Here are some Frequently Asked Questions that customers email me with. If you don’t see your question or problem below, feel free to Contact Me.
1. How do I pay for my patterns?
Payment is made securely through Stripe or PayPal. A wide variety of payment options are accepted.
2. How are my patterns delivered?
Patterns are delivered via pdf download. Immediately upon successful payment, you will receive a separate email from me with your download links in it. If you do not get this email with your links in it, first please check your junk or spam folder. Also, you may log into Your Account Page. From this page you will see a list of all orders placed with me. When you view your order you will see links to download your pattern(s).
Please add my email address (emily [at] designsbyemily.com) to your contact list to avoid my emails going to your spam folder. If you haven’t received the email with your download links, please check your spam/junk mail folder first.
3. Why do I have to create a username and password to checkout?
You need to create an account on the website when you make a purchase with me so that you may download your patterns. You will receive an email with download links in it. But if that email is delayed, or if you would like to re-download your patterns, you log in to Your Account Page and you will be able to download your patterns from there.
4. Why do I need to enter in my address?
You need to enter in your billing address to help with processing your payment. Your information is matched with your credit card to help prevent fraud. You do not need to enter a shipping address because there are no products shipped.
5. What type of yarn should I use?
I recommend Worsted Weight 100% Cotton such as Peaches ‘n Cream or Sugar ‘n Cream. If you are not using the pattern as a dishcloth and instead using it for an afghan square, then your preferred Worsted Weight yarn will do.
6. What size of needles should I use?
I recommend US size 7 needles for the average knitter. This is for a cloth that you intend to use as a dishcloth. The tighter you knit the cloth, the more the design will pop out. However, I’ve found that tightly knit cloths also have a problem with becoming smelly when you use them. Slightly looser knit ones dry out better in between uses.
Needle size is becoming more and more of a personal preference, weighing your options between how much you want the design to pop out and how usable you would like your cloth to be. Trial and error will help you to decide which your preferred needle size is.
I am a very loose knitter and use size 5 or 6 needles usually. My dishcloths are not knit overly tight, and I still see the designs well.
7. What size are your patterns? How many stitches wide/rows tall are your patterns?
My dishcloth patterns are all about 9 inches square depending upon your gauge. I design most of my cloths to be 37 stitches wide and 55 rows tall. Some of my patterns are 38 stitches wide and 57 rows tall to help with centering the pattern.
8. Why do some patterns have charts and others do not?
I am in the process of updating all my pattern files. When I first started designing, I did not include charts and the directions were basic. I’ve been slowly updating all my patterns to follow a standard format and include a chart.
9. The pattern is so long! Which part do I knit?
I design my patterns with beginning knitters in mind. I include two different sets of written directions.
One is the pattern written out row-by-row. This is perfect for new knitters.
The second set of directions condenses the pattern using repeats where appropriate. This version is good for knitters with a little experience.
I also include a chart with many patterns. This is good for those who prefer to use charts.
You don’t need to print the entire file. When printing, select just the pages you need.
10. I’ve just started knitting this pattern and I think there’s a big mistake in it.
I chart all my designs out on graph paper as part of the designing process and then transcribe from there. As a result, my patterns are written as if reading from a chart — from the bottom right corner and up. As you are knitting, you will notice there is (almost always) a stockinette stitch background and a garter stitch design. Your stockinette side is the right side of the cloth — although many patterns look good from both sides — and as you knit each row you will see the design begin to emerge from the bottom. If you compare your knitting to the photo on the pattern, they should match.
My patterns have all been test knit and very rarely do they get published with mistakes in them. However, it does happen occasionally. If you think you have found a mistake, please contact me.
11. How many dishcloths can I knit from a ball of Peaches ‘n Cream or Sugar ‘n Cream?
This answer depends upon how tight of a knitter you are, how small of a needle you are using and if you are knitting dishcloths that cast on 37 stitches, 38 stitches or one of each.
I personally can just make two cloths of 38 stitches wide using smaller size 5 needles from one ball of yarn. There are only inches left over though, and I have run out on occasion. If I am making two cloths that are 37 stitches wide with smaller needles, I have a couple of yards of yarn left over.