Another thing that can help designers is for knitters not to share patterns. If you have a friend who likes what you’ve knit, encourage them to buy a copy, or buy one for them 😊
I think the reason why knitting patterns are so undervalued is because for decades they’ve primarily been published in magazines. Some of these magazines still exist, but they are nowhere near as popular now. In one magazine you can get 10 or more patterns for the price of one independent pattern. I’m not saying it’s “right,” just a reason why they are so inexpensive compared to sewing patterns.
I was really surprised when I started knitting and found out how much patterns cost since I was used to sewing patterns. Such a difference! Thank tuổi for all the background information regarding what is involved in getting a pattern out to us. We appreciate all you do and are here to support you!
Great video. Thank you for taking the time to put this out there. Yes, I take all of this into account wen I think about what knitwear designers make. I am very generous and understand the pain staking time that it takes to design a pattern. The amount of time one who designs rips out and restarts because it’s not just right, Ect. I highly value designers because my talent is knitting. I don’t have the brain for design work, so if I want a pattern, I purchase it even if I will never knit it, now that said, if I ask a question from someone and I am not treated well, or don’t get a response, I don’t purchase. I’m very picky with how I spend my money. I usually purchase at least a pattern a day and usually more!! I obsessed with knitting. ❤️. Thank you so much for taking the time to break it all down for people to see. This is great.
Thank you Michelle for suporting designers. I do agree you should spend your money on people/places that value YOU as a customer rather than another number. Makes a difference
as a sewist, i don't ever buy sewing patterns because of how expensive they are (and then you add the cost of printing the patterns and the time to tape it together..), i just draft them myself. i can copy knit designs just by looking at them, but i prefer buying them since they're affordable enough and it's a way to support the designer.
Thanks for the information. I think what is really missing in the conversation is being self employed and a business owner is hard, but a choice. Economy of scale is important. In order to make a living wage you need to sale more patterns (similar to all industries) to offset the overhead. The market sets a price tolerance. However, pricing is not only one way to increase pattern sales (size inclusiveness is to increase sales volume). Finding that sweet spot is for the designer to establish. Price vs. sales volume. I support independent business as a choice, but don’t feel obligated as I know it’s their choice too. I have a pattern cost threshold that I rarely exceed ($10 US). Explaining how you are establishing other streams of income is a great example of how you are making business decisions to allow your passion to be translated to your career. Thanks again for sharing.
This is a really great walk through. When I first started designing, I didn’t know what to think or where to start. I so agree about the low pricing of knitwear patterns and wish that we as an industry could increase the value position.
Wow! I am absolutely floored. I think it’s nice to support fellow knitters as they grow, but also tbh if people don’t buy a pattern because we don’t like it, we’re not obligated to support them financially. That would be like if I didn’t buy clothes when I went to the store, but threw a $5 in the jar just because the staff seemed nice. I like your message but ultimately I’m not supporting designers I can’t get behind (I don’t know you or your designs yet, I’m just saying in general).
Thank you! As a designer myself (Lanaphilia Designs on Rav), I appreciate your video and work and sent all my followings to your video - especially the "tipps for supporting your favortite designer at low cost level" are awesome! Keep on knitting and making such a difference!
I agree to a large extent. I too am a knitwear designer, however, I try to keep all of my pattern (accessories and garments) prices at around $5 because I want everyone to be able to afford this craft. I know there are designers out there that do a tiered pricing. After hearing your thoughts I’m thinking that maybe it would be a good concept for me to adopt. Thank you for putting this topic out there. I would love it if you did another video discussing everyone’s reaction to it.
Important reminder to us all who want to grow and support the entire knitting community!!! I want you all to be able to make a living wage, and ideally to not have to do a channel or have several streams of income if you don’t want because you’re a designer. Not all designers want or can do all of those other things! I personally would pay more for the knitting patterns I purchase - I wonder if sliding scales would help? To allow those who can pay more to do so. I will also commit to specifically looking for the designers and patterns that need a boost or need more love whenever I’m looking for a new cast on!!! I think that’s so important!!! And I know I haven’t been doing it. For me personally seeing in the description that a pattern from a new to me designer has been tech edited makes a big difference in my decision making. Great conversation- I hope others continue it. ❤
Thank you very much, sadly the reality is we HAVE to have multiple revenue streams since designing alone isn't enough unless you're one of the lucky few that are always on the Hot right now list.
@@TwinStitchesDesigns yes totally get that’s the present reality! Just hoping for better for all of you! Hope my suggestions were helpful to at least the present situation. ❤️❤️
I'm liking that we are (slowly) starting to discuss these issues. I'm still fairly new to knitting and wondered how designers could make a living if they didn't have an outside job. The more we talk the less uncomfortable it gets 😉 Also, I was surprised to learn on a couple of channels that there are people who think testers should be paid...in my opinion the only thing that should be given is the pattern you are testing. If there is more, great but it should not be expected.
Thank you for this! Yes we would love to pay test knitters, but it's just not possible as you can see. Makes it so much harder for designers to make a salary. A lot of us smaller designers need multiple streams of income to break even on our cost.
