I want to knit a bunny, and I want to “design” the pattern myself.
I wonder, is this even possible? I consider myself an advanced-beginner knitter. I’m pretty comfortable increasing and decreasing, M1 and things of that simple nature. I’ve mastered a knitted doll pattern, so I wonder if maybe I could follow that and just tweak it a little.
So, what do I do? Do I try and write the pattern out first? Or do I just start going for it and write down what I’m doing AS I do it? Is it even possible for someone w/ my somewhat limited skills to attempt and accomplish this?
Any advice would help. :O)
There are no rules and not necessarily any ‘best’ way. What works for one person may not work for another. I think there will be a lot of trial and error and re-knitting I’m sure. Just keep track of what you do.
For instance if you cast on 10 stitches and knit for one inch write that down. If that doesn’t work change it.
Or you could sorta write up a pattern and try it and see if it works then cross out and change what doesn’t work.
Good luck!
I highly recommend that you purchase ONE BOOK:
THE KNITTER’S HANDY BOOK OF SWEATER PATTERNS BY ANN BUDD.
It gives “Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes and Gauges” for different kinds of sweater constructions. There are a few play-by-play designs. However, the book is dedicated to assisting you in building the skeleton of your sweater: pullover, cardigans, crew necks, V-necks, dropped shoulders, semi-drop shoulders, raglan shoulders, seamless yokes, etc.
You still must chose yarn, gauge, pattern stitch, etc. This book, as I said, shows you how to build the skeleton on which to lay the skin, eyes, nose, hair, and other style features, etc! In addition, it states many very useful sweater rules and tips.
This book is really invaluable.
For a 2nd book…get a good ‘stitch patterns’ book.
I’ve designed lots of items (sweaters, toys, afghans, pillows, etc) but, as Jan said, it involves trial and error. More so when any kind of intricate shaping is involved. Look at the patterns anywhere on the net (or in patt books et al) and, with rare exception, they all started out looking much different than the FO. Key is keeping good notes so you know what to change/alter, what worked/what didn’t, what you’d do differently next time, etc. Preferred yarns, any embellishments (crochet, embroidery, etc) that make the piece unique.
Designing usually forces you to learn new techniques that facilitate what you’re trying to accomplish. Incs/decs might give you shaping but if you try short rows you might find that process achieves your desired results better. Rather than sewing on limbs, you might want to try provisional COs and pu live sts. No set rules.
cam
Definately keep detailed notes as you go on what works and what doesn’t.
Maybe you could use the doll pattern you’re comfortable with as a starting point.
a good way to get a feel of what the stitches will look like is to get graph paper and draw the bunny design this will help you figure out your stitches as the squares are a stitch.
Then you can count your stitches as you go, I find that visual on paper can be of somewhat a better means of trying to create a pattern then keeping it in your head.
I hope that helps!
Hi, If you want to design your own bunny pattern I think you might benefit from first doing someone elses. I’ve taken parts of patterns and added my own ideas for a long time. You will learn a great deal and it will probably stimulate your creative juices when you have learned some of the simple but unusual things others have figured out for you. Try the Lion Brand pattern (just for practice) - Bunny Blanket Buddy #50722. It’s a free pattern so I think it’s alright to put on line. They use their Velvetspun yarn, for softness and size I guess, however, we know little ones eat their clothes and toys and wear their food so I’d suggest a nice tough 4ply yarn without lots of fuzz. I’ve done little ones for newborns single strand and for bigger babies a double strand that comes out quite a bit larger. Have added my own touches too. Moms love it and I call it a bunny “woobie”. When you see the way it’s knitted all in one piece - ears and all - and that you can do a simple double knit stitch that comes out double sided for stuffing I think you’ll get lots of your own new ideas.
Jean
I second the do someone else’s first theory. I love the one they did on Knitty Gritty. I think it was called Angora Bunny.