How I Made $700 Before Writing a Knitting Pattern

You read that right.

I made $700 on a single knitting pattern before it was ever written or published.

Here’s how it happened — and how you can start tapping into the same opportunities.

The $300 Prize: Winning My First Design Challenge

I’d been following Shirley Paden’s work for years, knitting her designs long before I even realized who she was. Eventually, I joined her group We Love Shirley Paden on Ravelry and participated in her design-a-longs (DALs). These were no casual knit-alongs — they were intensive, hands-on design workshops using her book Handknit Garment Design Workshop as our manual.

Fast forward a few years: I entered the 2022 Summer Design Challenge. To my surprise, I won 2nd place and took home a $300 prize.

But more importantly? I walked away with validation from a designer I admired, and the confidence to call my self an Ward-winning Hand Knitwear Designer!

The $400 Article: Turning Experience Into Income

Not long after, I received a Call for Design Submission from The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA). I had recently joined their call list. I saw that the upcoming issue - a Spring issue - was focused on lace. Perfect timing! I had just finished my award-winning lace capelet.

I submitted a proposal to share my design challenge experience, along with a written pattern for the award-winning design. The proposal was accepted, and just like that, I earned another $400, before I had even written the full pattern.

Next, I was to produce an article, but also THE article. I produced the capelet again, only this time, I was given - GIVEN - a beautiful, luxurious yarn to make it. A Silk, Merino Wool 50/50 blend, fingerling yarn that was simply a joy!

Writing the pattern was not a concern because I keep thorough notes thanks to the design process I learned from working with Shirley Paden. I created a call submission tracking worksheet that I use to keep notes on all of my design call activities - from when I get the call email, through keeping track of my design ideas, to my swatching/gauge results, to what I specifically submit, how and to whom. It makes it so much easier.

Why Answering a Call for Designs is a Game-Changer

Selling patterns is the most obvious income stream for designers. But answering a design call opened up unexpected opportunities — ones I might have missed if I hadn’t said ‘YES’.

Here’s what I gained:

Ready to Get Published?

If you’ve ever wanted to see your name in print (and maybe earn before your pattern is even written), your first step is finding the right calls for submission.

To make it easier, I’ve curated directories of popular print and online publications that regularly release design calls and who accept independent concept submissions for yarn support.

Grab your preferred directory and start pitching your designs today.

👉 Free Directory of Crochet Magazine Publishers

👉 Free Directory of Knitting Magazine Publishers

Follow our Facebook page Crafted for Commerce for news, opportunities, and to share your experience with other crafters.