Why I Stopped Selling Single Patterns
I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, and realized that selling patterns (single instruction file) does not make sense for me as a designer and seller, and for you, my customer. Let me explain.
From the seller’s part, producing one pattern has so much work that nobody sees, and the hidden costs nobody takes into consideration. For most self-taught knitting and crochet designers all began as a hobby and then turned into a passion and business. That is why patterns, unlike any other digital products, have a very low pricing range. After all the platform fees and tax deductions, there’s almost nothing left to bring home.
From the maker’s part, if you want to craft constantly, the cost of single patterns adds up and becomes unsustainable. So I was thinking – “What is the solution? How can I make it work?”
I updated the patterns and added instructions for more than one project. Enhancing the crafting experience with more value by creating an intentional and calm workflow through organization.
More Than Just a Pattern
Thus, the idea of book structure came to life. I wanted you to get the answers to any questions that may arise and structure your workflow by dividing the e-book into chapters.
Each chapter includes a guide and a quick workbook to support a smooth, intentional, and mindful creating process. The first section is for absolute beginners and teaches how to read the pattern (any pattern) and sums up the terms and main stitches. For more experienced makers, I included in this chapter some tips on how to optimize your workflow and complete your project faster.
My new e-books will be your journal, planner, and pattern to make more than one item. And not just an e-book, you can easily turn it into a hard copy book or a binder. More about it you can read here.
Why do new pattern e-books feel different?
For large projects, it is very difficult to stay consistent. I want your project to be easy to commit to and to complete. Besides charts, instructions, and checklists, there are tools to help you to be organized, commit to your project, and complete it – a project tracker and craft planner.
Besides that, you will find more space for your notes, for keeping track of the project, for post-making reflections, and for your own photos, yarn strands, or swatches in the last chapter – “Making Diary”. This is my favourite feature of new pattern e-books.
The Maker Journey
My previous pattern templates were optimized for use on electronic devices. New e-books are born for a more tactile and personalized experience. While working on my pattern, you will not only create a beautiful thing, but also make memories. Happy memories of the magical transformation of strands into your family story. Make it a journey to discover yourself, to reflect, to create something meaningful and with intention.
The new e- books are designed to be printed on paper, as a hard copy book, or as a binder. And then to be used as a scrapbook and diary. It also makes it a great customizable gift or keepsake idea.
You can print the workbooks in each chapter for your other projects and patterns you work on as well. This way, with time, you can build your own crafting library or archive to track your favourite yarn swaps, your favourite stitch combinations, and personal tips and notes.
Holding the binder print of my new patterns e-book, I could not help but smile. I imagined you making this e-book your own by adding notes, photos, drawings, and yarn strands. The book you would like to go through years later, when your baby is grown up. I imagine that your child is looking through the pages, and who knows, maybe one day it will be used by your grandchild to craft for their kids.
Because making something by hand is a precious and pleasant experience. Like meditation, but with a blanket or (fill in the blank)… at the end. Get inspired for your next “journey” here.
