The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook is a very well written, information dense, logical, *usable* guide to writing and testing knitting patterns written and collated by Kristina McGrath & Sarah Walworth. Released 31st Oct 2023 by Hachette on their Storey Publishing imprint, it's 176 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.
The writing is clear, concise, and easy to understand. That is -vital- for acquiring any skill, but especially in patterns to be followed to a finished and consistent end product. The authors do a very good job of explaining, step-by-step, what a pattern -is-, how to write patterns with precision and understandably (for the end user), and some good tips on developing a personal design style.
The following chapters cover pattern components, gauge, charts, sizing, troubleshooting & pitfalls, and working with a tech editor. The book is slanted toward would-be (or current) designers who promote and sell their patterns through Ravelry, or purpose built websites, but it's usable and relevant for knitters who wish to strike out and make their own patterns for their own use without necessarily having plans to sell commercially.
The graphics are very simple and basic throughout. There are no photographs. Drawings are simple and rendered in pencil sketches. The example graphs and text are high contrast black and white and very easy to read/understand.
Five stars. This is a standalone volume, and certainly can be credibly used to create a written knitting pattern just from the instructions contained within. It will best be used as a good reference addition to the knitter's home library, pattern-writer's studio, public library collection, or knitting shop/fibre arts guild's members' library.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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