Hello folks!
So, I'm back with a question to you folks, my amazing readers and makers:
How should I do both charts and written instructions?
Now, I know I want to do written instructions. Not all patterns even need charts (something like my Mitered Bag, for example, didn't end up needing charts). And writing written instructions is important in making my patterns accessible to people who use screen-reading software.
So, I want to do both charts and written instructions. The question is, how?
Should I include only charts in the patterns, and written instructions as a separate download? Should I integrate both right into the pattern? Or should I put simple written instructions in the pattern, but more complicated written instructions in their own download (which is my current structure)?
Thing is, written instruction can run quite long, especially for something like a lace shawl. And I figure that people don't necessarily want a 40-plus page pattern of line-by-line instruction. But, some people do! So, I'm seeking suggestions!
I'm open to many options, so long as they make my patterns accessible -- and who knows, there's always going to be something I haven't thought of, too!
So, please, sound off in the comments -- how would you like to see me handle charts and written instructions? Do you have anything that you've seen done (or, for fellow designers, that you do in your own pattern writing)? Or any other insight or thoughts? I'd love to hear it!
So, I'm back with a question to you folks, my amazing readers and makers:
How should I do both charts and written instructions?
Now, I know I want to do written instructions. Not all patterns even need charts (something like my Mitered Bag, for example, didn't end up needing charts). And writing written instructions is important in making my patterns accessible to people who use screen-reading software.So, I want to do both charts and written instructions. The question is, how?
Should I include only charts in the patterns, and written instructions as a separate download? Should I integrate both right into the pattern? Or should I put simple written instructions in the pattern, but more complicated written instructions in their own download (which is my current structure)?
Thing is, written instruction can run quite long, especially for something like a lace shawl. And I figure that people don't necessarily want a 40-plus page pattern of line-by-line instruction. But, some people do! So, I'm seeking suggestions!
I'm open to many options, so long as they make my patterns accessible -- and who knows, there's always going to be something I haven't thought of, too!
So, please, sound off in the comments -- how would you like to see me handle charts and written instructions? Do you have anything that you've seen done (or, for fellow designers, that you do in your own pattern writing)? Or any other insight or thoughts? I'd love to hear it!
Good question! I'm a crochet designer, so my thoughts may need to be adjusted slightly for a knit designer. I have two patterns that include charts, one of which was an absolute pain to create. Thankfully, my tech editor can also create charts based on my written instructions. I gladly paid her to do a chart for the second pattern. However, I usually prefer to include extensive photo tutorials, rather than charts, in my patterns.
ReplyDeleteI try to be mindful of people who like to print their patterns, so I try to put all the photos at the end. But, there's always someone who prefers the photo right next to where it will be used in the pattern.
Some people prefer to print the written part of the pattern and then view the corresponding photos on a laptop, tablet, or smart phone. For these people, I have to be mindful of the need to scroll up and down from special instructions to the text where the technique is used. It's a really big challenge keeping all these people happy.
Recently a pattern tester suggested I keep the photos at the end of the pattern and give each a number. Then, in the text of the pattern, she said I should put the numbers that refer to the appropriate photos. With 25-50 photos in some of my patterns, that’s a LOT of work, which is why I don’t give away my patterns for free.
Well, actually, I do put a condensed version (with just the bare bones instructions and very few photos) on my blog. Folks who want the free version will have to put up with ads. Like I said, it’s a real challenge to provide content that appeals to as many people as possible.
First, thanks so much for your thoughts!
DeleteFor chart creation, there's software I use for knitting that creates the charts as well as written instruction. So that part's not hard.
And thanks for the reminder about folks printing the pattern! I tried putting photos at the end, but then the pattern just looked too dense with all the text.
I do like the idea of numbered photos, though!
And yeah. It's a challenge to provide patterns that appeal and are accessible to as many people as possible :)