IDP SUBMISSION DETAILS


Please read this page carefully before submitting.

Getting Started

To start, we ask that designers submit a one-page proposal of their idea, think of this as an elevator pitch of the project. To protect their intellectual property, we ask that designers do not submit their completed pattern for the initial submission. If the pattern is already written, that is great and should be noted on the one-page proposal document. Full patterns that are submitted at the Pattern Proposal stage will be denied, no exceptions.

The Review Board may only see this one-page submission, so designers should be sure to send a professional and easy-to-understand PDF document. The one-page submission should include the following information:

  • Clear photograph of the project or swatch of the stitch pattern(s) and sketch of the final product.

  • Detailed description of the idea or project.

  • Yarn the project will be (or is already) in, including color SKU(s) and yardage for each.

  • Designer’s name, mailing address, email, and link to their Ravelry/Instagram/blog/etc. A mini biography is optional.

  • Clearly state if yarn support is requested. The specific yarn line, color SKU(s), and yardage of each colorway should be listed.

  • Pattern selling price ($1.99, $2.99, $3.99, $4.99, $5.99, $6.99, $7.99, $8.99).

For those new to the IDP program, designers should upload their pattern proposals using our Pattern Proposal Portal. If designers have already published patterns in the IDP Program, they should submit their proposals by logging into their Vendor Portal.

It is the designer’s responsibility to decide on the yarn line to be used as well as the specific colors. While reviewing the submission document, the Review Board may suggest a different yarn line and/or color. If this happens, the IDP Administrator will reach out to discuss the Review Board’s suggestions.

Designers are welcome to submit proposals for previously published patterns, such as those for sale on Ravelry, Etsy, and other websites, provided they are the sole owner of the pattern. They may also submit proposals for patterns that were previously submitted to other publications/websites but not accepted, provided there is not an exclusivity agreement with the publisher and the designer is the sole owner of the design.

Next Steps

Designers should receive an email confirming that we received their initial submission. Due to the large number of submissions we receive, the response time for acceptance or denial of patterns could be up to 6-8 weeks, though most responses are within 30 days. Once the proposal is reviewed, the designer will receive an email with the Review Board's decision.

If a proposal is accepted, Knit Picks will provide yarn support (if requested) for a sample to be made in our yarn; yarn is provided at no cost to the designer. Please note, we welcome designs from designers all over the world, however, at this time, we can only ship yarn to US, Canada, UK, or Australian addresses. 

Final Pattern Details

Designers are responsible for having each pattern tech edited and tested prior to the final submission. Ravelry has a directory of tech editors willing to work with designers which can be found Here. Testers can be found at The Testing Pool on Ravelry. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide yarn support for testers.

Designers are also responsible for pattern layout and graphics. We do not have a specific required template and designers are encouraged to use a pattern layout that enforces their individual brand and matches other patterns they have in publication. Above all, patterns must be well written, clear, and easy to understand. 

Knit Picks does have certain information requirements for IDP patterns:

  • All patterns must be in PDF format with a maximum pattern file size of 5MB.

  • A complete materials list including the yarn line, colorway, SKU, and yardage needed for each. You may suggest other Knit Picks yarn lines for substitution; however, this information must be clearly separate from the required materials list. No outside yarn brands should be listed on the IDP version of the pattern, this includes when suggesting yarns for substitutions.

  • At least 1 photograph of the finished project in the Knit Picks yarn listed. No photographs of samples in another brand’s yarn are acceptable.

  • A list of sizes should be included in the pattern as well as a schematic if applicable. A schematic is not needed for simple designs such as hats or scarves.

  • All measurements must be in Imperial units. Metric measurements are optional but must be listed second. This includes project measurements and needles/hooks used. For example, Finished Bust Circumference: 32 (36, 40)”/81 (91.5, 101.5) cm, US 6/4.0mm straight needles, and/or G/4.0mm crochet hook.

  • A list of abbreviations and terms used in the pattern. Craft Yarn Council’s Standards are preferred but not required. All special abbreviations and stitches must be clearly explained.

  • All non-system fonts should be embedded. Decorative fonts that are not embedded may print incorrectly.

A cover sheet is added by Knit Picks to each IDP pattern. It includes a notification that the pattern was downloaded from the Knit Picks website and the designer’s email address for pattern support.

We prefer designers to photograph their own projects for use in the pattern layout and on our website. We are proud of the high-quality photos on our sites; therefore, we require any outside photographs to meet the following specifications:

  • Photos must be .jpg format and at least 1,500 pixels on its shortest side with 72dpi resolution.

  • Modeled photographs are preferred to flat photos so customers can see the project "in action." For example, a scarf should be shown on a model rather than photographed on a flat table.

  • Samples should not be photographed on dress forms, mannequins (including heads), or dummies. These types of photographs do not show the project in the best manner and do not meet our creative standards.

  • Models should be wearing appropriate clothing that does not clash with or distract from the project. All models must be wearing appropriate undergarments.

Download the IDP Photo Guide for a tutorial on taking the perfect photos HERE

Final Submission Details

Once the sample and pattern are completed, designers may upload their final submission. All finalized patterns and information need to be submitted via the IDP Finalized Pattern Portal, which can be accessed from the Vendor Portal. All designers need to use this portal whether they are a new designer or an IDP veteran.

Once submitted, the pattern will be evaluated on pattern writing, tech editing, photography, charts & schematics, and PDF layout design. Once accepted, the final pattern will be posted on the Knit Picks site. The designer will get an email notification with the pattern page URL once it is live on the site. Due to the large number of submissions we receive, the response time for acceptance or denial of final patterns could be up to 6-8 weeks, though most responses are within 30 days.

New designers are also required to submit a signed Terms and Conditions form and Payment form which will be sent upon final pattern acceptance.

More Information

Any questions should be directed to IDP_Coordinator@KnitPicks.com