Sharing the process from Chart to finished directions using knitXpress

Step 1: Create chart in KnitVisualizer

I thought I’d share a little example of the process I go through from creating a chart for a knitting design to getting the written direction in publishable format. Just to show you how easy it is

(knitXpress will work with directions generated by other charting software as well as directions typed by the user without using charting software.)

I use Knit Visualizer to create my charts and to generate the written directions; then I run those raw written directions through knitXpress to identify all of the repeats and format those directions into publish-ready format.

This lace edging is a variation of a stitch pattern published in Mary Walker Phillips’ book Knitting Counterpanes.

Step 1
Create the chart in Knit Visualizer (KV). This step takes by far the longest time.

Step 2

Step 2: Written Instructions generated by KnitVisualizer

Copy the written directions for the chart from KV (File, Print…, under Options check Pattern, using mouse or keyboard select the written directions, copy the text to the clipboard).

Step 3
Start knitXpress.  Paste the text directions into the Input (top) Pane. Instantly the formatted, compacted directions appear in the Output (bottom) Pane.

Step 4
The formatted, compacted directions can now be copied into the pattern document or saved as a file.

Step 3 & 4: knitXpress Input & Output

That’s it!

For this example I’ve chosen to have the first term in each line capitalized and a period placed at the end of every row. There are lots of other options available; the above just goes through what I do most often.

Full disclosures:

I am not connected with Knit Visualizer in any manner, just a user of the software.

knitXpress is a software program produced and sold by us; I think is pretty neat, in fact I love it  but I may be slightly biased

Pattern Writing Short Cuts

I use MSWord to create most of my patterns and like to save time by not typing the same thing over and over again. To begin with, I use a template for my patterns that contains the most common elements of the pattern:

• formatted titles
• logo
• standard headings (like Size, Yarn, Needles, Gauge, Method, Skills Used)
• abbreviations
• contact info

As I was once again looking up and typing in yarn information into a pattern yesterday – I thought, “Nuts!”  I can do this more efficiently. I talked earlier about using AutoCorrect in Word to enter knitting needle equivalents so, here I’m going to use the same Word feature to enter yarn information into my pattern.

I use the following format for listing yarn in my patterns:

Knit Picks Gloss Fingering (220 yds / 201 m per 1 ¾ oz / 50 g skein; 70% merino, 30% silk) in Robot

MSWord AutoCorrect

So, here’s how it I created an AutoCorrect entry so that all I have to do now is type 4 letters followed by a space and all of the above information is inserted into my document:

Click Tools, AutoCorrect Options…

MSWord Tools Menu

The AutoCorrections Dialog box opens.

Click the AutoCorrect tab.

AutoCorrect dialog box

In the “Replace:” box, type a unique short form for the yarn.
(I used kpgf – notice I used all lower case letters to make it easier to type in the short form.)

In the “With:” box, type (or copy from a previous document) the description for the yarn as you want it displayed in the document.
(When I copied the information from a previous pattern, I copied the information into Notepad first to strip any formatting codes that might?? cause issues.)

Click OK.

How to Use It:

In your pattern document type the short form and press the spacebar. Just like magic, the short-form text will disappear and all the yarn information you entered appears instead.

AutoCorrect result shown as "Before" and "After" screen captures

Hope it’s helpful

Another Free Scarf Pattern for you!

11-146 Pink Moonlight Scarf

This easy-to-knit pattern creates a lovely no-roll, textured scarf. The 4-row repeat is great for those times when a simple pattern suits your mood. A great take-along project!

This pattern was originally designed in 2009 to help organizations raise funds for breast cancer research. It is now being made available for FREE and may be photocopied or printed for personal, educational, business and charitable purposes providing all identity information remains intact. The pattern may not be sold or included as part of a kit for sale. It may not be posted on a blog or website. Hand-knit items from this pattern may be sold for charity or profit. The pattern can be downloaded from the Ravelry Pattern Page.  Enjoy!

Transitions Scarf

Here’s the newest item off the needles — the Transitions Scarf. If you can knit and purl, you can easily make this scarf!  A very clever slipped-stitch edge provides a lovely finish on each side. And, there’s still time to knit this one before the Holidays!

The sample shown here was knit using Bernat Soy Natural Blends yarn — a lovely yarn with just that little bit of sheen that will make this a perfect “out on the town” scarf. Knit it in a lovely merino and it becomes great for everyday wear.

see the PurpleSage Designs pattern page for lots more details!

purchase this downloadable pdf knitting pattern through Ravelry.com for only $2.00USD

Bayshore and Drumlin Scarves

2 for the price of one!

One very quick-knit and the other requires a little more concentration.

Lots more information on the South Mountain ~ Naturally patterns page.

This downloadable pattern pdf is available through Ravelry.com for $3.95USD

New Free Manly Scarf – Pattern #8

Manly Scarf #8: Knotted Rib Scarf

The newest pattern in the Manly Scarf Series has just been posted on the PurpleSage website. You can download the free pattern pdf there.

Like all the other scarves in this series, this one is free too. Just a small way for me to say, “Thanks for supporting my designs!”

The pattern stitch is from the Harmony Guides 450 Knitting Stitches V2 (2004) – Knotted Rib pattern and I’ve added a 4-stitch moss border on either side.

If you just want a quick peek, here’s the pattern worked over 38 sts:

Row 1 {RS}: {k1, p1} twice; p2, *kfb, p4; repeat from * to last 7 sts; kfb, p2, {k1, p1} twice

Row 2: {p1, k1} twice; k2, *p2tog, k4; repeat from *to last 8 sts; p2tog, k2, {p1, k1} twice

All abbreviations, yarn requirements, sizes, etc. are in the pdf on the website.

Dec 11/09 edit:
k – knit;
p – purl;
kfb – knit into front and back of the same stitch (makes 2 stitches out of 1);
p2tog – purl 2 stitches together

Since it is mainly purl on the RS and knit on the WS, it does have a tendency to curl along the scarf, so blocking is in order.

RS and WS of Knotted Rib Scarf

Both the RS and WS provide a nice face.

Close-up of Rib pattern stitch