How Do I Create Knitting Pattern Computer Software?
- 1). Build the types of knit patterns for your knit stitch library by including knitting weave categories such as clusters, cables, knit and purl, crochet as well as lace knit stitches. Each category requires a separate computer file and activation button to open a range of choices for each weave category.
- 2). Combine knit stitches within each knit weave category by including a range of knit stitches. For instance, the cable category will most likely include ribbed, butterfly, chain and triple cables. This feature allows knitwear designers to drag and drop different knitting patterns into garment silhouettes before production.
- 3). Build your knitting grid, which is generally a drawing image pad on your computer screen. Include vertical bars representing the warp and horizontal bars representing the weft. This button must include gauge options for the user. The higher the gauge number, the lighter the knit. It will also be used as a weaving area for creating knit patterns.
- 4). Build the types of knitting patterns your knitting grid will create. You will need to insert different knitting pattern options for this button. For example, a jacquard knit, which is produced on a jacquard loom, has a different production weave than an intarsia, which is a geometrical knitted pattern. When the button is activated, knittin options will be offered allowing the designer to plug in different yarn colors as well as adjust and create new patterns.
- 5). Add hand-knit and machine-knit button keys for the patterns. These buttons will give the knitwear designer the option to create knitting patterns for hand or machine production patterns by changing the grid type to hand or machine knits.
- 6). Add a weft and a warp knitting button option to change the knit pattern type.
Weft knitting is done by machine and by hand. The knit pattern is created by forming loops crosswise and linking each loop. Warp knitting cannot be done by hand. This is a machine knitting pattern only; it also produces tubular knits for seamless garments. Parallel yarns are arranged into two tiers that make separate chains. A zigzag pattern connects the chains together, forming the knitted pattern. - 7). Draft your buttons on drafting paper including the buttons created in steps 1 through 6. Basic features such as the position of your knitting grid, color palette library and "Read" and "Save" buttons must also be included. Although this step is optional, you will be able to use this as a guide and layout while building the software program.
- 8). Download a free trial offer of software development such as Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Express. You will be able to create individual buttons for each of your function tools by writing codes within the program. Although the download has limitations, you will be able to get a view of your software design and make changes to your layout made in Step 7.
- 9). Hire a software developer for your knitwear software. Although this step is also optional, keep in mind that writing codes is challenging and time consuming. A developer will be able to integrate and combine functions into each button tool feature. Skip this step if you have experience writing codes.
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