Introducing...
A Step-by-Step Framework for Designing Your First Pullover Pattern
Sweater Design School is the only course of its kind that guides you through every stage of the pullover design process, from inspiration to spreadsheet to finished pattern PDF, without all of the overwhelm, grading confusion and crushing self-doubt.
If you’re a new knitwear designer looking to design your first publish-worthy pullover pattern, then you already know that you need a clear understanding of how the sweater design process actually works before you begin.
Whether you've attempted to design pullover patterns in the past, but struggled every step of the way and ended up abandoning the project or you've designed a few accessory patterns and want to take the next step in your knitting pattern design career, you're in the right place.
Sweater Design School will teach you all of the technical knowledge you need to design and execute your first women's pullover pattern so you can finally get those design ideas out into the world!
By the end of this course, you will have:
1. Carefully planned your first pullover design, problem-solving important elements of your design before you even begin to outline your pattern!
2. Graded your pullover design into nine inclusive sizes (even if you are totally intimidated by maths and have no idea what you're doing!)
3. Outlined your pattern in a spreadsheet with absolutely no calculators and NO hand-written scribbles necessary!
4. Written the first draft of your pattern, using a detailed pattern template that will save you time every time you write a new pattern.
5. Thoroughly tested your pullover pattern using sample knitting, tech editing and a well-organised test knit - without wanting to pull your hair out...!
6. Presented your final pattern in a professional, easy-to-follow PDF that can be self-published right away.
"Clare is such a great teacher - always positive and open-minded, endlessly patient and highly competent.
Thanks to Sweater Design School, I have now published my first sweater pattern and have my second sweater being tech edited and a shawl being test knitted.
For someone like me with no design background, it's no exaggeration to say that this course saved me years of trying to design, grade and publish a sweater using books and google searches! I now have solid confidence in the process.
I highly recommend it to anyone who's dreamed of designing their own sweaters. You must be prepared to embrace all parts of the design process - even the maths! But you'll see that everything's connected and works together to produce a beautifully fitting garment at the end."
ABIGAIL, ALUMNI
Enrol in Sweater Design School Today
Pay Monthly
6 Monthly Payments of
£85
OR
Pay Upfront
A One-Time Payment of
£497
What Alumni of Sweater Design School Are Saying...
Laura
I am so thankful to have found Sweater Design School. The program is easy to follow and well-structured and provides an amazing online community of like-minded knitters that have become friends and colleagues. Clare's vast experience is especially helpful, and the modules were structured in a way that allowed me to plan and execute my projects at my own pace. I feel much more confident in designing than I would have had I not gone through the program. I can't imagine where I would be without this course!
Elizabeth
After taking Sweater Design School, I was able to design my very first sweater! I now feel more confident in my ability to design and grade drop-shoulder patterns. The best part about the course is that it’s not just classes; there’s also a great community of new designers to help each other out. Clare is incredibly supportive and answers all kinds of questions. I highly recommend Sweater Design School to anyone looking for detailed instructions on how to design and knit their own patterns.
CĆ©cile
Since joining Sweater Design School, I have released five patterns in 8 months. I loved the course, and it really improved my excel skills. I would definitely recommend Sweater Design School, especially to those who are not confident enough about designing their own patterns. It takes time and commitment, but the results are worth it!
Stephen
Sweater Design School has been fantastic. Each module filled me with excitement. I am certainly not someone who enjoys working with spreadsheets, but the lessons for pattern grading were delivered in a way that has made me a fan. Clare takes you through it one step at a time, and by the end of those lessons, I was astounded at how easy you made it for me. Something no one else has ever been able to do!
Molly
Since joining Sweater Design School, I have designed and graded several items, and my confidence is growing all the time. Through Sweater Design School, I've also made some great friends, found helpful answers to my design questions, and learned a practical structure to work within, which helps fuel my creativity. I recommend Sweater Design School to anyone interested in learning to grade sweater designs. It's great for beginners who might be intimidated by spreadsheets; the level of detail on using them was very helpful.
Kate
I recently retired, so the timing was perfect for enrolling in Sweater Design School. Since enrolling, I have designed two jumpers that are either with the tech editor or being test-knit. I have also created my own spreadsheet for an unusual construction which the course gave me the confidence to do. Sweater Design School was very thorough and covered everything needed to make a good design. If anyone is considering enrolling, I'd highly recommend it. It's a process that takes commitment but is worth it for the results you can achieve.
