Mastering Jacquard

The Art and Science of Knitted Patterns

Jacquard is a refined technique that knits intricate patterns directly into the fabric—no printing, no embroidery.

The result: rich visuals with built-in durability that won’t fade or peel.

Jacquard 101

Jacquard knitting is where craftsmanship meets creativity. With factors like color limits, scale, and knit thickness in play, it takes both vision and know-how.

This guide shares key best practices to help you design bold, wearable Jacquard knitwear that’s as smart as it is striking.

3 Key Considerations
for Designing Jacquard Patterns

Color Limitations

For comfort and flexibility, keep jacquard designs to 5 colors or fewer. Fewer colors mean a lighter final product - while more can add bulk and stiffness.

Base Color Selection

Darker base colors work best for jacquard. Lighter bases can reveal pattern bleed or distortion — especially at seams — due to the ‘bird’s eye’ effect on the knit’s reverse.

Ribbing Contrast

Jacquard trims like cuffs and hems are usually knit in solid 1x1 rib, creating contrast with the patterned body. This offers a chance to add bold or complementary colors for extra visual pop.

From XXS to XXXL,

Keeping Your Patterns Picture-Perfect.

Key Considerations for Pattern Scaling

Ensuring that jacquard patterns maintain their intended aesthetic across various garment sizes is crucial for delivering high-quality knitwear.

At Knitup, we employ proportional scaling techniques to adjust your designs seamlessly from size XXS to XXXL, preserving the visual integrity of each pattern.

Master Pattern

Size M

Size XXL

Proportional Adjustments

Our design team meticulously scales patterns to align with each garment size, ensuring that the design’s proportions remain consistent. For example, a pattern on a size M top will be proportionally smaller than the same pattern on a size XXL top.

Consistency in Coordinated Sets

When designing coordinated outfits or collections, it’s essential to maintain uniform graphic dimensions across different silhouettes. This approach ensures a cohesive appearance, with patterns aligning harmoniously between pieces like tops and bottoms

Identical pattern size on knitted garment top and bottoms, Size M.

Size the pattern graphic for the knitted garment top to X width and height.

Size the pattern graphic for the knitted garment bottoms to X width and height.

Pattern graphic on a size M (right) and size XXL (left)

Size XXL Top and

Size M Bottom

Size M Top and

Size XXL Bottom

Impact on Visual Appeal

Proper pattern scaling enhances the overall visual appeal of the garment, preventing distortions that can occur if patterns are not adjusted correctly for different sizes.

v s

Ready to try?

Knitup Essentials

No Minimums.

No Barriers.

Ready in 3 Weeks.

Knitup Studio

Need a consultation?

Knitup Atelier

More Yarns.

More Stitches.

More Possibilities.

See How Our Customers are
Designing Patterned Knitwear

A model leaning against a wall, wearing an all-over graphic jacquard sweater in pinks, greens and blacks

A woman with curly hair and glasses poses in a floral jacquard knit crop top and matching mini skirt.

An art gallery with multiple knitted red and black abstract canvas art displayed on white walls.

Mastering Jacquard

The Art and Science of Knitted Patterns

Jacquard is a refined technique that knits intricate patterns directly into the fabric—no printing, no embroidery.

The result: rich visuals with built-in durability that won't fade or peel.

Jacquard 101

Jacquard knitting is where craftsmanship meets creativity. With factors like color limits, scale, and knit thickness in play, it takes both vision and know-how.

This guide shares key best practices to help you design bold, wearable Jacquard knitwear that's as smart as it is striking.

3 Key Considerations

for Designing Jacquard Patterns

Color Limitations

For comfort and flexibility, keep jacquard designs to 5 colors or fewer. Fewer colors mean a lighter final product - while more can add bulk and stiffness.

Base Color Selection

Darker base colors work best for jacquard. Lighter bases can reveal pattern bleed or distortion — especially at seams — due to the 'bird's eye' effect on the knit's reverse.

Ribbing Contrast

From XXS to XXXL, Keeping Your Patterns Picture-Perfect.

Key Considerations for Pattern Scaling

Proportional Adjustments

Our design team meticulously scales patterns to align with each garment size, ensuring that the design's proportions remain consistent. For example, a pattern on a size M top will be proportionally smaller than the same pattern on a size XXL top.

Master Pattern

Size M

Size XXL

Consistency in Coordinated Sets

When designing coordinated outfits or collections, it's essential to maintain uniform graphic dimensions across different silhouettes. This approach ensures a cohesive appearance, with patterns aligning harmoniously between pieces like tops and bottoms

Identical pattern size on knitted garment top and bottoms, Size M.

Size the pattern graphic for the knitted garment top to X width and height.

Size the pattern graphic for the knitted garment bottoms to X width and height.

Impact on Visual Appeal

Proper pattern scaling enhances the overall visual appeal of the garment, preventing distortions that can occur if patterns are not adjusted correctly for different sizes.

Pattern graphic on a size M (right) and size XXL (left)

Size XXL Top and

Size M Bottom

Size M Top and

Size XXL Bottom

Ready to try?

Knitup Essentials

No Minimums.

No Barriers.

Ready in 3 Weeks.

Knitup Studio

Need a consultation?

Knitup Atelier

More Yarns.

More Stitches.

More Possibilities.

See How Our Customers are

Designing Patterned Knitwear