Patterns- Lots of pictures or Just give me the pattern already!

[EmEyeAaay]

Hi everyone,

 

I've been writing my patterns and including lots of images, for me when I was learning it was easier when there was a photo to refer to. But then I was wondering, is it better to just have the instructions without images, so that it takes up less space, and they're unnecessary, or do you include images so that it gives examples, acts as a visual place marker, adds to the pattern aesthetic, etc...

 

What do you think? I need some advice because I'm rethinking how I design the layout of my patterns. Thanks so much!

[LondonLaura]

I like lots of photos

 

Different colour combinations, different yarns, different stages of the project, definitely front and back finished pics.

 

But there's no point in having any pics at all unless they are very clear, some of them are so blurry it's hard to see if you're aiming for a baby bootee or a kingsize afghan

 

I really love the idea of an "easy print" version for pdf patterns. I like the photos for inspiration and possibly advice, but mostly I follow written instructions so that's all I'd need to print up mostly.

 

Even just having all the photos on separate pages to the text instructions makes it easier to print as I can choose to print just the text pages.

[Afghaniac]

I do best with all-text instructions, don't bother with diagrammed directions, and like to see a photo of the item in a room setting or on an attractive person, as well as a clear close-up shot of the stitch pattern. What I don't like is having to waste time and printer cartridges on the printing of pages and pages of photographed step-by-step instructions that I don't need; it's sometimes nice to have, but it's better to have the option of a simple, straightforward text version if the more detailed one is provided.

 

I've never gotten into making amigurumi, but your Floresita design looks wonderful, and though I have zillions more afghan patterns than I'll ever make, I'm sorely tempted by it.

 

OK, I couldn't resist Little Flower. It's printing out right now.

[NexStitch]

When I design and write, I include lots of pictures for the critical steps in the project, the steps that might not otherwise make sense to someone who is primarily visual. I find that my customers like that, as I get loads of emails thanking me for taking the time to include the pictures.

 

But I also recognize that some people just want the pattern and don't require the pictures, or they don't want to print all that out because of the waste of paper and ink. They're sometimes more Earth conscientious, have a higher skill set than the pattern requires and therefore don't require many of the pictures, or that they have a more linguistic intelligence and they understand things simply by reading them (oh, how I envy them!).

 

To solve this dilemma, I include a step-by-step portion at the beginning of the pattern and a "easy printing" portion at the back end, which is text only. Someone like myself who is not willing or wanting to waste the paper and ink would print out the text-only version and then refer to the picture version on the computer when necessary. It's a best-of-both-worlds approach. Everyone gets what they want and is hopefully happy.

[pasteeater]

I only like the pic - front, back, and side (if needed) - of the finished item. I print out my patterns and to save on ink and paper I usually copy & paste the pattern into a new document so I can delete most of the pics.

I agree with this! I don't know if I already answered this question though. I know I voted but I don't know if I posted.

[brandymccoy]

one pic is good for me, just as long as it is large and clear.

[rosebud1st]

A picture says a thousand words, one good picture is a "must". If there are no graphs or unusual sts sometimes they just take up space. If the pattern is rated "expert" in difficulty some people may need additional pics to see complicated sts especially if they are learning. But then again if your learning you really shouldn't be attempting to make something at an expert level, starting out. Most experienced crocheters don't need more than one good pic of the completed item. As I said, there are exceptions depending on the difficulty of the pattern and whether it comes with graphs, etc. at these times lots of pics can be a real blessing.

[LittleJadeFrog]

I only like the pic - front, back, and side (if needed) - of the finished item. I print out my patterns and to save on ink and paper I usually copy & paste the pattern into a new document so I can delete most of the pics.

[PBLKNP]

I say the more pictures the better. Sometimes, I can be completely confused about a pattern, but then I'll look at the picture again and finally realize what the designer had in mind -- one of those "Oh, yeah! Now, I get it!" moments.

[akinnetta]

For me I just like the picture of the finished piece. Several pictures of it done in different yarns/colors is nice too. However, I see that most others seem to like the pictures of work in progress as well. Good topic.

[grannyzkraftz]

oh pictures always help me to see what it should look like

 

Janny

[ginamaria73]

I recently bought one of your patterns off etsy and i think that they are great! the pictures are very helpful.

[cjansen]

I just need on really good picture, so if I stuck I can check the pic. if there are difficult details maybe a few showing those in detail.

[Hildy48]

I usually don't choose patterns that don't have pictures. There are too many beautiful things to make that have pictures. Don't we usually choose to make something because we have seen the finished product and like it?

[Monique39]

I agree 100%.. really helps a lot

[beth_in_indy]

Lots of pictures. Particularly in the in-between stages so you know that what you are making will turn out right :-) Beth

[Taffyrn]

both are very helpful and I tend to do better with patterns that give me words, diagrams and pictures.....

 

Hi everyone,

 

I've been writing my patterns and including lots of images, for me when I was learning it was easier when there was a photo to refer to. But then I was wondering, is it better to just have the instructions without images, so that it takes up less space, and they're unnecessary, or do you include images so that it gives examples, acts as a visual place marker, adds to the pattern aesthetic, etc...

 

What do you think? I need some advice because I'm rethinking how I design the layout of my patterns. Thanks so much!

[MimutRice]

The more pictures the better for me. I would rather have them there for reference than to have to try and try again to get it right which to me is even more frustrating than having to wait for the pictures to load.

[marnie413]

Lots of pictures are great!

[loopy1]

I voted that I prefer 1 picture but in some patterns, more pictures and diagrams are important so you can see how your project should look as you progress.

[atsDesign]

I am out off by more than say 2 photos - makes it seem complicated and cluttered

[TIFF705]

i LIKE JUST A FEW PICS...

[Melody820]

Pictures are very helpful. Usually when I have trouble with a pattern I like have a photo to refer to.

[dragonpuck]

personally i like a picture of the finished project,

 

sometimes complicated instructions benefit from a photo but once i have it figured out i dislike the photos in the pattern, can make it too long and harder to follow, but i am am an experienced crocheter and don't often have trouble following a pattern, many photos might benefit a new crocheter- so maybe publish both so we can all be happy???

 

lynn

dragonpuck

[Katchkan]

I would have to say it depends on the pattern. Sometimes a lot of pictures are helpful. Other times it doesn't need all that many. I will not do any pattern though if there isn't at least a picture of it completed. I normally put one picture of the completed piece and one close up shot. This is normally sufficient to get what I want done across.

[stitchgirl]

Always pictures - I don't even consider patterns without pictures. I like to see what the end result should look like.