How to Design Patterns: Step 6 - Pattern Grading

When designing a crochet or knit pattern, grading it for multiple sizes is a crucial step! But if you've never graded a pattern before, the process can feel overwhelming. How do you scale your design to fit XS through 5X? What measurements do you even need? Let's break it down step by step!

What is Pattern Grading? 🤔

Pattern grading is the process of calculating a pattern’s stitches and rows to fit multiple sizes. Instead of designing a single-size pattern, grading allows you to offer inclusive sizing so more makers can enjoy your design!

Luckily, you don’t have to figure out every size from scratch! The Craft Yarn Council (CYC) is an amazing resource for standardized body measurements for sizes XS through 5X. Using their guidelines ensures your pattern follows industry standards for a comfortable and proportional fit.

Start Small: Learn the Basics First 🏁

If you’re new to pattern grading, start with small projects that consist of just the length and width measurements before diving into complex garments.

Items like:

✔️ Headbands 

✔️ Kitchen sets 

✔️ Scarves

These simple projects help you get comfortable with grading without dealing with complicated shaping or multiple fit points. Once you feel confident, you can move on to garments, accessories, and beyond!

The Key to Grading: Gauge & Math 📏

Remember my previous blog post on calculating rows and stitches using a gauge? That same concept applies here! Once you know your gauge, you can determine how many stitches and rows are needed for each size.

The formulas:

📌 Gauge (stitches per inch) × Desired width = Stitch count for that size

📌 Gauge (rows per inch) × Desired height = Row count for that size

By using consistent math across all sizes, you ensure each version of your pattern maintains the correct proportions. If you need a refresher on gauge calculations, check out my blog post on gauge!

Want to Make It Easier? Use My Pattern Template! 🖥️

If pattern grading math feels intimidating, I’ve got you covered! My Mae’s Pattern Template is a paid Excel sheet that automates the grading process for you.

💡 How it works:

✔️ Input your gauge (stitches & rows per inch)

✔️ Enter the measurement requirements for each size

✔️ Let the sheet calculate the stitch counts & row counts for all sizes

✔️ It even estimates yardage per size!

No more second-guessing your math—just focus on designing! 🎉

If you’re interested in trying Mae’s Pattern Template, you can grab it here!

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Pattern grading might seem complex at first, but once you break it down, it’s all about measurements, gauge, and math. By using standard body measurements, practicing on small projects, and utilizing tools like my Mae’s Pattern Template, you can confidently offer multiple sizes in your designs!

Do you have any questions about grading patterns? Drop them in the comments! ⬇️