A truly massive THANK YOU for putting this out! This background information is always really interesting for all of us knitters and aspiring designers... I have also been thinking to start but this has taken me more than 7 years because of all the points you mentioned in your video and even more because I live in a country where for example professionals like tech editors do not exist and thus I would need to hire someone from abroad and pay them in USD, EUROs or even Canadian dollars and that makes my expenditures three fold because of the currency rates in my country. I have a couple of designs that I have started drafting but put aside because of all the hassle... the photography, editing, social media and etc... that really way too much of a work and I truly appreciate all of your who do this ! as for the price points against sewing patters, I agree there too. I just recently started sewing and the patterns are really so expensive. especially for someone accustomed to paying less than 10USD for knitting patterns.and I usually buy patters that are offered with coupons or discounts because I think this busts the sales for the designers in its way and I like to think that I do my share of help there while at the same time benefitting from it too... Keep up the good work
👏👏👏thank you for making this video. Anyone not in the industry does truly not understand what goes into pattern design. It’s also interesting because I started sewing within the last two years and have never even batted an eye at the cost of a sewing pattern
I appreciate your honesty and sharing these numbers. I totally agree that more support needs to go towards knitwear designers as we want to continue to grow this market. For me personally, if I see a pattern that comes out that peeks my interest even if I'm not going to be able to knit it right now, but think it would I'll purchase the pattern to support the designer. I also agree about favoriting and queuing patterns, I always love looking through the hot right now list and that's usually where I find my inspiration for new patterns.
Thank u for sharing the pros and cons of being a knitwear designer. I truly appreciate you sharing the transparency of the industry and I am seriously gobsmacked on the cost breakdowns. Best of luck for future designs ❤
Thanks for sharing!!! This is helpful for me as a consumer to ensure we support designers. You put things in perspective when we may baulk at a pattern cost. As a consumer consumer, I have a better appreciation for your time, work and skill.
Hi, so happy to meet you here on this YT. I really wish to learn how to knit. I have been crocheting for many many years and my Aunt taught me that, she also knits, but (at that time) did not wish to teach me how to knit, she wanted me to (get that down pat) first... so now many years later, I still wish I knew how to knit. I will hopefully learn sooner than later. I love your channel and praying we ALL make more as a designer! Thanks so much for sharing.
You can do it!!!! We want to cheer you on to join in the knitting fun :) If you need any help join my knitting community (Patreon) we have a private discord thread with some help threads we're all in it together :)
Great video. Interesting how much it costs to design a pattern. From a consumer point of view I have to admit that I buy knitting patterns on sale usually. I also have to add that I buy more than I can ever knit to support designers. I have paid for more designs I have never made than ones I have made. If they were as much as sewing patterns I would not buy them until I was ready to cast them on.
Thanks for sharing this info. I’m starting to hear more conversations about these issues and I’m glad. People working in the knitting industry should be paid fairly for their work.
@@TwinStitchesDesigns You were so right about two key things that need to change - all designers need to be on board with pricing changes and knitters need to be willing to pay. Understanding all that goes into the design of a pattern will help knitters see the value!
People really need to see this!! Very well done! I think that many designers do not charge enough for the patterns. Maybe this will open up some eyes and some more discussions about the real behind the scenes. Great video!
This is pretty much as I expected. I don't design patterns, but as a knitter and crocheter I know the time it takes to make something and could guess the additional time it takes for at least SOME of the extras. I don't mind paying full price for a well written, organized and tested pattern. I think this is also why many of us keep with the same designers over and over as we know what we are getting for our $$.
This topic seems to be getting a lot of traction and I'm so glad you took the time to make an episode just solely on this. Thanks for that! My understanding is that patterns get the most sales after its been released, but patterns can be bought throughout the years to come... How long does it take for you to typically break even with a pattern?
Honestly sometimes we never do for some patterns. It all depends on the pattern. 90% of the sales happen within the first week or two of a pattern release
Thanks for a really interesting (eye-opening!) video - I don't feel quite so bad now about all the patterns I've bought in the past that will probably never get made ;-) It would be interesting to re-visit this in, say, a year's time and see what additional pattern sales you've made, as while I guess you sell most when it is first released (especially with the discount code), there must be some additional sales as people find you through other patterns. I guess what you really need is a high-profile vlogger to use a pattern for a knit-a-long or something! Kudos to you for making it work.
Thanks for sharing Wow! I definitely thought you made more. I do my best to support everyone. I watch most ads. Even those 5 minutes and longer. I hope they pay you decently for those ones. I also buy so many patterns I will probably never make. But I like to keep them in my binder. Just like the yarn that I have that will probably be around long after I am gone. I am a firm believer in supporting the “little guy”.
Many patterns are very similar. Another basic raglan, etc. There has to be something different, or special, about the pattern, and I will pay the price gladly. Of course, I take advantage of a special code to get the reduced price. However, a great or different pattern will sell if it can get seen. No doubt, designers deserve more.
As a new casual designer... It's so hard to break in. The process of finding test knitters is overwhelming. I have a hard time finding reliable test knitters. I can design and write and sample a whole pattern and then struggle to find testers. I think when it comes to the price of pattern compared to sewing, we're less likely to make multiple items from 1 pattern. Where a lot of sewing patterns include a few variations and can be made a few different ways and likely quicker since sewing is not as slow a craft as knitting generally... I only ever knit a pattern once, maybe twice and then I move on to something else. While I see the value in a pattern and I'm willing to pay 10-15$, the target audience for my patterns don't seem interested in paying that much.
