Do you know what the best app is for digital patterns?
My vote is for knitCompanion!
Created by Sally Holt, a knitter and programmer, she created knitCompanion in mind of crafters following written and chart patterns, and has been adding features to make it even better since July 2012.
This app works with Apple and Android devices with a free download, kCBasics, and in-app purchases for additional features.
knitCompanion works with any pattern, links to Ravelry and Dropbox, has a variety of marker options for ALL of your projects, can keeps abbreviations or keys handy, and row counts that can be customized.
In full transparency, I was provided with access to all of the paid features for this review, so I’m providing my honest opinion of this app as a new user.
Why this app over other apps for digital patterns?
Well, many of the apps I have tried in the best were just row counters, or limited or hard to use options for creating crochet symbols, and not geared for following a crochet pattern.
If you use digital patterns like I do, you may be asking, “Why not just use Adobe Acrobat (or any PDF reader) or a note taking app, like GoodNotes or Notability?”
Well PDF readers are just that, a reader. Typically, they’re great at opening the file and allowing you to scroll and zoom in or out, but may not have an option to add notes, highlight or section things off.
Upgrade your digital patterns experience a bit more with a note taking app that works with a stylus to have the option to make notes and highlight in addition to what you can do with a PDF reader. This means you can mark where you stop on that project. But you can’t create a section and have a row counter on the same page as you work.
For a full upgraded experience, enters knitCompanion that not only connects to your Ravelry or Dropbox account, so you can access your pattern libraries, but has row and stitch gliders to mark exactly where you are in a pattern, the ability to crop parts of a pattern page, multiple row counters that can be labeled, and so much more.
Check out the video below of several of the features that I would use most often when working on my WIPs, and then check out my Pros and Cons list, as well as deets on entering the giveaway.
These are the features that I found to be the most exciting to use, and features that are inconvenient but not a deal breaker.
| PROS | CONS |
| Unlimited Projects | Not user-friendly, takes time to learn |
| Keeps track of progress in all WIPs | Doesn’t connect to Google Drive |
| Voice command row counter | Have to use Dropbox to sync projects between projects manually. |
| Can create typed and handwritten notes | Knit terms are used for increases and decreases |
| Can create sections of patterns | Yearly subscription |
| Project Timer | |
| Ruler | |
| Calculator | |
| Can watch video links within app in the paid version | |
| Free version features is adequate for most WIPs |
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Compare free vs. paid features
Head over to knitCompanion to check out the app for yourself, as well as detailed tutorials, written and video. You can also find over 1500 patterns in kCDesigns.
GIVEAWAY TIME
Sally provided me with a Stand It Up KURV Stand to try out.
I love how compact it is. it’s perfect for carrying in a project bag, so I can work from a pattern in the knitCompanion app anywhere I can find a flat surface.
This handy little stand has little rubber feet to prevent slipping on most surfaces, and comes in a cute velvet pouch for easy storage.
One lucky winner will received a Stand for their self, and 2 patterns of choice from me, Creations by Courtney, to start using with knitCompanion.
Seriously, this app is a game changer for following patterns and never questioning where you stopped, or being frustrated that the paper got wrinkled or blown away by a gust of air. There is a learning curve, but after watching the review, I think you can get started with learning the settings and come to love it too.
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Now on to how to enter the giveaway.
It’s super easy.
- Just click the button below to enter your first and last name and email address.
- Earn 1 extra entry by leaving a comment on this blog post.
- Earn 1 extra entry by leaving a comment on my YouTube video.
ALL ENTRIES NEED TO BE RECEIVED BY OCTOBER 18, 2024 AT 6:00 AM EST
This does mean that you’ll be added to my newsletter. If you’re already a Crochet Bestie (newsletter subscriber), you still need to fill out the information, so that your information is in the right place for the drawing.
SHARE, SHARE, SHARE
No extra entry is earned, but be a good crochet friend by sharing this blog post with your fiber friends, so that they can learn about knitCompanion for their digital pattern library and enter the giveaway by 6:00AM EST on October 18, 2024.
Shares are ALWAYS APPRECIATED! 😊
A winner will be randomly selected, and announced to this blog post and Creations by Courtney IG page on October 18th.
*The winner will be contacted by Creations by Courtney via email, and have 24 hours to respond. If no response is received within 24 hours, a new winner will be selected.*
Make sure you bookmark this page, follow me on IG, and checking your inbox on October 18th.
Good luck!
CONGRATULATIONS TO MARYANN!
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14 Responses
Looks interesting. I love that you can use voice commands for row counting. A big, big drawback to me is that it doesn’t connect to Google Drive. I hope that changes in the future.
Yes, Google Drive would be a great addition. That’s where I have a lot of patterns saved besides my computer. I’m excited to try out the voice command more. Maybe I’ll actually track the rows for once rather than stopping and counting after 20 rows LOL
Thank you for sharing this new app. I am a paper person; however, am going to check this out. Your review is complete and honest. Very much appreciated.
You’re so welcome, Wanda! I think it’s worth everyone trying the free version, especially if you find a new pattern that you want to start but don’t have access to a printer at the moment.
I use both digital and paper, can definitely see the benefits of this app 🙂
How do you keep up with your paper patterns? Is there a reason some patterns will be printed vs used digitally?
Thank you for listing out all the features in the paid version. I doubt i need them so will check out the free one.
You’re welcome! I know that seeing a clear list of features help me make a decision. I think the free version is rather robust and offers a lot more than many free apps. Enjoy trying out the app!
Thank you soo much for doing this review! I have been looking for an app to organize my patterns🤩 I will definitely check out the app❣️
You’re welcome! I think you’ll really like using the app once you learn the functions.
I use the free version. I also love this as I can have 2 projects of the same pattern going at the same time with notes OR leave notes on a project like hook size and come back later and know what I was using and where I was. I LOVE it. Must have tool.
I’m late to the party with this app, but so happy to know about it now. I just might add in my unfinished projects and work on finishing them with this since I can keep track of everything.
I really liked the thoroughness in your review. Very detailed & informative. Thank you!
Welcome! I’m excited to use it more with upcoming projects.