I've taken everything I've learned from my knitwear design degree, work in the commercial knitwear and bespoke tailoring industries and experience as an independent knitting pattern designer and channelled it into a step-by-step framework that guides you through every stage of the pullover design process, from inspiration to spreadsheet to finished pattern.
You will learn all of the technical knowledge you need to design and execute your first women's pullover pattern with confidence. And of course, your fellow students and I will be there to support you every step of the way.
Sweater Design School is the ONLY course of its kind that…
1. Offers you a meticulous project plan you can follow, step-by-step, to design your first women's pullover pattern
2. Provides you with the technical design knowledge you need to finally bring your brilliant ideas to life
3. Shows you how to use spreadsheets to quickly do all the heavy lifting in your pattern (no more calculators!)
4. Allows you to work at a skill level that's right for you
So if you’re ready to finally design your first pullover pattern, while avoiding the overwhelm, confusion and crushing self-doubt...
Here's how I'll help you get there:
Module 1
Understanding Sweater Construction
Before you begin to design your first pullover, you need to have a strong understanding of how they are constructed.
In this module, you'll learn how to construct three of the most popular styles of pullover from the top down: drop-shoulder, raglan and set-in sleeve.
Even though you've never designed a pullover before, I break each construction down into simple, easy-to-follow steps that you can refer back to every time you design a new pullover.
Highlights:
- Learn the iconic features that define each style of pullover
- Gain a practical understanding of each construction using my adorable mini-sweater patterns
- Choose the perfect sweater construction for you, based on your current skill level
Module 2
Planning Your First Sweater Design
Now that you understand how your chosen sweater style is constructed, it's time to start dreaming up some design ideas. This part of the sweater design process is a LOT of fun!
Here, you'll make a moodboard, sketch out your design and use swatching to solve problems before you even start to outline your pattern.
By the end of this module, you will be in the perfect position to start working on your pullover pattern, bringing those creative ideas into reality!
Highlights:
- Create a moodboard that gives you crystal-clear inspiration for your pullover design and builds momentum to push you forward in the design process
- Learn how to quickly generate sweater ideas through sketching - even if you're a terrible artist
- Choose an inclusive stitch or motif that will be effective across all sizes of your pullover design
- Select the right yarn that highlights all of the best features of your sweater, whilst considering commerciality, affordability and how it will look in photos
- Problem-solve your design idea using three important swatches, saving you time and avoiding mistakes later on in the process
Module 3
Grading Your Sweater Across All Sizes
This is usually one of the biggest stumbling blocks for any would-be sweater designer, but not for students of Sweater Design School!
Now that you have designed your women's pullover, you will learn how to grade it across an inclusive range of sizes, incorporating the right amount of ease to achieve the comfort and fit you desire.
By the end of this module, you will have set up the first part of your pattern spreadsheet with the finished garment measurements for each size.
Highlights:
- Learn why sizing sweaters to fit a 71-157.5 cm (28-62 in) bust should be a non-negotiable for every sweater designer
- Learn about traditional and proportional ease and when to use them for the best results
- Set up finished measurements for each size of your pullover that you can refer back to when calculating your stitch or row counts
Module 4
Outlining Your Pattern in a Spreadsheet
Now that you have finalised all of your finished garment measurements, you are ready to start mapping out your pullover pattern in your spreadsheet - no calculators and NO hand-written scribbles necessary!
You will work out all of the stitch and row counts, planning the placement of your stitch or motif, as well as calculate the shaping for the neck, armholes, body and sleeves.
Even if maths is not your strong point (I can relate to you on that one!) I share simple formulas that you can use in your own pattern spreadsheet to make the process a lot less painful.
Highlights:
- Calculate the basic stitch and row counts needed in your pattern using your gauge swatch
- Learn how to plan the placement of your stitch or motif so that it looks consistent across ALL sizes of your pullover
- Be amazed by the simple spreadsheet formula that makes calculating shaping rates a total breeze - this one's a game changer!
- Learn how to shape round, scoop and v-necks as well as calculate the pickup for the neckband
- Shape the armhole and sleeve caps, based on your chosen sweater style, and create tapered sleeves or your choice of alternative sleeve shapes
- Easily add shaping to the body of your pullover using waist or A-line shaping
Module 5
Writing Your First Sweater Pattern
This is the beautiful moment when all of your hard work from the previous modules come together into the first draft of your pullover pattern! It's an incredible feeling.