Test knitters even for more established designers are hard to find. All depends on timeline, yarn, cost, time of year, etc. check out yarn pond and also a free option on Ravelry for a group called the Testing Pool
Thanks for your video. You said that your full time job is knitwear designer and then demonstrated how you are actually losing money on your designs. How are you making this work as a career with the numbers you presented?
I couldn't agree more with you on everything you said. This is such an important video ❤ may I asked where you found your tech editor? The ones I found are way to expensive for me at this point. Thanks ❤
There’s a big list of tech editors on Ravelry ☺️ look under “budding designers” group and tons of resources are there. My cost for this one wasn’t as much since I had done all the work ahead of time
Thanks for sharing! I think your social media 5 hours could probably be tripled lol I had a handwoven wrap small business for 5 years and I spent as much time or more trying to get more views and followers than actually weaving!! I didn’t enjoy that aspect so much so now I mostly just share my knits and weaving and not sell. I think it’s important for knitters to really understand the costs though!! Keep on Designing’ ❤
Such an interesting breakdown and I don't understand a few points: you add in the costs photography services, yarn and delivery, grading but not added testing costs? For the design one can consider monthly salary and not working hours since the designer is not providing a service with working hours but is hired, the design is a result of the job while test knitters are providing a service, these are other freelancers and not hired employees. It was my understanding that many designers launch patterns as a passive income stream since their patterns are available for sale for ever and lastly do we need new designs? I feel like many patterns are just repeating older ones but this maybe only my impression... That being said I follow your videos with great interest as an amateur knitter from Eastern Europe with little insight from the western knitting community
I’m not quite sure I follow. I went over the time it takes for a designer to have the test knit call/ test knit emails etc. designers cannot afford to pay for test knitters. They are on a voluntary base not hired. As a full time knitwear designer every hour I spend in the business is working hours. All of this is cost of the business and not passive income. Yes there’s potential of it making sales in the future but 90% of the sales happen within the first week or so of the pattern release so it’s not a guaranteed passive income. You always need to promote it and put more hours in the business
I feel like relying exclusively on free patterns is similar to going out to eat and never tipping. Cost of patterns should be part of the expected costs of the hobby. I would be curious to see more videos about this topic. Could be that awareness of the reality of the industry will help knitwear designers across the board. It would be interesting to explore breaking down pattern sales into seasonality, category, how sales fare over time, etc.
I wonder how much money was and still is being made on a pattern such as the Ranuculus or the Sophie scarf when thousands of these pattern make. I'm not paying over $8 US for a pattern..that's Australian $16 .
That's your right and choice not to pay over a certain amount for a knitting pattern. When you look at those popular patterns like the Ranunculus or Sophie scarf they are the exception where the designer doesn't have to do much advertising/marketing and they still get sales from the pattern. We're discussion smaller designers who struggle to get sales and make a living wage. We sadly also don't control the currency exchange rate. I just checked and 8$ US is 11.5$AU... not sure where 16$ comes from.
I was shocked when I first started knitting how much patterns were. When I started doing some testing I saw more of the time that goes into designing and now understand that designers don’t make enough. This video should be linked to the discussion Knittynatty just had about paying testers. This proves there is no way it could happen unless people are willing to pay much more for the patterns
Does this mean designers don't get a percentage of the pattern cost from Ravelry if the pattern is from awhile ago? Is there a time limit to purchase a pattern for the designer to be paid?
As long as it's the pattern by the designer the designer ALWAYS gets the profit. I think Ravelry fees are about 3% (which is the best out there for designer way less than Etsy). We keep getting the purchases for years to come. :)
Don’t forget, though, that most patterns do a large percentage of their lifetime sales on release. Later sales absolutely help but aren’t likely to suddenly take off in popularity
I'd like to submit my point of view on why I most of the times decide to not buy the pattern: I don't follow it. I maybe just like a stitch or a colorwork and in this perspective 10 dollars for a single stitch is too much. I'd be super happy to pay up to 5 dollars for a single detail, but this is not contempled.
Thank you for your point of view :), The only thing I would say, it's not just a single stitch, you also have to think of all the math, construction and details that go into a pattern.
Soooo I def will pay full price for patterns, skipping any discounts offered. I think Knit designers should band together and charge more. Many people have had to up prices due to inflation. If you have a solid design and we want it we will pay! I think it's tough when so many designers design similar things so it is easy to choose the cheapest option. But what if yours is better or your instructions easier to understand... Idk... I just really want this to change. Maybe if we had to pay more we would cast on so many things and buy so much yarn. Maybe we'd have to really consider which pattern is worth the bucks. I want better for you all! Hard to see how to get there though!
Thank you so much 😊 💗 just hearing someone would pay full price for pattern means a lot to a designer. I agree all designers would need to raise their price together for it to work. Otherwise you put yourself out of price compared to everyone else
You have not included the costs that you will continue to make money over time. How much are you making per month on your other patterns, why are you not including the patron amount which is sustaining you, how much are you making on the RUclips. Could you take your own pictures or get a friend that is a photographer to take a your photos for the exchange of a pattern for doing it. All of these factors are things that should be included. Your revenue doesn’t stop in 30 days. And, this pattern is a very basic tee. Designers do not make enough, but you have not given a very extensive review. Why not give the average # of sales and then the avg $ amount earned for an your patterns. These comments should not be taken badly. They are just examples of how to have a better reason for greater payment.
