Modern Crochet Designs for All!
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your crochet design in a magazine, this post will guide you through the process. We’ll discuss the difference between exclusive and non-exclusive, finding the right publications, writing a strong proposal, meeting submission guidelines, and what happens if your pattern gets accepted.
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Before you start looking at publications, it’s important to understand the difference between exclusive and non-exclusive designs, as this impacts your rights as a designer and how you can use the pattern in the future.
An exclusive design means that the magazine has full rights to publish and distribute the pattern. Because the magazine is securing the right to be the sole publisher of your design, they usually handle professional photography and editing. The terms of exclusivity vary by publication. Some may allow you to release the pattern yourself after a waiting period, often ranging from six months to a year after publication. Others retain permanent rights, meaning the pattern will always belong to the magazine, and you cannot republish it anywhere else. If you choose to submit to a magazine that only wants permanent rights, ensure that you are compensated properly for your hard work.
Exclusive designs are typically compensated with a one-time payment, and some magazines may also offer royalties if the pattern continues to generate revenue. But that is rarely the case.
A non-exclusive design means that while the magazine has the right to publish the pattern, you, as the designer, retain ownership and can sell or distribute it on your platforms at the same time or shortly after publication. This is less common in major print magazines but may be an option for online publications, smaller indie magazines, or digital pattern collections.
With non-exclusive agreements, compensation structures vary. Some magazines may offer lower payments because you are not giving up sole publishing rights, while others may offer exposure as the primary benefit rather than direct financial compensation. The advantage of a non-exclusive agreement is that you can maximize your earnings by selling the pattern independently through platforms like Ravelry or your website. You are also free to modify or expand upon the design in the future, which is not always possible with exclusive contracts.
The choice between exclusive and non-exclusive agreements depends on your goals as a designer. If you want a professionally edited and photographed pattern, as some will allow you to use their photography and the fully edited pattern to self-publish after the contracted period, an exclusive contract with a reputable magazine may be a great opportunity. However, if maintaining control over your pattern and having the ability to sell it independently is more important to you, a non-exclusive arrangement might be the better choice.
Each magazine has its own aesthetic, audience, and submission guidelines. Before submitting, it’s important to research different publications to see which ones align with your design style and audience. If your designs are geared toward trendy millennials, a magazine featuring more traditional designs isn’t the right fit for you.
Most magazines have a dedicated page on their website with submission instructions, including deadlines, formatting requirements, and themes for upcoming issues. Some release detailed calls for submissions several times a year, outlining what types of patterns they are looking for in each issue. If you don’t see guidelines on their website, you may need to contact the editorial team or check their social media for updates.
Before we start working on the proposal, we need to discuss the timeline.
Magazines work months in advance, meaning that submission deadlines often align with seasons far ahead of publication. A winter-themed pattern might need to be submitted in July, while a summer issue could have a deadline in December.
Be aware that deadlines for different stages of the process may vary. Some magazines set an initial proposal deadline, followed by separate deadlines for pattern approval, sample creation, and final edits. If your design is accepted, you may have only a few weeks to complete the final sample and pattern, so plan accordingly.
If you’re submitting to multiple magazines, track your submissions in a spreadsheet to keep up with deadlines, responses, and design commitments. If a magazine requires exclusivity and you’ve submitted the same design elsewhere, you’ll need to withdraw it from other publications once it’s accepted.
Read the submission call in its entirety. Editors receive hundreds of submissions for each theme, and they can’t reach out to each designer to ask for additional information, especially if it was already listed in the submission call as a requirement. Failing to follow instructions can result in your proposal being overlooked, even if your design is strong. A very important thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t choose too many fonts. Choose 1-2 that go with your branding.
A typical submission includes a sketch and/or swatch of your design, a written description explaining its construction and unique features, and details on the type of yarn you plan to use. Some magazines require a full pattern draft, while others accept proposals based on concept alone. Some publications provide a standardized submission form that asks for detailed information about the pattern, such as estimated yardage, stitch counts, intended skill level, and construction techniques. Others may require you to include a brief designer bio outlining your experience, design style, and previous publications, if applicable.
Your sketch doesn’t need to be a highly detailed illustration, but it should effectively communicate the overall shape, fit, and design elements of the piece. Some designers choose to annotate their sketches, pointing out key features like stitch patterns, shaping details, or special construction methods. If possible, including multiple angles or a simple schematic can provide even more insight into your design.
Swatches showcase the texture and drape of your design. While a basic swatch gives an idea of stitch definition and gauge, going a step further by making a small mock-up of a key section—such as a lace motif, colorwork repeat, or an edging detail—can make your submission stand out. It is good practice to use a yarn similar to the one you intend to use for your sample, as it gives a truer sense of the finished piece. Block your swatches before submitting to ensure the final fabric looks its best, especially if working with lace or drapey yarns.