Here, you will learn how to use a pattern template and style sheet to simplify the pattern writing process - not only for this draft but for all your patterns in the future. You will also learn how to create professional-looking charts and schematics your customers will love to work from.
Completing this milestone means that you can finally start knitting your pullover sample. After all of this computer work, it feels good to sit down and knit from your very own sweater pattern!
Highlights:
- Use a detailed pattern template that will save you time every time you write a new pattern
- Create a style sheet that ensures clarity and consistency between all of your knitting patterns
- Design professional knitting charts that are a pleasure to work from
- Learn to draw thorough digital schematics that your customers will thank you for
Module 6
Finalising Your Sweater Pattern
You've written the first draft of your pullover pattern. Now, it's time to test it!
You will start by knitting the sample, fixing any errors in the pattern as you come across them, and then use that sample to calculate the yarn requirements for each size of your sweater pattern. You will also put the pattern through tech editing and test knitting to make sure that it is in the best possible shape before you release it.
This thorough testing process can feel a little overwhelming, but I share my own systems throughout the module so that you can navigate it with confidence.
Highlights:
- Learn the crucial step you must not forget to do before you start sample knitting
- Calculate the yarn requirements for each size
- Navigate the tech editing process with ease, understanding the unique roles that both of you play
- Run a well-organised test knit - without wanting to pull your hair out...!
- Learn how to fix common fit issues encountered in the sample or test knitting stages of the process, before you take the pattern any further
Module 7
Presenting Your Final Pattern
This is the final stage in producing your publish-worthy pullover pattern!
Here, you'll learn how to take those all-important pattern photos, write evocative romance copy for use in your pattern (and elsewhere!) and layout your PDF in a clear, easy-to-follow format that knitters will enjoy working from.
This is where a perfectly good pattern can really fall short, so stay committed and finish strong.
Highlights:
- Avoid falling at the final hurdle by making the most of your biggest selling tool: your pattern photos!
- Write expressive romance copy that fills in the gaps left by your photos
- Layout your pattern in a professional, easy-to-follow PDF that can be self-published right away
Here’s what you’re getting when you enrol today:
Sweater Design School
- 7 detailed modules walking you through every single step of the pullover design process, from inspiration to grading spreadsheet to testing to publish-worthy pattern PDF that is ready to sell!
- A complete guide to confidently grading your pullover pattern into nine inclusive sizes that you can use over and over again for future sweater designs.
- Game-changing cheat sheets and PDF resources that support the lessons with tips and formulas you can conveniently refer to throughout the design process.
- Time-saving spreadsheet templates to kickstart the pattern development process, so you never have to start from scratch.
You'll gain immediate access to all 7 modules when you sign up, so you can work at a pace that suits you and your lifestyle.
Plus, These Bonuses to Help You Stay Motivated Throughout the Entire Design Process...
Bonus 1
At Least 12 Live Weekly Q&A Sessions with Me
Got questions? I’ve got answers in these 60-min Q&A sessions! Get help with anything you don’t understand so that you can make consistent progress on your pullover pattern without getting stuck.
These Q&A sessions will be hosted weekly, and all students of Sweater Design School can take advantage of them for as long as Sweater Design School exists.
I don't have any plans to retire Sweater Design School in the future, but if I ever did, I promise you will have access to at least 12 Q&As, at an absolute minimum.
Bonus 2
Access to the Sweater Design School Student Community
Get feedback and encouragement from your fellow students in this peer-support Facebook group so that you can stay motivated to keep working together on your pullover patterns.
And If You Sign Up Now, You Will Also Get Exclusive Access to These Extra-Special Bonuses!
Bonus 3
Sweater Design School Action Plan
Make a thorough plan of when and how you will work your way through the course material and homework at a pace that suits you and your lifestyle so that you are guaranteed to reach the finish line and release that pattern into the world!
Bonus 4
Pattern Launch Checklist
Sweater Design School teaches you everything you need to know to design a top-notch women's pullover pattern. This checklist details everything I do to launch and promote my own knitting patterns to help you when you're ready to launch yours! If you're new to marketing, this checklist will be a great help in giving your new pullover pattern the attention it deserves.
All of this is available to you when you enrol in Sweater Design School today for the amazing price of just...
Pay Monthly
6 Monthly Payments of
£85
OR
Pay Upfront
A One-Time Payment of
£497
Sweater Design School's 30-Day, Risk-Free Guarantee
Sweater Design School is the most comprehensive course for new knitting pattern designers who are committed to learning how to design their first women's pullover.