I don’t think I’ve been taking any of these comments negatively. But I do want to point out that 90% of the sales occur within the first week or two of the release. TONS of times as a designer we never make up the money that it’s taken. Unless another podcaster uses our pattern and it explodes it’s hard to get traction on it. This video was about how much a knitwear designer makes on the pattern. Not in general. Also I did mention that I wouldn’t be doing the photography again because of this reason. I usually do my own photos but wanted to test it out to see if it would make a difference. I think it’s great to be transparent on how much it really costs behind the scenes. As for your “basic” tee. So much work goes into these designs even if they look basic to some. They are far from basic. All the math is done for 9 sizes, construction etc. it takes to create well written patterns. We could make them more basic and not include any details.
I don't think a sewing pattern and a knitting pattern can be compared. When buying a sewing pattern, usually there is more than one pattern being sold. Divid each individual pattern into the price, and compare. Knitting it's one pattern, and that's it. I realize that making a knitting pattern and selling it to knitters is very costly and time-consuming. I rarely buy knitting patterns, but when I do, it has to be something that is completely different and appealing. I think that you would sell more patterns if they were cheaper. A lot of people buy on the spur of the moment. With a " I'll knit that next," thought. A more expensive pattern will be bought by a knitter with an execution plan. Designing is a lot of work. You have to love what you do and be in it for the long run. Wish you all the best.
A lot of people may buy them if they’re cheaper but isn’t that under valuing everything were trying to do? Spread awareness that people don’t want to pay designers or pay full price for the patterns? Pay designer the time and energy it takes to create the pattern? Designers like anyone else should be allowed to make the minimum wage .
@TwinStitchesDesigns yes, I think at least minimum wage. However, as a designer, your pattern will always be for sale. It will always be out there making money for you. And as you become more and more popular and make a name for yourself, your patterns will continue to sell. Then, you will be able to raise the price of your patterns. Things will get better. Don't forget, you chose to raise the price of that particular pattern and it cost you. I bet if you had kept the price lower, you would have made more in the long run.
Passion sadly doesn’t pay the bills. If people want knitting patterns they need to appreciate the time and effort that goes into them from knitting designers
As a knitter, a pensioner knitter, who buys patterns, Im not paying for tech editing or time to write a pattern, or the weirdness of SIZE INCLUSIVE editing. These costs are the designers outlay if they what to sell a pattern.
This is exactly why knitwear designer cannot make a living wage. There is no weirdness of size inclusive... it's being able to support all body shapes and sizes and having everyone be able to knit up a pattern. Even If I were to remove the larger sizes, it would still take me HOURS to knit/design a pattern, adding to the cost of how much it really costs me to design a pattern. We pay for the tech editing, writing cost, but you pay for the pattern helps us make a living wage. If this is how you feel why buy knitting patterns? Why support designers?
@barbararadzeviciusbondi4150 So, you want patterns that have mistakes in them? And that are only made for one size? And you are asking designers to give you FREE LABOR by not wanting to pay for the time it takes to write a pattern and all that is involved in that? Designers are not slaves.
You think knitting patters should cost more? Damn I have the opposite opinion I think it’s preposterous that some designers ask so much money for the simplest designs you’re just charging people for information and some information is just beneficial to share to teach others this amazing craft instead of milk it for profit
![The harsh truth about earning money with knitting [+ special announcement]](/img/1.gif)
Another thing that can help designers is for knitters not to share patterns. If you have a friend who likes what you’ve knit, encourage them to buy a copy, or buy one for them 😊
YES don’t share patterns please!! This is actually not ethical at all since it’s stealing from the designers 😥
I think the reason why knitting patterns are so undervalued is because for decades they’ve primarily been published in magazines. Some of these magazines still exist, but they are nowhere near as popular now. In one magazine you can get 10 or more patterns for the price of one independent pattern.
I’m not saying it’s “right,” just a reason why they are so inexpensive compared to sewing patterns.
That’s a great point! You could get a magazine for 8-12$ and get anywhere between 5-10 patterns in them
Girl… as a full time knitwear designer myself, you nailed it! This was a great video! ❤
Thank you so much!! ❤
I was really surprised when I started knitting and found out how much patterns cost since I was used to sewing patterns. Such a difference! Thank tuổi for all the background information regarding what is involved in getting a pattern out to us. We appreciate all you do and are here to support you!
Thank you so much Charlotte!!!
Great video. Thank you for taking the time to put this out there. Yes, I take all of this into account wen I think about what knitwear designers make. I am very generous and understand the pain staking time that it takes to design a pattern. The amount of time one who designs rips out and restarts because it’s not just right, Ect. I highly value designers because my talent is knitting. I don’t have the brain for design work, so if I want a pattern, I purchase it even if I will never knit it, now that said, if I ask a question from someone and I am not treated well, or don’t get a response, I don’t purchase. I’m very picky with how I spend my money. I usually purchase at least a pattern a day and usually more!! I obsessed with knitting. ❤️. Thank you so much for taking the time to break it all down for people to see. This is great.
