Interested in contributing patterns or tutorials to
Knitty?
We now use a direct-Submission method with a simple online form,
which you'll find here. Please use the form to submit your design.
If you have trouble using the form, you may submit by email.
Knitty
requires all patterns to follow
CYC sizing standards.
Charts and full information can be
found on this
page.
FAQ for designers
and authors [updated October 17, 2015]
Q1. What
types of patterns are you
looking for?
A1. We are now soliciting
patterns for our Spring+Summer issue
which goes live March 2016.
I know, it's just getting cool!
Such is the craziness of publishing. We've got to be ahead of the season! So can you put on your imaginary crown of spring blossoms and pretend warm is just around the corner? I bet you can.
IMPORTANT: As we often do for the Spring+Summer deadline, we're gonna bump it to January 2, to give you extra time to come up with something extra wonderful.
For Spring+Summer 2016, imagine perfect tanks, tees and lightweight coverups. Layering pieces and light options are what we want to see for Spring+Summer. Think, also, accessories. Shawls and wraps, lighter socks, and other pieces that take you from bundle-up weather to bask-in-the-sun season.
We are ever open to new things that have only existed previously in your imagination (remember this and this?), especially if they're perfect gift knits, because Winter is the gifting season! Be creative! Innovate! We exist to give your work a very visible platform so you can reach thousands and thousands of knitters. So give it your best shot!
To get some ideas about what we love for Winter, take a peek at some of our previousissues.
We don't do novelty yarn,
and we rarely publish children's
garments or accessories, unless they're
exceptionally clever or unique. For
the best chance of being published,
submit your designs for men's or women's
sweaters.
Remember,
as you design for Knitty, ask yourself
this: what makes your design unique? Tell
us about it when you write your e-mail
to us. Bullet points are fine. Be
clear and succinct.
Please
note: Knitty
is religion neutral,
so nothing related
to any religion will be published.
Submissions must
be new -- not previously shown in
any form [even just a picture] in
another mag or on any website, including
Flickr or Ravelry. Once your
work is published in Knitty, you
may include a picture on your website
with a link to the Knitty website.
After the issue has been archived
[3 months later], you may do whatever
you wish with your work, including
self publishing or submitting it
to other publications. The copyright
for your work always remains with
you.
We cannot accept
submissions of crocheted items. Knitted
items with a small amount of crochet,
such as edging or necklines, are most
welcome.
Q2. What
do you pay for submissions?
A2. The
honorarium ranges from $100-200 per
published submission as of October 1, 2015. Payment
will be by Paypal and
contributors can expect payment by
the time the issue's surprise goes
live -- midway between your issue and
the next.
In addition to the
honorarium, we offer you a highly visible,
professional place to show your work
to a large, well-connected audience,
plus a link back to the website of
your choice. Our designers and authors
enjoy significant traffic as a result
of their Knitty exposure, and often
see a spike in their pattern sales
as a result. If you've dreamed of becoming
a professional published knitwear designer
or writer, Knitty could help you get
there. It's also a great way to build
an audience and generate sales for
your own pattern line or other knitting-related
product.
You [the creator
of the work] will retain all copyrights
to your own work. By submitting work
to be published in Knitty and accepting
the honorarium, you are giving your
permission for your pattern or article
and all related images to be included
in Knitty magazine in its current format
and other electronic or computer-readable
distribution formats. Back issues of
Knitty [our Library] will remain available online
indefinitely.
Once the current
issue that showcases your pattern or
article has moved to the Library [archives],
you are free to do as you wish with
the pattern or article, which includes
submitting it elsewhere or self publishing.
Q3. May I
send you my submission by snail mail?
A3. Knitty is unable to accept
snail mail [paper] submissions. All
submissions must be sent via e-mail.
If you do not have a digital camera
or scanner, this
information may help you.
Q4. How soon
can I expect to hear back about my
submission?
A4. Consideration for each
issue's designs begins after the submission
deadline has closed, and it can take between 2 weeks to 2.5 months to receive a final decision on your work.
Once the submission
deadline has passed and all potential
designs are in hand, we begin the selection
process. We endeavor to let every designer
know if they will be included in the
next issue as soon as possible. If
you have not heard from us by two
weeks before publication, please
write the
editor and inquire.
