravelry. Don't worry! Most of them are coming back, but this time better than ever with all of the changes listed above. This is going to be a fun year, I can promise you that.

This leaves just one question left…What's in a knitting pattern anyway?

What’s in a Kirsten Joel Designs Knitting Pattern?

Design Information

This is where I include the inspiration behind the design and some key notes for the construction and the yarn used for the sample.

Skill Level

Most of my patterns are suitable for advanced beginners and the skill level is rated on a scale of 1 - 5 with 1 being the easiest and 5 being the hardest. I would put most of my patterns at a 3, represented by 3 cute coffee mugs. Because coffee.

Finished Measurements

The intended finished measurement of the pattern. For garments, this would be taken at the chest, and for shawls this would be the wingspan and the depth.

Yarn

I include the yarn brand, yarn name, fiber content, and colors used in the sample. I also include the yardage needed for the main components of the pattern separated out. So if you need to knit a different size sleeve than the body, you can get a more accurate picture of your yardage needs. If a yarn is particularly hard to substitute, I'll include more notes here.

Gauge

The number of stitches and rows needed to make a 4" by 4" square. I do recommend knitting a swatch at least 6" x 6" to get an accurate gauge measurement.

Needles

I'll list the size I used to get the specified gauge. This is just a recommendation as you may knit tighter or looser than me.

Tools

Any tools beside knitting needles that you'll need to complete the project. Like tapestry needles, stitch markers, and buttons.

And the best part?

All of this information is made available to you before you buy the pattern. Because you are too busy not to know what you are getting yourself into. Plus it makes it easier to swatch with stash and see if it makes sense to buy the pattern.

See, I told you it was really all about you <3

A Kirsten Joel Designs Pattern that Has it All

Quick View

Semilla | Seed Stitch and Eyelet Cardigan

$10.00

Design Information

The Semilla Cardigan is a bottom-up, seamed v-neck cardigan featuring an all-over seed stitch and eyelet lace pattern. It includes classic 1x1 ribbing at the hems and button band, and a modern, updated cropped length. The back and front pieces are worked flat and seamed. Armhole shaping maintains a consistent drop shoulder seam location across all sizes. The drop shoulders are shaped with a sloped bind-off, and instructions are provided for optional cup shaping using short rows. The v-neck is designed to be flattering and slightly flirty without being too revealing.

Once the body pieces are completed and seamed, stitches are picked up around the armhole and worked from the bicep to the cuff in the round with a few short rows to create a gentle cap for an optimal fit and easy movement in the underarm.

Stitches are picked up around the neckline to work one of two button band options: horizontal or vertical, both in a 1x1 ribbed stitch. The Fronts are slightly wider than the Back when the button band is added to help prevent any gaping issues at the chest.

The pink sample features a vertical button band and is knit with Purl Soho Good Wool, a 100% Andean highland wool known for its toastiness, classic appearance, soft texture, gentle bloom, and beautiful heathered colors.

Wear this on-trend, yet secretly classic cardigan with chic trousers for an office party, or wear it as a cozy layer at home with shearling slippers and comfy joggers. However you wear it, the Semilla Cardigan will be a delightful addition to your everyday handmade wardrobe.

Please share your progress on Instagram by tagging me @kirstenjoel_designs and using the hashtags #semillacardigankjd. I love to see all of your works in progress and finished projects!