Thank you Michelle for suporting designers. I do agree you should spend your money on people/places that value YOU as a customer rather than another number. Makes a difference
as a sewist, i don't ever buy sewing patterns because of how expensive they are (and then you add the cost of printing the patterns and the time to tape it together..), i just draft them myself. i can copy knit designs just by looking at them, but i prefer buying them since they're affordable enough and it's a way to support the designer.
Thank you for sharing your experience! Every designer brings value to the community so keep doing what you love 💗
Thank you so much 🥰💗
Thanks for the information. I think what is really missing in the conversation is being self employed and a business owner is hard, but a choice. Economy of scale is important. In order to make a living wage you need to sale more patterns (similar to all industries) to offset the overhead. The market sets a price tolerance. However, pricing is not only one way to increase pattern sales (size inclusiveness is to increase sales volume). Finding that sweet spot is for the designer to establish. Price vs. sales volume. I support independent business as a choice, but don’t feel obligated as I know it’s their choice too. I have a pattern cost threshold that I rarely exceed ($10 US). Explaining how you are establishing other streams of income is a great example of how you are making business decisions to allow your passion to be translated to your career. Thanks again for sharing.
This is a really great walk through. When I first started designing, I didn’t know what to think or where to start. I so agree about the low pricing of knitwear patterns and wish that we as an industry could increase the value position.
Thank you Jamie!! I agree wish we could spread the knowledge to increase the price and value of all the hard work that goes into a pattern
Wow! I am absolutely floored. I think it’s nice to support fellow knitters as they grow, but also tbh if people don’t buy a pattern because we don’t like it, we’re not obligated to support them financially. That would be like if I didn’t buy clothes when I went to the store, but threw a $5 in the jar just because the staff seemed nice. I like your message but ultimately I’m not supporting designers I can’t get behind (I don’t know you or your designs yet, I’m just saying in general).
This is why it’s super important to credit designers for their work and maintain integrity. This is an eye opener….and it goes for crochet as well.
Completely agree!
Thank you! As a designer myself (Lanaphilia Designs on Rav), I appreciate your video and work and sent all my followings to your video - especially the "tipps for supporting your favortite designer at low cost level" are awesome!
Keep on knitting and making such a difference!
You're very welcome! And thank YOU so much 💗
I agree to a large extent. I too am a knitwear designer, however, I try to keep all of my pattern (accessories and garments) prices at around $5 because I want everyone to be able to afford this craft. I know there are designers out there that do a tiered pricing. After hearing your thoughts I’m thinking that maybe it would be a good concept for me to adopt.
Thank you for putting this topic out there. I would love it if you did another video discussing everyone’s reaction to it.
I will definitely be doing part 2 for sure!!
Important reminder to us all who want to grow and support the entire knitting community!!! I want you all to be able to make a living wage, and ideally to not have to do a channel or have several streams of income if you don’t want because you’re a designer. Not all designers want or can do all of those other things! I personally would pay more for the knitting patterns I purchase - I wonder if sliding scales would help? To allow those who can pay more to do so. I will also commit to specifically looking for the designers and patterns that need a boost or need more love whenever I’m looking for a new cast on!!! I think that’s so important!!! And I know I haven’t been doing it. For me personally seeing in the description that a pattern from a new to me designer has been tech edited makes a big difference in my decision making. Great conversation- I hope others continue it. ❤
Thank you very much, sadly the reality is we HAVE to have multiple revenue streams since designing alone isn't enough unless you're one of the lucky few that are always on the Hot right now list.
@@TwinStitchesDesigns yes totally get that’s the present reality! Just hoping for better for all of you! Hope my suggestions were helpful to at least the present situation. ❤️❤️
I'm liking that we are (slowly) starting to discuss these issues. I'm still fairly new to knitting and wondered how designers could make a living if they didn't have an outside job. The more we talk the less uncomfortable it gets 😉
Also, I was surprised to learn on a couple of channels that there are people who think testers should be paid...in my opinion the only thing that should be given is the pattern you are testing. If there is more, great but it should not be expected.
Thank you for this! Yes we would love to pay test knitters, but it's just not possible as you can see. Makes it so much harder for designers to make a salary. A lot of us smaller designers need multiple streams of income to break even on our cost.
Also need to take into consideration future sales of this pattern! However great job! Help me understand what’s involved.
Absolutely I’ll touch on this in part 2 😏
A truly massive THANK YOU for putting this out! This background information is always really interesting for all of us knitters and aspiring designers... I have also been thinking to start but this has taken me more than 7 years because of all the points you mentioned in your video and even more because I live in a country where for example professionals like tech editors do not exist and thus I would need to hire someone from abroad and pay them in USD, EUROs or even Canadian dollars and that makes my expenditures three fold because of the currency rates in my country. I have a couple of designs that I have started drafting but put aside because of all the hassle... the photography, editing, social media and etc... that really way too much of a work and I truly appreciate all of your who do this !
as for the price points against sewing patters, I agree there too. I just recently started sewing and the patterns are really so expensive. especially for someone accustomed to paying less than 10USD for knitting patterns.and I usually buy patters that are offered with coupons or discounts because I think this busts the sales for the designers in its way and I like to think that I do my share of help there while at the same time benefitting from it too...