Patterns not given an initial YES or NO response are being evaluated for possible publication in a future issue. Should we wish to hold your pattern for a future issue, we will write and ask for your permission to do so.
Q4a. My submission
was rejected. Should I resubmit it
in the future?
A4a. Thank you for asking,
but no. If a design might work for
Knitty, but just not in the upcoming
issue, the editor will ask permission
of the designer to hold their design
for consideration for a future issue.
If the editor thinks the design would
work with modifications, she will contact
the designer to discuss this.
Q5. How do
you select what gets published?
A5. Our editors choose what
they like and/or what they think Knitty
readers will like. The quality of the
knitted item, written pattern AND the
images that accompany the submission
are very important.
No payment is or has ever been accepted
by Knitty in exchange for publishing
a design. If it's in our pages, it's
there because we think people will
enjoy knitting it or be inspired by
it.
Q6. Does
Knitty arrange yarn support?
A6. We try to facilitate this
when possible. If you are an established
contributor to Knitty, write the
editor with your concept, sketches,
swatches and yarn requirements as far
in advance of the issue your work is
planned for as you possibly can.
If you are new to
Knitty, please include photographs
of previous work and some information
about you and your background when
you write to us with your concept,
sketches and swatches.
Q7. What
are your deadlines for future issues?
A7. Please take careful note
of our deadlines below, and check this
page every time you're preparing a
submission. We don't want you to lose
out because a deadline changed and
you missed it!
Q8. How should I prepare my charts? A8. Knitty uses Stitch Mastery software exclusively to prepare all our charts. If you use this software, please submit both .knit and .jpg files for charts. The Tech Editors will thank you. If you cannot use Stitch Mastery, please refer to the Spreadsheet portion of this article for instructions on a simple way to chart with free software (or Excel or Numbers, should you have either of those).
Issue
Theme
Submission
Deadline
Issue
live
Spring+Summer
2016
Warm-to-hot-weather
garments + accessories
--> Jan 2, 2016
Mar
2016
First
Fall + Holiday Headstart
2016
Transitional
cool-weather layers + things
to knit early for holiday gifting...no
mohair or angora!
Mar
1, 2016
June
2016
Deep
Fall 2016
Super-cozy
cool-weather garments + accessories
June
1, 2016
Sept
2016
Winter
2016
Cold-weather
garments + accessories, quick last-minute
gift knits
Sept
1, 2016
Dec
2016
Q8. When
does each issue go live?
A8. See the schedule below
Spring+Summer 2016: March
2016
First Fall
+ Holiday Headstart 2016: June
2016
Deep Fall 2016: September
2016
Winter
2016: December
2016
Q9. My work
was published in Knitty. When will
I be paid?
A9. Payment to all contributors
will be complete by the time the issue's
surprise goes live -- midway between
your issue and the next.
Please
read and follow all instructions
precisely.
Knitty
Patterns[see below for
additional Knittyspin pattern guidelines]
All design submissions
for our Spring+Summer issue must
be received by January 2, 2016. If you are close to having a pattern ready, but need more time, please write the Editor and provide details.
Your submission must include the following, sent as
ATTACHMENTS to your e-mail message:
1. A
complete written knitting pattern that
adheres to the Knitty style guide in
an MS Word or text-only document. Please
download this
MSWord document or the text-only
version and follow the conventions
exactly when creating your submission.
Your work will be edited for clarity
and format. Do not include
photos in your pattern document. Attach
them to your e-mail along with the
pattern file.
Take some time to
read patterns we've published and follow
our conventions. A table of Knitty's
standard abbreviations can be found here.
List any unusual abbreviations and
their definitions at the beginning
of your pattern in the Pattern Notes
section.
Patterns must include
the following: brand name, colors and
fiber content of yarn used; yardage
per ball or skein; quantity of yarn
required per size. If the yarn you
have used is discontinued by the time
your pattern is submitted, please list
an alternate that will produce similar
results. Your pattern will be edited
to meet our standards.
You must include
a gauge indicator [4x4" square,
over stockinette stitch, showing stitch
AND row count] for those knitters
who wish to substitute yarns. Please
use current, commercially available
yarns whenever possible. "Commercially
available" means, at minimum,
that the yarn can be ordered from a
website, all over the world, without
difficulty.