The written description is where you make a strong case for your design. Beyond explaining its construction, it helps to highlight its versatility, potential modifications, and why it suits the magazine’s audience. Does it have a unique stitch pattern? Is it beginner-friendly or ideal for experienced crocheters looking for a challenge? Will it be easy to customize for different body types or personal styles? If a magazine provides a mood board with inspirational images and keywords, pay close attention to those cues. Repeat some of the adjectives the magazine highlighted in their brief.
If the magazine follows seasonal themes, consider how your yarn choice and construction fit within that framework. For summer issues, lightweight yarns like cotton or linen in openwork stitches are often favored, while fall and winter publications may lean toward heavier wool blends with cozy textures. Color choice can also play a role; spring designs might feature pastels or bright, fresh hues, whereas autumn issues often showcase earth tones and deeper shades. You can choose to color in your sketch to show how your vision matches the theme/season if you don’t have the specific yarn color on hand for your swatch.
Some magazines require inspiration notes as part of the submission. While not always mandatory, including a brief explanation of what inspired the piece—whether it’s architecture, nature, or vintage fashion—can add depth to the submission.
I will include a link to my personal submission proposal template, which you may customize to meet your needs.
If the publication asks for a complete pattern, ensure that it follows their preferred format. Check for a style guide or review their past issues. Some common elements they may require include:
Most magazines have strict guidelines regarding how they want submissions to be formatted. Some key aspects to watch for include:
Before sending your proposal, double-check that it meets every formatting requirement listed in the guidelines. Even small mistakes, such as submitting a JPEG instead of a PDF or using the wrong file name, can be the reason your submission is overlooked.
If your design is accepted, the next step is to review and sign a contract. This contract will outline important details such as deadlines, compensation, and rights to your pattern. It’s essential to read the contract thoroughly to understand what is expected of you and what rights you retain or give up. If you have questions, it’s okay to reach out, but always check the submission page, contract, and other documents first to ensure you’re not asking something that has already been answered. When emailing an editor, keep your message concise and polite.
The final payment amount isn’t always set in stone—you and the magazine have to agree on a price before moving forward. If the offer doesn’t align with your expectations or the work required, you can always try to negotiate or walk away if it’s not the right fit. While some magazines have fixed rates, others may be open to discussion, especially for more complex designs. Always review the terms carefully before signing the contract to ensure you’re comfortable with the compensation and rights involved.
One of the most important deadlines to keep in mind will be the due date for your final pattern submission. Some magazines have in-house tech editors who will review your pattern, while others expect you to submit a final version that has already been tech-edited. Take that into account when you start working on your sample and pattern.
Typically, you cannot share or discuss the design publicly until the magazine releases it. This includes posting progress photos on social media, sharing details with your audience, or offering it for testing unless the magazine explicitly allows it. If testing is required, you may need to arrange it privately and ensure testers understand the confidentiality agreement. Always check your contract for any restrictions on sharing or promoting the design before making any decisions.
Pattern Sample Requirements
Magazines handle samples in different ways. Some have in-house sample makers, meaning you only need to submit the pattern itself, and they will create a sample for photography. Others require you to provide your finished sample for photography. Those that operate on a non-exclusive basis may require you to provide a professional photograph of the sample yourself. Some magazines offer yarn support, providing you with the yarn needed to make the sample. Others expect you to purchase your materials, so factor that into your planning.
If you need to submit a sample, follow the magazine’s requirements carefully—this includes making sure your work is well-blocked and professionally finished, choosing the right carrier, filling out the customs form correctly (if submitting overseas), and packaging the sample to specification.
Photography Requirements
If you are responsible for submitting your photos, the magazine will typically provide specific photography guidelines, such as lighting, background, and styling recommendations. They may ask for multiple angles, close-up detail shots, and images of the item in use (such as a modeled garment or a home décor piece styled in a setting). High-quality photos can make a significant difference in how your design is perceived.
Submitting to magazines is competitive, and even experienced designers face rejection. If your design isn’t accepted, it doesn’t mean it’s not a great pattern—it may simply not fit the current issue’s needs. They may have selected something similar already, or some key elements were missing from your proposal. You may choose to refine your proposals and resubmit your ideas for future issues. You can submit it to another magazine that aligns with the style and theme. Or Self-publish the pattern.
Persistence is key in the publishing world. The more you refine your proposals and tailor your submissions to the right publications, the better your chances of seeing your work in print.