Keep up the good work
👏👏👏thank you for making this video. Anyone not in the industry does truly not understand what goes into pattern design. It’s also interesting because I started sewing within the last two years and have never even batted an eye at the cost of a sewing pattern
You’re so welcome 🩷🩷🩷
I appreciate your honesty and sharing these numbers. I totally agree that more support needs to go towards knitwear designers as we want to continue to grow this market. For me personally, if I see a pattern that comes out that peeks my interest even if I'm not going to be able to knit it right now, but think it would I'll purchase the pattern to support the designer. I also agree about favoriting and queuing patterns, I always love looking through the hot right now list and that's usually where I find my inspiration for new patterns.
Thank you so much
Thank u for sharing the pros and cons of being a knitwear designer. I truly appreciate you sharing the transparency of the industry and I am seriously gobsmacked on the cost breakdowns. Best of luck for future designs ❤
Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for sharing!!! This is helpful for me as a consumer to ensure we support designers. You put things in perspective when we may baulk at a pattern cost. As a consumer consumer, I have a better appreciation for your time, work and skill.
Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for your support 🥰
You should wear that color blue often-it looks great on you!
thank you so much :)
And that’s why I support you Julie! I truly appreciate all your hard work. ❤
Thank you so much Mendy 🥰💗💗
Hi, so happy to meet you here on this YT. I really wish to learn how to knit. I have been crocheting for many many years and my Aunt taught me that, she also knits, but (at that time) did not wish to teach me how to knit, she wanted me to (get that down pat) first... so now many years later, I still wish I knew how to knit. I will hopefully learn sooner than later. I love your channel and praying we ALL make more as a designer! Thanks so much for sharing.
You can do it!!!! We want to cheer you on to join in the knitting fun :) If you need any help join my knitting community (Patreon) we have a private discord thread with some help threads we're all in it together :)
Great video. Interesting how much it costs to design a pattern. From a consumer point of view I have to admit that I buy knitting patterns on sale usually. I also have to add that I buy more than I can ever knit to support designers. I have paid for more designs I have never made than ones I have made. If they were as much as sewing patterns I would not buy them until I was ready to cast them on.
Great point!
Thanks for sharing this info. I’m starting to hear more conversations about these issues and I’m glad. People working in the knitting industry should be paid fairly for their work.
You're welcome, yes I agree there needs to be more on this conversation
@@TwinStitchesDesigns You were so right about two key things that need to change - all designers need to be on board with pricing changes and knitters need to be willing to pay. Understanding all that goes into the design of a pattern will help knitters see the value!
People really need to see this!! Very well done! I think that many designers do not charge enough for the patterns. Maybe this will open up some eyes and some more discussions about the real behind the scenes. Great video!
thank you so much, I hope it does!
@@TwinStitchesDesigns ME too!!
This is pretty much as I expected. I don't design patterns, but as a knitter and crocheter I know the time it takes to make something and could guess the additional time it takes for at least SOME of the extras. I don't mind paying full price for a well written, organized and tested pattern. I think this is also why many of us keep with the same designers over and over as we know what we are getting for our $$.
That's a great point!
This topic seems to be getting a lot of traction and I'm so glad you took the time to make an episode just solely on this. Thanks for that! My understanding is that patterns get the most sales after its been released, but patterns can be bought throughout the years to come... How long does it take for you to typically break even with a pattern?
Honestly sometimes we never do for some patterns. It all depends on the pattern. 90% of the sales happen within the first week or two of a pattern release
Thanks for a really interesting (eye-opening!) video - I don't feel quite so bad now about all the patterns I've bought in the past that will probably never get made ;-) It would be interesting to re-visit this in, say, a year's time and see what additional pattern sales you've made, as while I guess you sell most when it is first released (especially with the discount code), there must be some additional sales as people find you through other patterns. I guess what you really need is a high-profile vlogger to use a pattern for a knit-a-long or something! Kudos to you for making it work.
Agreed! A lot of the sales are done the first weekend/week/month. If we don’t break even on that first release it will take a long time if we ever do
Thank you for being size inclusive, even though it's more work, it's very much appreciated ❤
You're so welcome! I’m happy to be able to offer all the sizes
Wonderful content! I've been a part-time knitwear designer for about a year so I've found your insights very useful! Thanks for the video!
You’re so welcome 🥰
Interesting video. Just discovered your channel. Thanks for all you do!
Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I love your patterns and content. In my shop, I also have to account for the value of the finished shop sample.
You’re so welcome!
Thanks for sharing Wow! I definitely thought you made more. I do my best to support everyone. I watch most ads. Even those 5 minutes and longer. I hope they pay you decently for those ones. I also buy so many patterns I will probably never make. But I like to keep them in my binder. Just like the yarn that I have that will probably be around long after I am gone. I am a firm believer in supporting the “little guy”.
You're the best! Thank you so much!! Wow even the 5 min ads 😂 those are a lot!
Many patterns are very similar. Another basic raglan, etc. There has to be something different, or special, about the pattern, and I will pay the price gladly. Of course, I take advantage of a special code to get the reduced price. However, a great or different pattern will sell if it can get seen. No doubt, designers deserve more.
As a new casual designer... It's so hard to break in. The process of finding test knitters is overwhelming. I have a hard time finding reliable test knitters. I can design and write and sample a whole pattern and then struggle to find testers.
