knitCompanion knitting & more

I hardly ever review apps, but this is a special case. I’ve spent years trying to optimize my use of print patterns through magnets, highlighter tape, extensive written notes, and more. This app has been life-changing for me. It has a steep learning curve, and the new version (this one) is even more complex, so I watched tutorials for over an hour before I dove in. (I was also nervous I’d lose modifications on my old patterns if I converted, but they came through fine.) Some amazing features: add the pattern key, such as translations of cables, to a part of the screen directly under the chart, so you don’t have to keep referring back to another page, or cut up and tape paper pattern pages together. Highlight your row in a chart, color different rows different colors, add pattern notes under the chart that notify you on a given row as to any other special instructions (especially useful for at-the-same-time increase or decrease directions). Make stitch counts appear in the chart for fair isle patterns. Stitch charts together that appear on paper over multiple pages. This has dramatically improved the speed at which I can knit complex patterns, and also the enjoyment I get from knitting. It’s well worth the modest annual subscription fee. I can’t recommend it enough!

I am in love with this app! I’ve been knitting for close to 30 years in which I’ve amassed a huge collection of digital patterns that I would print and put in a binder. I also would like to give each project its own clipboard. After all these years of hoarding patterns, my wool room is full of paper patterns, binders and, clipboards! Now with KC I am able to scan hard copy originals into PDF’s and reduce the clutter. It is so much easier having access to whatever projects I’m working on readily available on all of my Apple devices. Example: say I’m knitting a sock ( which I rarely need a pattern for) that is more intricate. Since I always have my phone or tablet with me..I can simply toss the sock into a really small bag and go. The customizable counters are great! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ +

knitCompanion is an amazing app that makes knitting from patterns so much easier! I got into it with my first project, and I’ve never knit without it. I never will. I love the fact that as soon as I logged into the new version, I got credit for the subscriptions I had purchased in the old version, so I’m set for a while now. I like the new interface. I’m getting used to it, but so far I really love the changes. There’s a lot of power here, so it’s not always completely intuitive, but for the more complicated things like setup of new patterns there are such fabulous FAQs and documentation. And whether you’re new or converting from the old version, be sure to watch the 3 introductory videos available on the knitCompanion site.

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Overall this is a good app in need of a real competitor. It does a lot of good things, though iCloud sync or Dropbox sync for projects would be nice so that I can use my iPad screen at home without losing my spot. What occasioned me to write a negative review is the fact that it seems that every other time I launch this app, I get an annoying dialog reminding me to sign up to one of this app’s in-app subscriptions. I don’t find the upgrade options compelling, but maybe I’m not the knitter that can take advantage of the upgrades. That said it’s really annoying to see these exhortations to upgrade so frequently. Please reduce the frequency, give us an opt out option, or actually enhance both or either tools package to justify a yearly subscription. There’s a lot that’s good here, but it feels like the app is sitting on its laurels and the constant upgrade reminders are nuisances. If this keeps up, and no competitor appears, I’d rather just go back to paper and stitch counting.

As a satisfied, long-time user of the original KC, I can’t say enough good things about KC Next Generation. Makes it so much easier to knit complicated patterns and to keep my place in start-and-stop projects. Can’t wait for some e-courses to be available, but the tutorials are great. Love this app. Really wish there were a list somewhere showing the best/most efficient way to set up a pattern. I don’t have an engineering-type mind and it’s taken quite a bit of trial and error to figure out the best order for setting up a pattern. Hate that the counter resets to zero every time you need to edit smart counters. At least I’ve learned to write down the row I’m on before I start making changes.