If, within the first 30 days of taking this class, you don't feel completely confident in your ability to design and write your first pullover pattern, just email me, showing me you've put in the work, and I'll refund your investment. Full refund policy here >>
Enrol in Sweater Design School Today
Pay Monthly
6 Monthly Payments of
£85
OR
Pay Upfront
A One-Time Payment of
£497
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions you might be asking before you sign up for Sweater Design School
This course is perfect for you! I created Sweater Design School with brand new sweater designers in mind. If you have knitted a sweater from someone else's pattern and designed a couple of your own accessory patterns, you are 100% ready for Sweater Design School.
Sweater Design School is an online course that you can access on your computer or mobile device.
You will have immediate access to all 7 modules when you sign up, and you will have lifetime access to all of the course content, allowing you to work at a pace that suits you and your lifestyle.
Each lesson includes a video with closed captions as well as the audio file and a transcription. Many lessons also include PDF resources to support your learning. All of these learning materials can be downloaded and stored on your device, if you prefer.
There is no such thing as "behind" in Sweater Design School! All students have lifetime access to the course (including all future updates), so you can work on it at your own pace in the small pockets of time that you do have.
Whilst Sweater Design School does involve some maths, it is all pretty simple with the right support. In the course, I provide you with LOTS of spreadsheet formulas to help break it down, plus you have access to our live weekly Q&A sessions, so you can always ask for help if you get stuck.
Absolutely! I know how frustrating it is to find resources that teach sweater design but only in the context of designing one size.
Sweater Design School is different. It teaches independent knitting pattern designers how to design their first women's pullover pattern in a wide range of sizes so that they can self-publish them.
Yes! Two of the seven modules in Sweater Design School are all about the technical side of sweater design, and they are incredibly thorough. Many students say that this is their favourite part of the course.
Whilst a very basic understanding of spreadsheets will come in handy, it's definitely not essential. Inside Sweater Design School, I include a lot of demos where you can see me working in the spreadsheet, so you will learn a lot from those. And of course, you can always ask me a question in one of our weekly live Q&A sessions if you get stuck.
It is entirely up to you. Students who join the private Facebook group will have the opportunity to get to know other budding sweater designers. It's a brilliant place to share your ideas, get feedback and just generally cheer each other on.
It is also where I will be hosting my weekly Q&A sessions, so if you want to watch these live, you will need to be in the Facebook group.
That being said, you will still get a HUGE amount of value from the course if you choose not to join. I will be recording all of my live Q&A sessions and uploading them to the course website so you won’t miss out on these.
Sweater Design School is the most comprehensive course for new knitting pattern designers who are committed to learning how to design their first women's pullover.
If, within the first 30 days of taking this class, you don't feel completely confident in your ability to design and write your first pullover pattern, just email me, showing me you've put in the work, and I'll refund your investment. Full refund policy here >>
Still undecided?
Sweater Design School is PERFECT for you if...
- You've never designed a pullover pattern before and want to make sure that you get it right the first time around.
- You've attempted to design pullover patterns in the past, but struggled every step of the way and ended up abandoning the project.
- You've designed a few accessory patterns and want to take the next step in your knitting pattern design career.
- You know that designing a pullover will be a challenge, but you're willing and determined to put in the work.
- You want to follow a meticulous design process that helps you to design a high-quality pullover pattern you're proud of.
- You've dealt with learning-related overwhelm before and want to study at your own pace, without feeling like you have to keep up with everyone else.
- You are excited to finally see other makers knitting, wearing and loving pullovers that you've designed!
If you resonated with at least 4 of the above, I can't wait to meet you inside Sweater Design School!
I am so excited to take you on this journey!
Learning how to design sweater patterns has been incredibly empowering for me.
It wasn't easy to get here, though. I know first-hand how difficult it can be to turn your ideas into an actual pattern when you don't have someone to walk you through the process.
That's why I created Sweater Design School.
If you're an aspiring sweater pattern designer, I want to personally show you exactly how to design your first pullover pattern so that you don't have to hunt and peck from random scraps of sweater design advice on Google anymore!
If you join me in Sweater Design School, I'll be your guide, step-by-step, through the entire pullover design process. This course will be totally transformative in your knitting pattern design career.
I can't wait for you to get started!
Clare Mountain-Manipon
Enrol in Sweater Design School Today
Pay Monthly
6 Monthly Payments of
£85
OR
Pay Upfront
A One-Time Payment of
£497