I think when it comes to the price of pattern compared to sewing, we're less likely to make multiple items from 1 pattern. Where a lot of sewing patterns include a few variations and can be made a few different ways and likely quicker since sewing is not as slow a craft as knitting generally... I only ever knit a pattern once, maybe twice and then I move on to something else.
While I see the value in a pattern and I'm willing to pay 10-15$, the target audience for my patterns don't seem interested in paying that much.
Test knitters even for more established designers are hard to find. All depends on timeline, yarn, cost, time of year, etc. check out yarn pond and also a free option on Ravelry for a group called the Testing Pool
Thanks for your video. You said that your full time job is knitwear designer and then demonstrated how you are actually losing money on your designs. How are you making this work as a career with the numbers you presented?
Listening to your closing ads now lol....new sub!
Thank you 🥹♥️
I couldn't agree more with you on everything you said. This is such an important video ❤ may I asked where you found your tech editor? The ones I found are way to expensive for me at this point. Thanks ❤
There’s a big list of tech editors on Ravelry ☺️ look under “budding designers” group and tons of resources are there. My cost for this one wasn’t as much since I had done all the work ahead of time
💔💔💔I’m shocked - this is really informative thank you so much
You're welcome, I'm glad you found it informative :)
Thanks for sharing! I think your social media 5 hours could probably be tripled lol I had a handwoven wrap small business for 5 years and I spent as much time or more trying to get more views and followers than actually weaving!! I didn’t enjoy that aspect so much so now I mostly just share my knits and weaving and not sell. I think it’s important for knitters to really understand the costs though!! Keep on Designing’ ❤
Haha yes for some patterns I agree! It could be doubled or tripled 🤭
Such an interesting breakdown and I don't understand a few points: you add in the costs photography services, yarn and delivery, grading but not added testing costs? For the design one can consider monthly salary and not working hours since the designer is not providing a service with working hours but is hired, the design is a result of the job while test knitters are providing a service, these are other freelancers and not hired employees.
It was my understanding that many designers launch patterns as a passive income stream since their patterns are available for sale for ever and lastly do we need new designs? I feel like many patterns are just repeating older ones but this maybe only my impression... That being said I follow your videos with great interest as an amateur knitter from Eastern Europe with little insight from the western knitting community
I’m not quite sure I follow. I went over the time it takes for a designer to have the test knit call/ test knit emails etc. designers cannot afford to pay for test knitters. They are on a voluntary base not hired. As a full time knitwear designer every hour I spend in the business is working hours. All of this is cost of the business and not passive income. Yes there’s potential of it making sales in the future but 90% of the sales happen within the first week or so of the pattern release so it’s not a guaranteed passive income. You always need to promote it and put more hours in the business
I feel like relying exclusively on free patterns is similar to going out to eat and never tipping. Cost of patterns should be part of the expected costs of the hobby.
I would be curious to see more videos about this topic. Could be that awareness of the reality of the industry will help knitwear designers across the board. It would be interesting to explore breaking down pattern sales into seasonality, category, how sales fare over time, etc.
OMG YES!!!!! such a great comparison
I wonder how much money was and still is being made on a pattern such as the Ranuculus or the Sophie scarf when thousands of these pattern make. I'm not paying over $8 US for a pattern..that's Australian $16 .
That's your right and choice not to pay over a certain amount for a knitting pattern. When you look at those popular patterns like the Ranunculus or Sophie scarf they are the exception where the designer doesn't have to do much advertising/marketing and they still get sales from the pattern. We're discussion smaller designers who struggle to get sales and make a living wage.
We sadly also don't control the currency exchange rate. I just checked and 8$ US is 11.5$AU... not sure where 16$ comes from.
Feeding the Algo nom nom
I was shocked when I first started knitting how much patterns were. When I started doing some testing I saw more of the time that goes into designing and now understand that designers don’t make enough. This video should be linked to the discussion Knittynatty just had about paying testers. This proves there is no way it could happen unless people are willing to pay much more for the patterns
Completely agree!
I love the tee you are wearing. Is there a pattern for that?
There is 🥰 it’s the lovers knot
Does this mean designers don't get a percentage of the pattern cost from Ravelry if the pattern is from awhile ago? Is there a time limit to purchase a pattern for the designer to be paid?
As long as it's the pattern by the designer the designer ALWAYS gets the profit. I think Ravelry fees are about 3% (which is the best out there for designer way less than Etsy). We keep getting the purchases for years to come. :)
Don’t forget, though, that most patterns do a large percentage of their lifetime sales on release. Later sales absolutely help but aren’t likely to suddenly take off in popularity
@@sarahschira9105 Agreed !!
So is it better to buy a pattern on Ravelry or directly from a designers website?
If the designer had a website it’s great to purchase it there, then it’s Ravelry. Ravelry is better at their fees than Etsy and other platforms.
I'd like to submit my point of view on why I most of the times decide to not buy the pattern: I don't follow it. I maybe just like a stitch or a colorwork and in this perspective 10 dollars for a single stitch is too much. I'd be super happy to pay up to 5 dollars for a single detail, but this is not contempled.
Thank you for your point of view :), The only thing I would say, it's not just a single stitch, you also have to think of all the math, construction and details that go into a pattern.
There are too many patterns and designers out there compared to the number of consumers. The market is flooded.
