Open Call for Pattern Designers 2023

We are looking for experienced weavers to propose rigid heddle, 4-shaft, or tapestry weaving pattern designs using our in-house yarn collections: Duet, Mallo, Beam, Array, Ode, and Sero. We are now accepting proposals year-round, and will review patterns on a quarterly basis. We will make final decisions twice per year in June and January, and you can expect to hear from us either way around that time, though it’s possible you may hear from us sooner.

Selected designers will receive financial compensation and the yarn required to complete the project. Patterns will be published by Gist Yarn and shared with our community of weavers. Please read below for details about what we are looking for and how to submit your proposal. Still have questions? Contact LaChaun Moore at designers@gistyarn.com.

Currently Seeking (updated 2/1/2023)

While we are always accepting submissions for patterns that meet the pattern requirements below, we are especially on the lookout for the following techniques/types of projects:

Hand-manipulated/pick-up stick lace
Repp weave
Overshot
Patterns that combine Ode & Array
Projects that utilize our new silk noil, Sero
Patterns that are seasonally appropriate for Fall and Winter (cozy scarves & shawls, home decor for holiday hosting, gift-friendly projects)

Pattern Requirements

As you are designing your projects, keep the following requirements in mind. These guidelines help to keep our patterns accessible.

PROJECT CATEGORY

Our most popular pattern categories for rigid heddle and 4-shaft weaving projects include scarves/shawls, towels/table linens, and other home accessories like throw blankets and accent rugs.

LOOM TYPE

Pattern submissions should be suitable for rigid heddle, 4-shaft, or tapestry looms.

PROJECT WIDTH

The most common loom size for 4-shaft and rigid heddle projects is around 24" wide, with tapestry patterns frequently more narrow. We will accept patterns with a weaving width of up to 30".

SKILL LEVEL

Pattern submissions should be suitable for beginner or intermediate skill levels.

YARN REQUIREMENTS

To keep our kits affordable, the required yarn for pattern designs should range between 1-3 cones of Duet, Mallo, Beam, Sero, and up to 2 cones of Ode, or a combination of 1oz and 4 oz cones of Array. Overall project yarn budget should not exceed $100. We encourage you to mix yarn from each of these collections (e.g., Mallo in the warp and Duet in the weft).

SAMPLING

If designers are selected, they must submit a woven sample of their proposed project for approval before they begin weaving their final piece. This sample should be no smaller than 3X3” and no larger than 5X5” (larger only if necessary for a particular design). We encourage designers to sample as part of their application, though it is not a requirement. Samples should be woven with exact yarn proposed for the final project.

Designers may take a high resolution image of their finished 3X3-5X5 sample to submit. However Gist Yarn may ask designers to mail their samples if necessary after seeing the photo. Designers are responsible for the cost of shipping their 3X3-5X5 sample and final woven project to Gist.

SEWING/FINISHING

Projects should require minimal sewing, if any. We encourage weavers to hem their projects by hand or machine, depending on what they have available. Hemstitch is always a great option! All projects must also be wet finished, finishing instructions should be included in final pattern.

Compensation and Rights

If your design is selected for publication, Gist Yarn will provide a flat rate of $400 for you to weave and write the pattern. If your design is selected, you will be mailed complimentary yarn to weave the sample project. Final woven projects will be mailed to Gist Yarn for photography and then will be returned to you. Gist will pay for shipping of yarn and return of sample and final weavings. Designers are responsible for shipping costs to send sample and final weavings to Gist. Payment will be sent with in 60 days of the date the final woven project is received. Gist Yarn will hold exclusive rights to publish the pattern for one year from the date it is published. You will retain rights to also publish the pattern on your own platform after the initial one year period. We kindly ask that you do not sell your pattern in the future for less than the asking price on our website. Gist Yarn will continue to provide access to our free patterns on our website. Patterns produced in collaboration with designers through our Open Call will be available for purchase on our website.

Frequently Asked Questions

CAN I SUBMIT MORE THAN ONE DESIGN PROPOSAL?

Yes! You are welcome to submit multiple ideas. Please complete a separate form submission for each proposal.

WHAT QUALIFIES AS AN EXPERIENCED WEAVER? DO I NEED TO BE PUBLISHED BEFORE?

We are looking for pattern designs from weavers who have at least a few projects under their belt, and a good understanding of how to select yarn colors and structures to complement the project. However, you don't need to be published before - in fact, we are especially excited to see pattern designs from newer weavers who haven't published before.

DO I NEED TO DESIGN MY OWN DRAFT?

Drafts should be your own original design, or adapted from a published book of weaving drafts. If you submit a draft from a published book, please include a citation including author, book title, and page number. We cannot accept designs that include drafts from other yarn or pattern companies, or drafts found on the internet that do not have author attributions.

CAN I SUBMIT DESIGNS I HAVE ALREADY PUBLISHED?

We are looking for new, original designs that have not yet been published.

CAN I INCLUDE YARN OTHER THAN DUET, MALLO, BEAM, SERO, ARRAY AND ODE IN MY PROJECT?

At this time we will only be accepting projects designed entirely with Duet, Mallo, Beam, Array, Sero, and Ode. We encourage you to mix yarn from each of these collections (e.g., Mallo in the warp and Duet in the weft).

WHAT IF I WANT TO DESIGN A PROJECT THAT USES MORE THAN 3 CONES OF YARN?

To keep the cost of kits affordable to our customers, project yarn cost should not exceed a retail value of $100.00.

ARE YOU OFFERING A ROYALTY TO PATTERN DESIGNERS?

At this time we do not offer royalties for pattern sales. We pay our designers a flat rate of $400 per pattern published. This ensures that designers are fairly compensated for their time even if the pattern doesn’t sell well on our website.

DO YOU HAVE TO BE IN THE UNITED STATES TO SUBMIT A PATTERN?

We accept proposals from anywhere in the world. Please submit your pattern in the Imperial system (inches, yards, etc.). We pay with USD.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T ACCEPT MY PATTERN?

It takes a lot of resources for us to publish a pattern and unfortunately we won’t be able to accept all submissions. However, we are honored that you are interested in designing patterns with our yarn and encourage you to self publish or publish on other platforms. If you create the pattern, please tag us on social media and we will do our best to share it with our audience.

Submitting Your Proposal

Step 1:Write your proposal! Make sure your proposed pattern meets the requirements above.

Step 2:Gather your images in a folder on your computer. Your folder should be labeled like so: lastname_firstname_2023. If you are submitting multiple patterns, you may upload them to the same folder.

Step 3: Upload your folder to Dropbox here.

Step 4:Fill out this form with details about your proposal. Please submit separate forms if submitting more than one pattern.

Questions? Please email us at designers@gistyarn.com