What makes a good knitting pattern

Jess here, back again for week 3 of Prize-a-Palooza! This week I’m talking knitting patterns, and what separates the good from the bad.

Gwen and Kellie have had similar discussions throughout the years on this blog. Let’s check in with them about what makes a good knitting pattern:

• Free Patterns: Yea or Nay?
• Think Tank: A question on patterns
• Mathematical Monday: The Numbers in a Pattern
• 5 Surprise Observations Revealed by Knitting Someone Else’s Design
• Good Design is Good Design
• Tech Talk: Learning from Other Designers

And of course – even though Gwen and Kellie are pursuing new pathways from here on out, their Two Sides, Two Points pattern line still has it home on Ravelry! If you’re looking for a few good patterns, you’re sure to find some there, because you know how much work Gwen and Kellie put into creating them.

What about you? Here’s your question for the day!

What makes a good knitting pattern, in your eyes? What do you look for in a pattern before you buy it and/or cast on? (Is it the designer’s reputation, the setup, the explanation, having charts, schematics, or more features?)

Answer this question in the comments and you’ll be entered to win some fabulous knitting prizes! Make sure you also leave us a way to contact you if you win – and only one answer per question per person, please!