KnitML Standardizes Knitting Patterns

Craft & Design Yarncraft

knitml.jpg

Finally, a proposal for a universally standardized way of writing knitting patterns!

Imagine being able to do the following for any KnitML-based pattern:

  • Render a pattern in either written directions or a chart, dependent on a preference setting
  • Render a pattern in any language, using conventions familiar to that language and dialect
  • Validate that a pattern is physically possible to knit (eliminating some types of errata)
  • Automatically convert English measurements to and from metric measurements
  • Size a pattern up or down to any size, not just the sizes that come with the pattern
  • Recalculate a pattern for your gauge rather than the one that came with the pattern
  • Explicitly write out mathematically complex directions (e.g., “increase 34 stitches evenly over 171 stiches”)
  • Alter the pattern using an easy-to-use graphical editor (or create new KnitML-based pattern from scratch)
  • Preview the result of a pattern using graphics
  • Integrate into your favorite knitting software (such as Sweater Wizard)
  • Digitally sign the pattern to guarantee original authenticity

[via] Link.

8 thoughts on “KnitML Standardizes Knitting Patterns

  1. Ed says:

    Neat and practical idea.
    However, it reminds me of the saying “when you have a hammer…”

  2. eh says:

    i’m sure this could come in handy, especially with the gauge issue and even language translation. but really it looks like a p.i.t.a. to read. i think i would rather read a regular pattern in plain english than try to keep track of where i am in an html-looking document. I am stubborn and set in my ways. :P

  3. Sara says:

    The point of XML is that you can write schemas and some slick XSLT to actually DISPLAY the pattern however you like, XML is just the storage medium. What you’re seeing is kind of a “middle step” that end users really wouldn’t be reading. I’m very excited for all of this.

  4. Jonathan says:

    Yes, Sara hit it on the head. Think of it as an interchange format between various pieces of software that could understand KnitML as a common language. Writing an XSLT for the KnitML could render a plain English pattern with relative ease.

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Becky Stern is a Content Creator at Autodesk/Instructables, and part time faculty at New York’s School of Visual Arts Products of Design grad program. Making and sharing are her two biggest passions, and she's created hundreds of free online DIY tutorials and videos, mostly about technology and its intersection with crafts. Find her @bekathwia on YouTube/Twitter/Instagram.

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