Patterns
must be sized from at least XS
to 3X for women and S
to 2X for men, using the specific CYC sizing standards you will find at the links bove. Please do not create your own sizing and size increments. These standards need to be applied to every pattern submission, and if your pattern doesn't match these numbers, we'll ask you to revise it in order to be able to publish it.
2.A
clean sketch of the silhouette of the
pattern [see example at right] that
shows all relevant measurements. If
your pattern covers multiple sizes,
please indicate their measurements
as well. The sketch should be provided
as a GIF file, or EPS artwork, if you
are able. Clean, hand-drawn sketches
are acceptable.
3. A
selection of clean digital images [JPG,
best possible quality] of the finished
project at 72dpi, at least
750 pixels wide. Please include
as many photos as you can -- pretty
shots for atmosphere, and a variety
of clear detail shots. Do keep the
original photos. If chosen, the editor
will likely want full-size shots to
work from.
Please ensure that
all relevant design features are visible
in the photos you send, since this
often helps people follow patterns.
The style and quality of your photos
is very important, so show your work
to its best advantage! Have a photo
shoot, take lots of different shots
from different angles and have fun
with it! Pl
Are
you a designer that's new to Knitty?
[as in we haven't published your
work before]: It's absolutely
essential that your submission
photos be clear, in focus, bright
and of the style that we request
above. The quality of the photos
is an essential component of everyone's
submission. We have had to reject
excellent patterns because the
photographs weren't well-lit, sharp
and/or appealing.
So in order to evaluate each submission
properly, every submission MUST
contain photos that are good enough
to publish.
Knitty's
photography tips:
Shoot
the photo in a bright, naturally
lit location. Outdoor shots
are usually a great choice.
Avoid flash photography unless
you're using professional
studio equipment. example • example • example
The background
and styling of the photo
should be interesting and
enhance or pleasantly contrast
with the garment/item but
not distract from it. Avoid
the standing-against-a-tree
pose, please. Also
please remember that people
have heads, and
your photos should, too. example • example • example
If your
submission is wearable, please
photograph it on a human model
in the way you want to see
it worn and in an appropriate
setting. i.e. if it's
a formal item, make the accessories,
associated clothing and background
formal as well; if it's a
winter item, try to make
the scene feel like winter,
even if the current season
isn't the least bit snowy example • example • example
Items
like scarves, shawls, bags,
and other flattish items
should be shown flat in a
few of the submitted photos
so that all key knitting
details can be clearly seen.
Modelled shots are also important
to set the mood for your
design. example • example • example
We can't
accept photos of knitted
items on stuffed toys, dolls
or dogs, unless those items
are specifically meant to
be worn by stuffed toys,
dolls or dogs. If you've
knit a baby garment, please
show the garment on a real
baby. :-) example • example • example
Remember:
Knitty is a publication with
a sense of humor and we're
not afraid of different;
we prefer it. example • example • example
4. Contact
details -- please include:
- Your name as you
wish it to be published
- an e-mail address where readers can
send questions or feedback
- your Paypal e-mail address
- the URL to your website or blog,
if you wish us to link to you
- a short bio [100 words max],
written in 3rd person
- a blurb describing the item in question
- a headshot of you
- the name of any models featured in
photographs you submit
- the photographer's name
5. A
signed, dated statement that the pattern
you are submitting is your own original
work. Please copy the following text,
sign below and include it with your
submission:
By submitting
a design to be published in Knitty,
I verify that I am the original creator
of the work, and that I have not
infringed and/or violated the existing
intellectual property rights of any
third person in the creation of the
work I claim as mine. Further, I
agree to hold Knitty and its editors
and publisher harmless from any and
all expenses, losses, liabilities,
damages or third-party claims that
may arise from any infringement and/or
violation of such intellectual property
rights. The one-time fee paid by
Knitty is my full compensation for
all electronic and/or computer-readable
media distribution rights. This notice
will serve as my written permission
to allow my pattern and all related
images to be published in Knitty
magazine in its current format and
in any future format in perpetuity.
To send us your submission, use our direct-Submission method with a simple online form, which you'll find here.
