Using Microsoft Excel in Knitwear Design
Save Time and Money Using Excel when Creating Knitted Originals
Feb 5, 2009
Microsoft Excel is associated with databases and statistical information, but it is also a very useful tool for knitwear design, providing both blank graph paper and proportioned paper for the drawing of designs,
Blank Graph Paper
Excel can be used to produce blank graph paper. By simply changing the row height and column width to match each other (eg 20 pixels each), it is possible to print a sheet of paper suitable for sketching out your design.
Remember to use the border formatting to show the lines separating your cells/stitches. It is also possible, using the same function, to make some lines bolder than others, for example every fifth or tenth cell, to make counting easier.
Proportioned graph paper.
When knitting, it is unusual for your stitch height and width to be equal. This can have a detrimental effect on your design. For example, if you draw out a colour pattern on regular graph paper, your tension actually produces 30 rows per 10cm, but only 22 sts. When you come to knit your pattern, it will appear squat when compared to your drawing and your original idea.
However, if you know that this is your tension (having knitted and measured your tension swatch), then it’s possible to create graph paper which will represent your gauge.
To calculate the size of your cells.
First calculate your row height. 30 rows for 10cm means that each stitch is 0.33 of a centimetre. Similarly, 22sts for 10cm means that each stitch is 0.45cm. Therefore, if you create a grid where the row height is 33 pixels and the column width is 45 pixels, it will be possible to print a page which truly represents the proportions of your tension.
To size the cells on Excel.
If you click the gray cell at the top left of the spreadsheet, it will block the whole page. You can then move your mouse to the line between rows 1 and 2 on the margin (until the cursor changes shape) and move this line up or down until the indicator tells you that you have the correct row height in pixels. When you release the mouse, all of the row heights will be changed. Block the page again and by moving the line between columns A and B, the width can be changed.
Colour Patterns.
Once you have created your graph paper, it is possible to use cell formatting to fill in blocks of colour, according to your pattern. The beauty of doing this electronically, is that it is easy to change your mind by simply removing the colour from a block you know longer want in contrast. Once you have your colour pattern set, it is also possible to copy and paste your pattern, to show the effect of any repeats.
Even if you’re not a regular user of excel, it is relatively easy to resize cells and format them for colour, enabling you to use this useful piece of software to help you turn your creative visions into knitted reality.
