At one point or another, you have most likely come across something called a “pattern round up”. They can be a great way to discover new designers and patterns but what exactly are they? I’ve put together a post to help explain the ins and outs of a pattern round up so that both designers and crocheters can fully benefit from them.
What Is A Pattern Round Up?
A round up is a collection of themed projects that have been compiled by a blog or website. For example: One Hour Crochet Projects, Crochet Headbands, Granny Square Ideas, etc.
Is it Legit?
Most often, people who put the round up lists together are fellow designers looking to grow their connections, blog content and spread the word on new or relevant patterns. It’s a benefit to the person putting the round up together because it brings in visitors to their blog. It is also positive for the designers who have patterns included because traffic then gets routed back to them when people click on the link included. If done properly and effectively, it’s a win-win for everyone.
Pattern round up’s should never claim ownership over the patterns included (except their own) and pattern details should always be linked back to the original source, not copy and pasted from the pattern.
Is Permission Needed To Include Patterns That Aren’t Mine?
Regardless of photos and patterns being easily accessible on the internet, I always ask for permission from the designer prior to including them in a round up. I think it builds a respectful and meaningful connection with fellow crocheters and designers. For me, it feels like the right thing to do and also can be helpful to the designers included to know where their patterns are being shared.
How Do you Get Permission?
If you’re looking to put together a round up and want to seek permission from other designers, there are a few ways to do this:
– Facebook has a few groups that are geared to pattern round ups. You can create a post stating what the theme of your round up will be and ask people to leave their relevant links in the comments. Include in your post a little note along the lines of “by leaving your link, you are giving me permission to use one photo from your link for the round up and social media purposes”. This is a quick and effective way to gather links and permission at the same time.
– If you come across a pattern on Instagram, Reddit, Twitter, etc and you think it would be perfect for your round up, send the designer a DM or Email (be sure to check their bio for contact preferences).
– If you find a pattern while browsing the web, check out the permissions within the blog. It might openly state that the designer welcomes being included in round up’s and there is no need to email. Otherwise, a quick visit to their contact page will help you find the best way to get in touch.
What is included in a pattern round up?
– The first thing you need is a theme. Get as creative as you want with this one.
– You’ll need patterns! This is where you can make use of the Facebook round up groups to have designers share their links or start searching on your own.
– Don’t forget a photo that will go along with the link! In order for designers to be properly included with a round up, you’ll need to use one of the photos from the link being used.
What helpful tools are there?
– I generally try to keep the editing of other people’s photos minimal although I prefer to use them “as is” when possible. Perhaps you might need to adjust some lighting or brightness to achieve a specific look for your social media collage. I like using the Snapseed app (it’s free!) for basic editing and adjustments.
– Canva is another website/app (free with optional paid membership extras) that I like to work with for compiling the round up photos into a collage. It’s quick, simple and you can use a pre-made template or create your own.
– Instagram Layout is another option for collages although what you can do with it is very minimal and geared to Instagram photo specifications.
How do I put everything together?
When I first started doing round up’s, I spent so much time putting them together. I was new to the process and still learning the best methods for my blog and for me. You’ll find a way that works for you too! Two basic layouts for creating a pattern round up usually look like this:
Layout 1: (Easy to do with a small round up)
Pattern Name and Designer Name
(A few sentences describing the pattern)
[Photo of Pattern]
Layout 2: (For a larger round up)
Pattern Name and Designer Name
[Photo of Pattern]
How Can I Share my round up?
Once your round up is posted, it’s time to share your round up collages and header banners/posters! Make use of Pinterest, share in appropriate Facebook groups (be sure to read the rules first) and on your own social media channels. Sometimes the designers that you have included in your round up will kindly share it on their own platforms to help promote it. This is always appreciated but something I never ask them to do.
What Are Some Round Up Ideas?
There are so many! Check out just a few ideas below:
– Holiday themed (Easter, Christmas, Valentine’s, etc)
– Home décor (Coasters, wash cloths, wall hangings)
– Wearables (Scarves, hats, cowls, mittens, cardigans)
– Motifs
– Amigurumi
– Blankets
– One hour projects
– One skein projects
– Rainbow themed
– Patterns that use a specific stitch
Tips For Bloggers:
– When you’re preparing a round up, create a folder on your computer to keep all the relevant photos and other details for that specific round up. As I save each photo, I like to rename the file with the pattern name and designer to ensure there are no mix up’s and also so that it’s easy to locate.
– Don’t grab the first image you see on the pattern blog post. Browse through the photos included and find one that will work with your layout and the overall look you’re going for. Remember, you’re showcasing the work of someone else and you want to do all you can to promote it in the most positive way possible.
– Before you post your round up, double check everything! Don’t rush to share it…make sure you take some extra time to ensure the links are correct, the credit is proper, the photos match up and the blog/designer names are spelled correctly.
– If you’re putting together your very first round up, keep it simple! Aim for list of 10 patterns to include to keep things manageable until you develop your own method and flow for putting them together.
– Designers are very protective of their work…as they should be! If a photo has a watermark, please keep it included and don’t crop it out.
Tips for Designers:
– Make the name of your pattern clear and visible. It can be so frustrating having to spend time searching the post on the best way to provide credit and pattern details. Having a header like “Single Crochet Scarf” but then way down in the blog post, you start referring to your pattern by an actual name can get confusing. Do I credit your pattern as “Single Crochet Scarf” or the name you’ve given it? Unless you’re providing a specific tutorial, keeping your pattern name directly at the top of your post is helpful.
– Make sure the photos you include within your pattern blog post have at least one clear image that could be used for a potential round up. Here’s the problem I run into often:
I see a beautiful project that would be perfect for the theme of my round up but I can’t find an appropriate photo. The main banner or Pinterest style post includes a great close up but I don’t want that particular “advertisement style” graphic in the middle of my round up. There are step by step photos and beautiful photos showing people holding a finished project…but I can’t really see the completed project because it isn’t the focus in the picture. Designers, don’t forget to include a simple, close up image that shows off your amazing work. Think about the way that collages are put together to promote the round up. A clear, up close photo will display your pattern much better than one that has to be zoomed in to show your work.
What are your thoughts on pattern round ups? Do you enjoy working on them or do you find them overwhelming? I hope this post was able to provide you with some ideas and tips. If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to give it a share!
As always, I love to hear from you! You can find me over on Instagram (@sweet_bee_crochet) or head over to the contact page for other ways to get in touch.
Happy crocheting!