🌸 Introduction: What if you finally designed your own knitting patterns?

This is Lenny & Louise 💛🧶

We still remember our grandmother using to say:

“A good motif is like a good memory: it is built point by point.”

You may have already dreamed of creating your own geometric or floral patterns , but you think it's difficult, too technical, or reserved for experienced designers.

➡️ Good news: you can create modern, harmonious and unique designs today , with a simple, accessible and fun method.

In this article, we share our approach, tested on dozens of Knit-sis projects (Splashie, Vasarely, Tulip Vest…), to imagine your designs without getting lost.

You will find there:

▪️ The essential basics for building a pattern

▪️ a step-by-step method

▪️ Simple tools even if you don't know how to draw

▪️ our home tips

▪️ easy pattern ideas

🧩 The basics for creating geometric or floral knitting patterns

Creating a successful pattern is not just about drawing a pretty picture. It's about understanding how knitting translates a shape .

Here are the essentials.

The knitting is “pixelated”

Each mesh = one pixel.
A pattern should therefore be thought of as a mosaic of small squares .

➡️ Start with:

▪️ simple shapes (triangles, squares, stylized petals)

▪️ Repetitive patterns (ideal for sweaters and accessories)

🟪 Ex.: The Mondrian sweater uses very simple geometric blocks.
👉 See the Mondrian pattern

Key takeaway: the larger the mesh, the more visible the “pixel” effect will be.

Jacquard or intarsia: choosing the right technique

Jacquard = repeated patterns, precise, geometric details
Intarsia = large areas of color, floral patterns, central designs

🧡 Intarsia: Splashie , Tulip Vest
💙 Jacquard: chevrons, checkerboards, floral patterns

👉 To see a modern and accessible use of intarsia:
See the Splashie pattern

Contrast, the key to a legible pattern

A pattern is only visible if the colors contrast sufficiently .

Test tip:
Take your colors → photo → black & white → if everything blends together, change a shade.

Key points to remember

Knitting = pixels + good colors + good technique.

🎨 Simple method to create your own patterns (step by step)

This is the method we use for Tulipe Vest , Vasarely , Splashie and many secret prototypes 👀.

1. Start from a simple form

Easy examples:

▪️ square

▪️ stylized flower

▪️ zigzag

▪️ heart

▪️ drop

▪️ tulip (our favorite 🌷)

👉 To observe a modern floral stylization:
See Tulip Vest

2. Draw your design on a grid

Use:

▪️ Stitch Fiddle

▪️ Canva

▪️ A sheet of graph paper

▪️ A pixel art app

Tip: start on a grid of 20 to 40 stitches.

3. Simplify (the golden rule)

Many start with overly detailed designs.
In knitting, less is more graphic .

Our aunt summed it up perfectly the day we showed her our first Tulip prototype:

“Girls… it looks like an endive salad. Keep it simple.” 🥲
We simplified it → it became iconic.

4. Test on a sample

A pattern on a screen ≠ a pattern in wool.

Adjust:

▪️ contrast

▪️ size

▪️ transitions

5. Create the repetition

For a sweater, repeating a pattern 3 times across often gives a harmonious result.

Summary of the method

Simple idea → drawing → simplification → sample → repetition.

🌼 Examples of easy patterns to get started

Here are 3 ideas that can be implemented immediately.

Geometric pattern “Stories”

▪️ 4 stitches in color A

▪️ 1 stitch color B
→ very modern scale effect.

Minimalist 8-point flower

A circle + 4 petals = perfect floral pattern.

Try it on a simple vest like Cardichou :
👉 See Cardichou

“Vasarely” optical pattern

Stylized hexagons → for a hyper-graphic retro effect.

👉 See Vasarely

Key points to remember

The best patterns often fit into 8 to 12 stitches.

🧶 Conclusion: Your first design is waiting for you (and it will be magnificent)

Creating your own knitting patterns isn't just for a creative elite. With a chart, a few well-chosen colors, and a touch of creativity (we know you've got it 😌), you can design unique pieces that reflect your personality.

Looking for templates to get you started?

👉 Discover our collection of graphic & floral sweaters :
https://knit-sis.com/collections/pulls

Or test your colors for free:
👉 Plush Sweater (free)
https://knit-sis.com/products/pull-doudou-patron-de-tricot-gratuit

We can't wait to see your designs! Tag us 💛