This could be said with any market really. But I do think each designer brings their own unique style to the patterns
Soooo I def will pay full price for patterns, skipping any discounts offered. I think Knit designers should band together and charge more. Many people have had to up prices due to inflation. If you have a solid design and we want it we will pay! I think it's tough when so many designers design similar things so it is easy to choose the cheapest option. But what if yours is better or your instructions easier to understand... Idk... I just really want this to change. Maybe if we had to pay more we would cast on so many things and buy so much yarn. Maybe we'd have to really consider which pattern is worth the bucks. I want better for you all! Hard to see how to get there though!
Or maybe designers could have donate option or option to pay more for people who get it and want to support.
Thank you so much 😊 💗 just hearing someone would pay full price for pattern means a lot to a designer. I agree all designers would need to raise their price together for it to work. Otherwise you put yourself out of price compared to everyone else
OMG....not good. Thanks for working so hard for so little...eek! Super interesting!
thank you so much lol yeah I know it's not what people expect, again this is just 1 pattern
@@TwinStitchesDesigns The only thing you did not mention and I am curious about...what does Rav charge per sale?
Why us the photographer vetting soooooo much, this is a functional shoot not a creative shoot. Do we need fancy photo shoots ?
I wanted to try it out to see if the photos would make a difference. In knitting we purchase first based on the photos
crochet is even worse price wise they need to raise prices for both knit and crochet
Agreed!!👍
Not good at all! I’m so glad that so many people keep designing…I agree we should be willing to pay you for your work!
Thank you ❤
You have not included the costs that you will continue to make money over time. How much are you making per month on your other patterns, why are you not including the patron amount which is sustaining you, how much are you making on the RUclips. Could you take your own pictures or get a friend that is a photographer to take a your photos for the exchange of a pattern for doing it. All of these factors are things that should be included. Your revenue doesn’t stop in 30 days. And, this pattern is a very basic tee. Designers do not make enough, but you have not given a very extensive review. Why not give the average # of sales and then the avg $ amount earned for an your patterns. These comments should not be taken badly. They are just examples of how to have a better reason for greater payment.
I don’t think I’ve been taking any of these comments negatively. But I do want to point out that 90% of the sales occur within the first week or two of the release. TONS of times as a designer we never make up the money that it’s taken. Unless another podcaster uses our pattern and it explodes it’s hard to get traction on it.
This video was about how much a knitwear designer makes on the pattern. Not in general. Also I did mention that I wouldn’t be doing the photography again because of this reason. I usually do my own photos but wanted to test it out to see if it would make a difference. I think it’s great to be transparent on how much it really costs behind the scenes.
As for your “basic” tee. So much work goes into these designs even if they look basic to some. They are far from basic. All the math is done for 9 sizes, construction etc. it takes to create well written patterns. We could make them more basic and not include any details.
I don't think a sewing pattern and a knitting pattern can be compared. When buying a sewing pattern, usually there is more than one pattern being sold. Divid each individual pattern into the price, and compare. Knitting it's one pattern, and that's it. I realize that making a knitting pattern and selling it to knitters is very costly and time-consuming. I rarely buy knitting patterns, but when I do, it has to be something that is completely different and appealing. I think that you would sell more patterns if they were cheaper. A lot of people buy on the spur of the moment. With a " I'll knit that next," thought. A more expensive pattern will be bought by a knitter with an execution plan. Designing is a lot of work. You have to love what you do and be in it for the long run. Wish you all the best.
A lot of people may buy them if they’re cheaper but isn’t that under valuing everything were trying to do? Spread awareness that people don’t want to pay designers or pay full price for the patterns? Pay designer the time and energy it takes to create the pattern? Designers like anyone else should be allowed to make the minimum wage .
@TwinStitchesDesigns yes, I think at least minimum wage. However, as a designer, your pattern will always be for sale. It will always be out there making money for you. And as you become more and more popular and make a name for yourself, your patterns will continue to sell. Then, you will be able to raise the price of your patterns. Things will get better. Don't forget, you chose to raise the price of that particular pattern and it cost you. I bet if you had kept the price lower, you would have made more in the long run.
If you’re passionate about designing it shouldn’t matter if you make money from it or not
Passion sadly doesn’t pay the bills. If people want knitting patterns they need to appreciate the time and effort that goes into them from knitting designers
As a knitter, a pensioner knitter, who buys patterns, Im not paying for tech editing or time to write a pattern, or the weirdness of SIZE INCLUSIVE editing. These costs are the designers outlay if they what to sell a pattern.
This is exactly why knitwear designer cannot make a living wage. There is no weirdness of size inclusive... it's being able to support all body shapes and sizes and having everyone be able to knit up a pattern. Even If I were to remove the larger sizes, it would still take me HOURS to knit/design a pattern, adding to the cost of how much it really costs me to design a pattern. We pay for the tech editing, writing cost, but you pay for the pattern helps us make a living wage. If this is how you feel why buy knitting patterns? Why support designers?
@barbararadzeviciusbondi4150 So, you want patterns that have mistakes in them? And that are only made for one size? And you are asking designers to give you FREE LABOR by not wanting to pay for the time it takes to write a pattern and all that is involved in that? Designers are not slaves.
You think knitting patters should cost more? Damn I have the opposite opinion I think it’s preposterous that some designers ask so much money for the simplest designs you’re just charging people for information and some information is just beneficial to share to teach others this amazing craft instead of milk it for profit