Donna works with new and independent designers as well as more established companies & publishers. Fees are per hour, per single pattern or batches by negotiation. Please contact Donna to discuss your requirements in confidence. References available on request.
Check all information included in your pattern is clear with concise text and technically accurate
Make sure the maths ‘adds up’
You have clear, professional looking charts if needed, either in colour or with stitch symbols
Check yarn quantities for all sizes are adequate
the pattern will produce an item of the stated size
Keep the style consistent with your own, or a given house style
Services for Knit Designers
Whether you're just beginning your journey into knitwear design or you've been publishing patterns for years, clear and well-supported patterns are the backbone of your creative work. I offer practical, considered support to help you bring polish and professionalism to your patterns — while preserving your unique style and voice.
My services are rooted in decades of knitting experience and over 10 years of professional tech editing. I’ve worked with both independent designers and larger publishers including Rowan, TUVA, and Imagine Publishing/Future Publishing (books and bookazines) — so I bring a broad and balanced perspective.
I work with both emerging and established designers, offering editing and structural support that fits where you are right now — and where you're heading next.
Tech Editing
A careful review of your pattern for clarity, accuracy, consistency, and logic. I’ll check your stitch counts, maths, layout, and instructions — ensuring everything works, reads smoothly, and aligns with your style.
Whether it's your first pattern or your fiftieth, a good tech edit offers confidence and reassurance. I aim to support your vision, not rewrite it — offering clear feedback that helps you grow as a designer, if you want it, without ever talking down.
I design a little myself, when time allows — so I understand garment grading, construction and the creative realities behind the spreadsheet. I know how hard it is to get a pattern completely perfect on the first draft — and I never expect you to.
Grading
I can create custom spreadsheets or check existing ones to ensure your grading is accurate and inclusive. If you're new to grading, I offer flexible support: from checking the numbers you've already calculated, to preparing a full grade set based on your draft sample size.
Grading is one of the trickier aspects of pattern development — and it’s worth getting right. I’ll help make it feel manageable and logical, rather than overwhelming.
Style Sheets & Schematics
Consistency is part of what makes your patterns feel recognisably you. I can help you establish or refine your style sheet — from abbreviations to tone — or simply ensure that everything lines up neatly with what you already use.
Need schematic drawings? I offer simple, clean, hand-drawn or digital schematics to match your pattern layout and reflect the shape and construction of your garment clearly.
Pattern Writing Support
Whether you're an aspiring designer figuring out how to translate an idea into a publishable pattern, or an experienced designer looking for support with writing up instructions from your notes — I can help.
Some designers choose to outsource pattern writing as part of their workflow. I offer structured, respectful support for this — with the option for you to stay closely involved in the process, or hand over more of the technical drafting.
I write patterns in a clear, logical format that reflects your style and voice, not mine. My role is to support your creative vision — not to replace it.
🔄 Longer-Term Collaboration
If you’re looking to build an ongoing working relationship, I may be a good fit. I understand the full design and publishing workflow and know how crucial it is to meet deadlines, communicate clearly, and respect your creative process. I’m known for being reliable, steady, and easy to work with — and I aim to be a trusted pair of hands in your pattern pipeline.
Ready to work together?
If you'd like to book in a pattern or have questions about which service might suit your needs, just get in touch via [your contact page/email link]. I'm happy to guide you through what working together might look like — no pressure, no push.
Services FAQs
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I work with all kinds of knitwear designs — from simple hats and scarves to complex, multi-sized garments. If it’s a written knitting pattern, I’m happy to take a look! I also work across a range of styles, from modern minimal to more traditional or decorative designs.
If you’re unsure whether your project is a good fit, just drop me a message — I’ll happily advise.
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Not at all. I’ve worked with many designers just starting out, and I understand what it’s like to be finding your way. I’ll meet you where you are, explain anything you’re unsure about, and always keep things clear and respectful. You don’t need to feel ‘ready’ — you just need to start.
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Absolutely not. My job is to support your vision, not override it. I aim to enhance clarity and consistency without interfering with your tone or style. I’ll raise queries or suggestions, but you always have the final say.
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A full tech edit typically includes:
Stitch counts and row counts
Sizing and measurements
Maths and grading logic
Clarity and consistency of instructions
Style sheet alignment (if you have one)
Layout, formatting, and abbreviations
Terminology and tone
You can also request focus on specific areas (e.g. grading only), or combine this with other services like schematics or style sheet creation.
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Yes — I can either check your existing grading, or create a full grade set for your pattern based on your sample size and notes.
If you’re new to grading, I’m happy to guide you through the process and offer flexible support at whatever level you need.
Important note: If I do the grading for your pattern, I can’t also tech edit it — this is standard best practice.
It’s a bit like trying to proofread your own writing: when you've created the numbers yourself, you're less likely to spot mistakes. In this case, I’d recommend you work with another tech editor for the final check, and I can suggest trusted colleagues if needed. -
I usually charge an hourly rate of £30, calculated to the nearest 15 minutes. This allows you to only pay for the time your project genuinely requires — and ensures I can provide fair and flexible support for patterns of all shapes and sizes.
Turnaround is usually 1–2 weeks from the point you send the pattern to me. (Longer or shorter depending on workload — I’ll always keep you updated.)
Here’s a rough guide to typical editing times:
Simple accessories (e.g. hats, mitts, scarves): < 30 minutes
Complex accessories (e.g. lace shawls, cable-heavy items): 30 min – 1 hour
Simple garments (e.g. straightforward top-down sweaters, kidswear): 1 – 2 hours
Complex garments (e.g. multiple construction methods, lace/cables, modular shapes): 2 – 3 hours
If you prefer, I can offer flat rates for specific projects — though the hourly rate often works out more cost effective for you.
Whatever the project, I’ll always work as efficiently as thoroughness allows, balancing attention to detail with a respect for your timeline and budget.
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Yes — I’m happy to work with designers on a regular or repeating basis. If you’re planning a pattern collection or a series of releases, I can schedule time in advance to support you along the way. Regular clients appreciate the continuity — and I value building trusted working relationships.
"I’ve worked with Donna for a good few years now, and she’s always been reliable, thorough, and efficient—a real safe pair of hands. She fits in around my way of working, adapts to my deadlines, and always comes up top trumps when I need her to."
JEAN BOWERS
Hand knitting leaflet Designer/compiler, UK