FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which terms do you use? US or British?
I’m from the USA, so all patterns are written in the US terms.

2. How do I print/download the patterns from your website?
Unfortunately, you can’t print or download directly from the website. If you are looking to print out the pattern, there is an ad-free, downloadable, and print-friendly version of every pattern available in either my ETSY or Ravelry shop for a small fee. However, the patterns I write are always available for free to view and use directly on my website. I do still want to provide a free place for those who are unable to afford the purchase of a pattern. However, The long and the short of it is: providing the free pattern to you is NOT free for me. I say more on this in the answer about ads below. I am, at the end of the day, still a business and designing patterns is my career. Buying a pattern, or using the pattern on the website with ads displayed, keeps me able to continue creating patterns. If I did not sell my pdf patterns or have ads on my page, I would no longer be able to afford the cost of my business; therefore, I would not be able to provide patterns at all. I hope you understand!

3. Your pdf doesn’t print out correctly! How do I print your pdf?

The pdf is configured so that people can use the type of paper they deem best. Most people in the United States use “US letter” size, but some countries use B5 or A4 and the likes, so the pdf format is designed to be fit to your paper size. To print the pdf, go to your “print preview” for the pdf document and you should have the “Paper size” options “US Letter”, “A4”, or whatever size paper you choose to use on a drop down menu. Then, also there should be a tick box that says something along the lines of “scale to fit” “fit to size” or “fit to paper”. Make sure that box is clicked and the pattern should fill the paper size you’ve selected perfectly. A tutorial can be found here.

4. Why do you have ads on your blog?
Ads on my site help me keep my website going and keep me posting my patterns for free. Running a blog is a bit pricey sometimes, and ads help to mitigate some of those costs. If I didn’t have ads, I would no longer be able to afford the price of my domain, blog hosting, or email client in order to provide you all with easily available free patterns. I know ads can be annoying sometimes, but they are necessary! I try to keep them as unobtrusive and inoffensive as possible.

5. I bought the pdf, how do I download my pattern from Ravelry/Etsy
To download from Etsy, you can watch this quick video/follow the tutorial. To download from Ravelry, check out this quick picture tutorial.

6. Can I sell items I make using your patterns?
Yes! Feel free to sell any individual items that you create using my patterns. However, a TON of effort, time and love goes into every pattern so please credit me either here at Ravin Sekai Designs, my Ravelry Page, or my ETSY. Do not use any descriptions or photos contained in this website to sell items and no mass production of items for sale. If you’d like to sell a couple here or there, that’s totally cool, but producing 30+ for a craft show is a bit much. But, if you’re ever in doubt, you can send me an email to ask.

7. How often do you post?
I try to post approximately once a month! Sometimes I can’t quite get everything I’m working on done in time, but I try!

8. Do you take requests on what types of patterns you will design?
I always take into account what my readers like. I am all ears about what you guys are interested in, so if you have a request for an item you’d like to be designed, I’d love to hear it. Now, there’s no guarantee that I will design a certain item, or use an idea that you submit, but I am always open to new things and love to hear what you’re in to! So feel free to drop me a line about your ideas.

9. Are you affiliated with any yarn companies or businesses?
At this time, I am not affiliated with any other businesses. However, in the future, I may accepts forms of sponsored posts, paid affiliate programs, or collaborations with businesses within the yarn community or other bloggers. That content, advertising space, or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content.
But, this sponsorship or collaboration will never influence the honesty of the content provided on my blog. I will never post anything that is not 100% in line with my beliefs. That said, everything on this blog is solely my opinion and any product descriptions, claims, or representation should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party mentioned.

10. Do you have a video tutorial for your ______ pattern?
No, unfortunately. I know a lot of you are visual learners, but at this time, I do not have the capabilities to create videos for my patterns. However, if you have a question about a certain section of a pattern, if you contact me, I may be able to either talk you through the portion, or find a video that is useful/closely associated with what your issue may be. No guarantee, but I can try.

11. Do you sell your creations/Do you take commissions?
Occasionally I will take commissions. But, I am often too busy creating the next pattern for the blog, that I can’t find time to do an outside commission at the same time. It never hurts to ask, though.

12. What knitting needles/crochet hooks do you use?
I most often use my Knit Picks Nickel Options Interchangeable Circular Set.
For crochet, I use a set of crochet hooks that I bought from the Japanese 100 yen store that very closely resemble the Clover 3672 Amour Crochet Hook Set. (I mean, almost exact structure and feel as far as I can tell). But, they only cost me about $12.

13. Where do you buy your yarn?
From all over, but mostly online. I shop the deals on most of the retailers pages, so it’s really a toss up on what I’m going to create with next. I’m all about creating on a budget, but on occasion, I’ll splurge on an artisan yarn if it catches my eye. However, regardless of the yarn I use, I always try to provide a few other options to make the pattern as accessible as possible to all creators.

14. Which do you like better? Knit or crochet?
I like both equally! I am a much faster crocheter than I am a knitter, though.

15. If I use thinner/thicker yarn, what should I do to make ______ pattern?
It all comes down to gauge! You need to know what your personal gauge is when you’re working with any yarn, even when you’re working with the exact yarn a pattern calls for. Every person knits/crochets differently. You might knit tighter than I do; therefore, you’d need more stitches to make an inch, which would mean you’d need even MORE stitches to make 10 inches!! So, in order to modify a pattern to a different type of yarn, you first have to determine what your gauge is with that yarn. Then, it’s all about math to get to the correct measurements for each garment. My advice, learn everything you can about gauge, because it is literally the holy grail for knitting/crochet and will open up SO MANY options for you! I can’t tell you exactly what to do to modify a pattern to a different yarn, but if you know your gauge, you can! Here’s a quick overview of gauge and why we use it: Why Do We Use Gauge?

16. Can I be a tester for your patterns?
YES! I occasionally have tester calls out on new patterns I’m planning on putting on the blog. If you are interested in becoming one of my testers, please apply here. Testing is first come first serve, so if you see a garment you just love, be quick!