I currently have all my knitting patterns listed as digital downloads only (ie emailed within 24 hours of purchase to the customer). If you are a knitter would you prefer the option of having a printed copy sent in the post instead?
I don’t knit, but I do crochet a lot and I do buy patterns as well. I personally prefer digital, as I get them instantly (or when the seller emails them in case of a Folksy purchase), and most of the times I don’t even print them out. As some people may not have a printer though, it could be a plus to offer the option of choosing a printed one instead. Maybe worth having a trial with a couple of your most successful patterns?
Thank you for that insight. I think I will give it a go with a few patterns at a time and see how it goes
If I buy a digital pattern I always print it out. Using physical patterns (and reading physical books) is always my preference.
I’m a crocheter too rather than knitter, I’m mixed on this.. I definitely prefer printed patterns, I don’t like looking at a screen when I’m crocheting. On the other hand, I’d like to get it quickly as I’d be excited to start, but I might also have to wait for yarn to arrive so maybe waiting wouldn’t be so bad. All that being said (sorry a bit long lol) I would probably choose a digital version to get quickly and no postage to pay, and print it myself. I’d offer both and see how it goes!
I prefer digital so I can print it out myself (often with double spacing so I can put notes in). Also means if I want to knit the pattern again I can reprint to get a clean copy so I don’t get confused by previous notes.
This is all very helpful. Thank you everyone
I think both digital and printed would be great option for customers.
I buy digital, but recently purchased a printed one from a lady.
Some people may not own a printer, I know people who don’t own a printer.
Hope this helps
I’m old school and prefer an original pattern in the post, I used to buy a lot and some over 25 pages long from a designer of knitted toys, they were beautifully presented, the past few years she started selling them as digital downloads which I printed myself but they didn’t look as nice printed on my colour printer, they also used a huge amount of ink and wern’t much cheaper than they were in hard copy. I’ve just got rid of my colour printer and bought another laserjet copyer/printer so no longer have a colour option.
There’s just something about books and patterns that I like in the original paper form.
Hi Marisa, I personally prefer to have a printed copy, I like to have something to hold and read ( and look forward to receiving it through the post too! ). Best of luck x
I’m definitely in the same camp as Sasha - buy digital then print out whenever I like and scribble all over the working copy for that particular knit / crochet (my marking up is clearly much less thought out than Sasha’s! ). I do buy patterns in books and vintage patterns on paper, but always photocopy the page I’m working on to be able to scribble on it while I work.
I sell my own patterns as digital only as I don’t have access to a really nice printer, although I have in the past printed my own patterns and sent them as a gift with a purchase of one of my knit / crochet accessories to customers I know well.
If you sell your patterns on Ravelry as well, you don’t even have the option there of selling them on paper, so I think the majority of the US audience are digital users too.
Hi
I’m a knitter and I prefer digital as others say you can print it out.