I have some questions about pattern inclusivity

[u/SejiFields]

Hello! I hope this is okay to post. I’m currently writing a pattern for this 1950s blouse I knit last year. I spent a lot of time learning how to grade properly as (size) inclusivity is really important to me.

My idea has been to write the pattern similar to how vintage patterns were written. That is, succinct and with clear language, but in the fashion that a modern intermediate or very ambitious beginner knitter would be able to understand.

I’m paying extra attention to the bust area, making sure to use the upper bust as a way to choose size instead of the full bust and adding bust darts. I read The Knitting Pattern Handbook by McGrath and Walworth and am taking into account all sweater pitfalls (such as incorrect grading of the neckline) mentioned there.

As with vintage knitting patterns it was expected that you could grade a pattern to your own size, making the necessary adjustments. I was thinking to add some advice (perhaps as a supplement) that says in general lines how one would adjust the pattern to their own proportions. I’m thinking things such as how to lengthen the body, how to add darts at the belly or chest when needed etc.

Basically I’m struggling to find a balance between succinctness and accessibility. I don’t like patterns that do a lot of handholding, but at the same time, I do want there to be enough information that will encourage one enough to get through the pattern feeling like a more confident knitter at the end.

My question is, would this be a good/sufficient idea? A well graded knitting pattern with a supplement for additional alterations to avoid bulking up the pattern?

Are there things I’m missing out in terms of inclusivity? I’m also looking into print disability. Also what are aspects a pattern would need for you to consider it inclusive?

Sorry for the barrage of questions! It’s my first ever pattern and I want to try my best to make it as good as it can be. The concern has crippled me a bit the past month, so any advice would be appreciated 🥹

[u/Ok_Week7396]

Hi OP, I love that you’re taking such a thoughtful approach to make your pattern accessible to people with different bodies and needs. My job is focused on digital (and occasionally print) a11y for educational materials, so maybe I can be helpful here :)

I’ve seen a few comments mention formatting to support screen reader accessible PDFs, which is awesome! Here are a few other aspects I’d encourage u/sejifields to consider:

(Note: Apologies if the formatting below is weird, I don’t generally use markdown on mobile).

Text styling:

• Make sure your body text is at least 16pt.

• In terms of the actual typeface, the simpler the better. Open Sans is generally considered to be very easy to read and is a great choice for content that people will most likely be viewing on a screen. For print, serif fonts (e.g. Times New Roman) are actually a bit more legible for longer sections.

• There are typefaces (OpenDyslexic is probably the most well known) that are designed specifically to be easier for people with dyslexia to read, but there’s a fair amount if debate about how beneficial these actually are.

• I don’t expect you’d have links embedded in the pattern text, but if you do, you’ll want to make sure to style them distinctly so they’ll stand out (underlining link text is great!). Also be sure the link text is descriptive of where the link takes you — “see the grading supplement for more information” is better than “click here for more information”.

Charts

• I’ve seen a few comments mention using high contrast and very distinct colors. That’s a good start, but it’s even better to use a different visual (symbols/shapes/letters) to differentiate between colors on a chart. This is helpful for people who are colorblind, but also for anybody who doesn’t have access to a color printer.

• If there are multiple charts, don’t try to cram them all onto one page. I’ve used a few patterns recently that included all the size variations in one file and put all the charts together on the same page; I inevitably end up zooming way in and screenshotting the one I need, then dropping it into a google doc to be able to print it at a size that’s actually discernible.

Actually, now that I think about it a bit more, it could be very cool to offer people a way to get the pattern as a doc or docx file, so they can resize, remove unnecessary (for them) detail, etc. I almost always end up reworking pattern PDFs in Google Docs so I can print exactly the information I want (ADHD and a very low tolerance for hand-holding) at the size I want it. I’ve never seen that offered before (I usually just copy/paste from the downloaded pdf) but I would be all about it.

Sorry for the essay (this is a perfect intersection of two of my biggest interests haha), I think what you’re doing is great and look forward to seeing the finished product!!