If you are unable to use the form, you may send the submission by email to the Editor. Kindly title your e-mail: "Knitty
Spring+Summer pattern sub: *yourpatternnamehere*"
Tutorials [see below for
additional Knittyspin article guidelines]
Tutorials of
unique techniques, or techniques that have
not yet been covered by other articles
in our archive are most welcome.
Tutorials require clean, detailed photography
and clear step-by-step instructions.
Do you have a unique skill related
to knitting or fiber? Share what you
know! To have the best chance of being published, a tutorial should accompany a pattern designed by you. See pattern submission guidelines above for the full requirements.
Tutorials
for our Spring+Summer issue must
be received by January 2, 2016. Submissions
must be from 1000 to 2000 words in
length. Submit files in MS Word or
as text-only documents. If accepted
for publication, your work will be
edited for clarity and format.
Please include
the following, sent as ATTACHMENTS
to your e-mail message: 1. Supporting graphics or photography
are essential.
As an example, see this
article. The photographs
of the process, yarns and color
key were supplied by the author.
This is a very good thing. Important: Note
the name of each image in the
location you feel it belongs
in your article.
Image guidelines:
Clean, well-lit digital images [JPG,
best possible quality], 72dpi, at
least 750 pixels wide. You
may include more than one photo --
we encourage you to! As with patterns,
photo quality is very important.
2. Contact
details -- please include:
- Your name as you
wish it to be published
- an e-mail address where readers can
send questions or feedback
- your Paypal e-mail address
- the URL to your website or blog,
if you wish us to link to you
- a short bio [100 words max],
written in 3rd person
- a headshot of you
- the name of any models featured in
photographs you submit
- the photographer's name
3. A
signed, dated statement that the pattern
you are submitting is your own original
work. Please copy the following text,
sign below and include it with your
submission:
By submitting
an tutorial to be published in Knitty,
I verify that I am the original creator
of the work, and that I have not
infringed and/or violated the existing
intellectual property rights of any
third person in the creation of the
work I claim as mine. Further, I
agree to hold Knitty and its editors
and publisher harmless from any and
all expenses, losses, liabilities,
damages or third-party claims that
may arise from any infringement and/or
violation of such intellectual property
rights. The one-time fee paid by
Knitty is my full compensation for
all electronic and/or computer-readable
media distribution rights. This notice
will serve as my written permission
to allow my article and all related
images to be published in Knitty
magazine in its current format and
in any future format in perpetuity.
To send us your submission, use our direct-Submission method with a simple online form, which you'll find here.
If you are unable to use the form, you may send the submission by email to the Editor. Kindly title your e-mail: "Knitty
Spring+Summer tutorial sub: *yourpatternnamehere*"
Knittyspin
Patterns Knittyspin is
for people who want to knit with
handspun yarn, whether they have
spun it themselves or not.Handspun
yarn is used in a lot of beautiful
accessories and we get many accessories
submitted each issue. We
really want to encourage you
to submit patterns for garments,
especially garments that combine
handspun and commercial yarn.
To send us your submission, use our direct-Submission method with a simple online form, which you'll find here.
If you are unable to use the form, you may send the submission by email to the Editor. Kindly title your e-mail: "Knittyspin
Spring+Summer pattern sub: *yourpatternnamehere*"
Knittyspin
Articles
Articles about all aspects of spinning,
and all aspects of knitting with handspun
are welcome.
Knittyspin follows
the same guidelines as our big sister,
Knitty. Read the requirements
for Articles above. In addition,
please include any of the following
details that are applicable to your
article:
Fiber: (include
company, colorway and where it is
available to purchase)
Preparation:
Drafting method:
Ply:
Wheel system: [double drive, scotch
tension or bobbin drive]
Ratio (singles/plying):
Wraps per inch:
Twist angle:
Yardage used:
Yarn classification: (please include
a commercial substitute)
Yardage used:
Finished size:
All gear used in
the spinning of your yarn, including:
Wheel or spindle
Niddy Noddy
Lazy Kate
Etc.
To send us your submission, use our direct-Submission method with a simple online form, which you'll find here.
If you are unable to use the form, you may send the submission by email to the Editor. Kindly title your e-mail: "Knittyspin
Spring+Summer article sub: *yourarticlenamehere*"