BrittiTips 101: Choosing Your Pattern
Hi there! I’m Britt, and welcome to BrittiTips 101, a series where I’ll walk you through the entire journey of creating your very first knit. From choosing the right pattern, to understanding materials, to knitting the garment itself, all the way to caring for your knits throughout their lifecycle: I’ve got you.
When I first started knitting, it honestly felt like learning a whole new language. I didn’t know where to look for patterns, how to pick the right yarn or needles, or which techniques to learn first. And if that sounds familiar, you’re exactly who I’m writing this for. As part of my mission to help revive knitting for a new generation, we’re starting at the foundation: clear, simple and concise.
This series will consist of the following:
Cycle 1: Choose
Choosing Your Pattern
Selecting Yarn & Tools
Cycle 2: Plan
Swatching with Confidence
Cycle 3: Knit
Casting On & Getting Started
Knitting the Body
Finishing the Knit
Cycle 4: Finish
Blocking & Weaving In Ends
Caring for Your Knits
Thank you for being here, and let’s get your knitting journey started together, one stitch at a time!
Start With Your Intention
Knitting has been around for a very long time. Some of the oldest known knitted pieces, like the famous Egyptian socks, date back to around the 11th century. With such a long history, it’s no surprise that there is a huge amount of patterns available today.
To find the right one for you, it really helps to start by setting your intention. Think about why you want to knit this project. If you’re looking for something calming after a long day, you’ll probably enjoy a small, straightforward piece, such as a simple scarf or cowl with repetitive stitches. If you want to build your handmade wardrobe instead, take a moment to consider which shapes suit you and what styles you naturally reach for.
Your intention becomes the first filter through the massive pile of patterns out there. Once you know what you’re aiming for, finding the right pattern gets a lot easier.
Where Do I Find Patterns?
Okay so, you have finally decided on your dream project. But where do you find an actual pattern for it? Especially with the recent rise of popularity in knitting, there are quite a few places to find your first knitting pattern, such as:
Ravelry: By far the largest library of knitting patterns.
Websites of individual designers: Many popular knitwear designers sell patterns on their own websites as well.
Books & Magazines: great option if you like the style of a specific brand/company.
Yarn Shops: many yarn shops also sell printed patterns in addition to just yarns and tools (and they usually love to help!)
Social Media: great for trendy inspiration, although trickier for finding actual patterns.
My personal recommendation is to stick with Ravelry. In my experience it is the most widely used resource in the knitting community and it offers the biggest and most varied selection of patterns
BrittiTIP: Use the ‘‘sort’’ button when searching for patterns. My most used are ‘‘Hot right now’’ and ‘‘Most popular’’ since they show recent patterns that are being made by many creators.
Match the Pattern to Your Skill Level
Now that you have found a pattern you like, it is important to make sure it matches your current skill level. Choosing something that is far too complicated is almost guaranteed to lead to frustration, and that is the last thing you want when you are just starting out.
Many patterns list a difficulty level, although each designer uses their own format. Some use star‑based ratings, others use written levels such as beginner, advanced beginner or experienced. This is a good first indicator of whether the pattern is suitable for you.
It also helps to check which techniques the pattern uses. A very long list of techniques can be a hint that the project may be a bit too advanced right now. That said, not all techniques are equally difficult. Some patterns include very basic things, like casting on, in their technique list, even though this requires very little prior experience and shouldn’t really count as a sign of complexity. So always take a moment to read through the list and look up anything you are unsure about.
BrittiTIP: When clicking on a pattern, you will see a button on the top for ‘‘Projects’’. This shows all people that have documented their knit based on this pattern. If you are unsure about a pattern, take a look through this section and see what other creators have said about this pattern. You will be able to tell if people generally find the pattern easy to complete or hard to execute/understand.
Time Commitment
It is no secret that knitting is a VERY time‑consuming craft. In my opinion there is no such thing as a “quick” knit, because even something as small as a beanie can take several hours, especially when you are a beginner. So, it really helps to ask yourself an honest question: am I willing to spend a good amount of my time on this?
When choosing a pattern with time in mind, you can think about:
Does this pattern only work for a specific season, and will I realistically finish it in time to wear it?
Does this pattern match my current motivation and energy level?
Is there enough variety in the pattern to keep me interested, or is it very repetitive?
Thinking about these things beforehand makes it much more likely that your knit will actually become a finished piece one day, instead of ending up as a sad pile of wool in the corner of your bedroom.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
While there are of course many more things you can look at, I want to end this first step by pointing out a few things you might want to avoid when choosing a pattern. Sometimes eliminating options works even better than trying to pick the perfect one.
Lack of Measurements/Sizes
A good knitting pattern will usually include multiple sizes. For example, a sweater will almost always offer a size range like XS to XL or even broader. Be careful with patterns that are listed as “one size” or patterns that mention sizes without giving clear measurements in centimeters or inches. Without exact measurements, you have no way of knowing how the finished garment will actually fit you.
Missing Gauge Information
Every pattern should include gauge. Yarn, needles and individual knitting styles can all affect the final size of a project, so gauge is what helps you make sure your finished piece matches the designer’s intended dimensions. If a pattern doesn’t list stitch and row gauge, that’s usually a sign to move on.
No Reviews
A lack of reviews is not always a deal‑breaker, especially with smaller or newer designers. That said, most designers have their patterns test‑knit before publishing, and test knitters often leave feedback or share their projects. A pattern with zero reviews or no visible test knits is something to be a little cautious about, simply because you have less information about the clarity of the instructions or potential issues.
Lastly, I really recommend trusting your gut. If a pattern feels off, looks too complicated, or just doesn’t seem detailed enough, it’s probably a sign that it isn’t the right project for you. I’ve skipped plenty of patterns that looked amazing, simply because something about them didn’t give me the right feeling. There will always be another pattern and choosing one you feel confident about makes the whole process so much more enjoyable.
Choosing a knitting pattern can feel like a big decision, but it becomes so much easier once you know what to look for. Set your intention, think honestly about your skill level and available time, and pay attention to the small details that signal whether a pattern is well‑written. And remember, there is no rush. The knitting world is full of incredible designs, and the right pattern will always find its way to you.
You are now ready for the next step in your knitting journey. Let’s continue with ‘‘Selecting Yarn & Tools’’!
With love,
