Feel-good factor in knitting patterns
The value of repetition in knitwear design, CraftDoodling Design News, Other updates.
Even when repeated quite often, some things in life don't become boring—brewing the same cup of tea every morning, taking the same route for a morning walk or to walk the 🐕, re-reading a favorite novel, re-watching old favorite movies with loved ones, listening to a playlist of favorite songs, or cooking a favorite family recipe👩🏼🍳.
But knitting a pattern on repeat seems to be a moot point. I have seen knitters who refuse to knit a pattern another time due to the sheer amount of choice available, while others are happy to repeat a pattern multiple times for their own reasons.
Do knitters tend to repeat patterns because they are simple enough, or do patterns become simple because we repeat them? What are your reasons for choosing to repeat a pattern?
Personally, knitting that second sock was such a challenge for me. 😅 But I must admit that I am slowly seeing the value in repetition.
Familiarity breeds… better FOs
One becomes familiar with a pattern after knitting it once. We have a clear idea of what the tricky bits were and which parts were enjoyable. We might even think of better yarn options or finishing techniques.At this point, it is far easier to knit it the second time, if we choose to.
The second time around, we learn to enjoy the fun bits instantly and not as an afterthought. We anticipate the tricky bits and become better equipped to handle them. And our FOs usually turn out better!
Repeatable patterns
I repeated my own pattern, Manzil Mitts, for the KAL last week at my LYS and found it to be knitting up quite fast. Now, I have an extra pair of mitts for the fall when my kids appreciate a pair of mitts for their early morning bike 🚴rides to school.
Some knitters, upon finding a pattern they are happy to repeat, treat it as an opportunity to gift-knit 🎁 something for a loved one. They start their second projects right away, avoiding the hassle of selecting and trying something entirely new.
A repeatable pattern is also a wardrobe-building opportunity if you need multiple items of the same style and fit. One knitter mentioned how she is knitting herself a few stockinette jumpers in the same style but in different colors! 🟩⬛️🟦🟪🟫 I thought it was quite the rebellion against fast fashion in a way.
What Makes Patterns Easy to Repeat?
It's not just the simple construction and basic patterns that make knitters want to knit something multiple times. Complex patterns that have been written carefully and thoughtfully to break down the steps and are presented well to the knitter also lend themselves to be repeated.
In general, repeatability seems like a good design aspect. In my earlier posts, The Right Amount of Whelm in (knitting) projects, About Simple Knitting Patterns, and Basic Knits Need Not Be Boring, I have written about different aspects of knitting patterns that may directly or indirectly contribute to repeatability.
Apart from all of that, I think there is also a feel-good factor 💝 involved. Just like a familiar book or movie, a knitting pattern you've enjoyed never fails to bring about that familiar joy and feeling of wellness. Would you say so too? 💞
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CRAFTDOODLING DESIGN UPDATES
Thank you to everyone who signed up for a very quick Manzil Mitts KAL, at short notice. This was such a fun one and there’s always so much to learn from each other, whenever knitters meet. 💗
As you may know, my next one, Fluens Tee is awaiting inputs from my TE.
Meanwhile, I have started working on a new design and I’m swatching for a couple more. I’ll keep you posted.🤞
Beginnings of a new design on my needles.. Just one more frienldy reminder to sign up for classes and KAL for the month of August - available on Filloy Yarn website. ♥️
OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT LIKE
Reading Updates
Just finished Reading 📖
Runaway - Alice Munro
How to raise a healthy gamer - Dr.Alok Kanojia
Currently Reading 📖
i. So good they can’t ignore you - Cal Newport
Until next time,
Kavitha. ♡
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If something works well and I wear it a lot, then I will re-knit in other colours.
I don't think I will knit the same garment again. As I am predominantly a crocheter, I don't crochet a garment multiple times too..., whether it is easy or very beautiful. I only repeat small projects in crochet... like an AirPods case or a coin purse, which also serves as a break in between intense knits or crocheted projects.