More on Dumbing Down Patterns

 

I had coffee with a knitting friend recently. She is an accomplished knitter and we got talking about the pattern writing process. She has read some of the same threads I have read on Ravelry on what knitters hate about patterns. We discussed when we were first knitting we both would take extra notes and make charts to check off while knitting more complex patterns. Reverse shapings was not considered to be an impossibly difficult instruction. Knitters didn't think it was expected that the pattern spell out every technique. Many modern knitters seem to have much higher expectation of what patterns should provide in terms of detail. BTW the phrase "dumbing down" is not mine. It came from a conversation with several high profile designers.

My coffee friend reads my blog interviews and was struck by the differences in the responses to what has become my most controversial question. The question is, "How do you feel about the so called controversy of “dumbing down” patterns for knitters?"

Many designers don't understand what I'm asking. Many give very carefully worded responses to avoid anyone taking offense. It does appear that there is a cultural component as well as shifts in modern standards to pattern writing. Below I've added in two of my favourite answers.

Here is the response from Michelle Porter:

How do you feel about the so called controversy of “dumbing down” patterns for knitters?

I hope I’m not offending too many knitters out there, but I try to write my patterns for real dummies! I also include myself in this group! If there is any way to miss-read, miss-interpret, count wrong, or measure wrong – I will find it! So, I try to include stitch counts whenever it changes and describe exactly where you are measuring. I remember to state which needles you are using and if increases and decreases are done in pattern, how and where. I hope all the questions are answered on the pattern, with no ambiguity. I feel all patterns should include a difficulty rating and “beginner” patterns should really include nearly everything.”Experienced” patterns can get away with less detailed explanations and an assumption of a degree of knowledge. Every pattern should include a tension gauge done in the stitch pattern used and an abbreviations key. I do try to keep my patterns for yarn companies to 3 pages, though, so it can be printed easily on a folded sheet. For my Fondle Patterns collection, I make them as many pages as I need and include several photographs. I also like to use a flat photo of the sample garment (not on a model) to help with the construction. Sometimes my blog has more photos and notes than the pattern. If a knitter still has questions, I am very happy to answer by email.

Michelle's complete interview can be found here.

Erica Patberg's answer is below. Her original interview can be found here.

How do you feel about the so called controversy of "dumbing down" patterns for knitters?  

I didn't know that there was a controversy. As an American knitter, I tend to lean towards specifying more rather than less. Giving stitch counts at the end of a row with increases or decreases, specifying the type of cast on if it matters.  In the Netherlands, where I live, knitting was taught in schools until recently. There is an assumption that knitters have more independent knowledge thus patterns are more brief, giving just the essentials needed to knit a piece and leaving more decisions up to the knitter. I think both styles of directions have their place. As a beginner more step by step instruction can help you to learn a new skill or complete a project. For publication, pithy instructions keep costs down and allow for more designs in each magazine.