Directions should help the knitter quickly and efficiently work a technique. The knitter may be totally unfamiliar with the technique or just need a reminder.
Instructions are a step-by-step explanation of how to do something. Quality instructions are written using clear, simple language. When knitters encounter poorly written instructions it can be infuriatingly frustrating. You may have even experienced this yourself.
Before you write your instructions be sure you have a thorough understanding of the technique. As you write, try to put yourself in the place of the knitter following the directions. In fact, have a friend work from them and give you feedback.
You want the instructions to be as uncluttered as possible. The knitter will most likely be reading with yarn and needles in hand, so it’s important to include all the information needed and leave out anything that could be considered and “extra” or even confuse the knitter. When adding a tip, ask yourself, "Does the reader need this tip to successfully complete this task?” If the answer is no, leave it out.
The following is helpful for the actual writing of instructions:
- Write the directions in step-by-step format using white space between the steps.
- Number each step. It’s okay to combine short steps that occur at the same time. Numbers are much easier to refer to than letters or bullet points.
- Never begin by using the words Now or Next or Then. You’ve already numbered the steps!
- Use complete sentences.
- Use the imperative (action) form of verbs. Tell them what to do.
- Put only the action of the step. Leave out any results from that action.
- Be consistent in your writing.
- Capitalize the first word of each step and end with a period.
Considerations
Special Equipment and Supplies
List any special equipment before the step-by-step listing.
Audience and Situation
Will new knitters be using your directions or are the directions for a technique that intermediate or advanced knitters will need? For the Masters program, the level determines the experience level of the audience. Other considerations would be cultural and demographic. You may find you are writing directions for multiple audiences. Finally, keep in mind that although you have an audience that fits in one category, there can be wide variety of experience and background within the category. When considering the audience you can omit information the readers should already know.
Number of Steps
How many actions are needed for this procedure? A simple procedure may take only one step while a more advanced procedure could be 20+. When there are fewer steps the task may seem more doable while a procedure that takes many steps can appear overwhelming. Here is where good organization of the written steps can be helpful. Count the number of steps. Can any be combined? Consider grouping the steps into categories and renumbering them. For example, directions for Kitcheners stitch can be grouped into three sections. Preliminary steps 1. 2. Grafting 1.2.3…. Ending the Graft 1.2….
You can add headings and you can bold important sections.
Tips and Alternate Methods
If you must include a tip or extra information put it outside of the step-by-step instructions either above or preferably below. Alternate methods can be discussed below the step-by-step instructions and can even refer to the numbered directions. For example you could say, “In place of step 4, you can substitute….”
Voice
I listed above to use an imperative verb. A passive voice can lead the knitter to miss some of the instructions. Consider the following:
Insert the needle from front to back in the next stitch.
rather than
The needle should be inserted into the next stitch from the front towards the back to avoid twisting the stitch.
Graphics and Photos
Sometimes a photo or graphic can make something clearer. (Do not do this for the Masters Program)
