I have been on the faculty of at least 1 (sometimes more than 1) institution of higher education since the turn of the century. I have held positions including adjunct faculty, assistant professor, and academic Dean. I left higher education as a full-time job more than 15 years ago but have continued to teach in my profession as well as providing training in workforce development areas that include leadership, soft skills, and more.

With this background, it is difficult for me to dig into a paid pattern or kit without seeing it through the lens of an educator.

The first thing I do is take an inventory of the needed materials supplies. If it is only a pattern, I assemble things from my stash; if it’s a kit I ensure that everything listed is present and accounted for as noted in the pattern.

Next, I do an initial read-through of the pattern. I do this BEFORE picking up any yarn or hook/needles. Sometimes I will make notes if there is a step or procedure listed that I think will be easy to misread or misinterpret as I’m working on the piece.

In a well-constructed AND tested pattern, this is generally a quick perusal, but in those cases where there is some question on those factors, it takes a lot longer. A recent experience has inspired (incited!?) me to think about these things more than anyone would ever want to!!

Here are my top frustrations with patterns – especially PAID patterns!

1. Ignoring widely accepted norms in pattern language
   • prolific crocheters and knitters are “trained” to expect a certain cadence and generally accepted organization of pattern instructions.
   • these are the people most likely to purchase patterns and kits. Alienating them isn’t a good idea!
2. Assuming the crocheter/knitter is experienced enough to visualize – sometimes moving forward in the pattern by several stitches or even several rows – in one’s mind to see the outcome of what is being asked.
   • this is a developed skill and easier for some than others
   • this also suggests that the pattern was not TESTED, or if it was, it was an insular group of testers
     • diversity of skill is essential in pattern testing!
3. Getting in a hurry (seemingly) to end the pattern and basically saying “just do it all again” without considering the nuance of an instruction like that.
4. Similarly, opting to keep the pattern to a minimal number of pages, and shortening the instructions (see #3) OR limiting the use of explanatory photos to save adding an additional page.
   • included in this is poor layout and formatting
   • the aesthetics of the written instructions on a page can either HELP or HINDER the fiber artist.
5. Choosing not to provide a supporting VIDEO to assist people through complicated parts of the pattern – or to acknowledge that everyone learns differently.
   • I understand that this opens the pattern to being pirated, and is an additional expense,… but this is (almost!) 2026
6. Only including the bare minimum supplies in a kit for a craft that is individual in terms of tension, and stitch definition.
   • few things are more irritating than realizing that you have the 2nd half of a project to complete and less than 1/2 of the supplies remain.

After writing all of these down, and feeling righteously indignant and justified in doing so, I decided that I should check my perspective and see if I’m just grumpy, or if I have some company in my grouchiness.

I asked my AI “Co-Pilot” to list the most common frustrations that makers run into with purchased crochet and knitting patterns – the kinds of things that make a person mutter under their breath and reach for a pencil to rewrite half the page.

Here was the response:

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🧶 Common Frustrations with Purchased Patterns

🌀 1. Vague or Missing Instructions

• Steps that assume you “just know” what the designer meant
• Skipping crucial transitions (e.g., how to join rounds, where to place the first stitch)
• No stitch counts at the end of rows/rounds

📏 2. Inconsistent or Incorrect Sizing

• Garments that don’t match standard measurements
• Only one size included, or “one size fits most” when it clearly doesn’t
• Gauge listed but not actually used in the pattern’s math

📸 3. Poor or Insufficient Photos

• Only one photo of the finished item
• No close-ups of tricky sections
• Photos that hide shaping, seams, or stitch detail

🧵 4. Confusing Formatting

• Walls of text with no spacing
• Abbreviations not defined
• Switching between written instructions and charts without warning
• Charts that are blurry or too small to read

🔁 5. Errors and Typos

• Incorrect stitch counts
• Missing rows
• Repeated rows that shouldn’t repeat
• Math that simply doesn’t work out

🎨 6. Yarn Substitution Nightmares

• Pattern calls for discontinued yarn
• No yardage listed, only brand name
• Yarn weight mislabeled or unclear

🧩 7. Skill Level Mismatch

• “Beginner” patterns that require advanced shaping
• “Intermediate” patterns with techniques never explained
• No links or guidance for special stitches

📄 8. Lack of Support or Updates

• Designer doesn’t respond to questions
• No errata page
• Pattern never updated even when errors are widely reported

🧺 9. Overly Dense or Overly Sparse Instructions

• Some patterns over-explain every single stitch
• Others are so minimalistic they feel like a puzzle
• Neither extreme is fun when you’re trying to relax

🧂 10. Style or Tone Issues

• Condescending language
• “You should already know this” vibes
• Instructions written like a personal diary instead of a pattern

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I was relieved to see that my handful of criticisms are not out on the fringe.

At the end of the day, I realize that this is not anywhere near being an important issue, but since I started this blog post with mention of my experience as an educator, I’ll close with what I have learned as I contemplated this issue:

• when writing instructions (for anything!), keep in mind that everyone has a different (and unique) learning style
  • whenever possible, incorporate visual as well as written guidance
  • also consider creating a step-by-step video tutorial
• gather a diverse group of testers
  • ensure they are all comfortable sharing critical feedback by encouraging it
    • consider setting up an anonymous survey so you can get HONEST critique and feedback

Lastly, I’ll close with a call to businesses that sell a lot of patterns (think bigger businesses and not individuals): consider setting up a feedback mechanism where you can receive constructive criticism on patterns (specifically) that you sell. If I were building this, I would put it under Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and NOT under general Customer Service.

(just a thought)

And if you’re thinking this way and looking for an experienced educator who has years of experience as a crocheter and knitter,…

Wishing EVERYONE a happy and fiber-filled New Year!

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(C) 2025 Fiber Harmony / Stitch ‘n Dish