Unraveled

The patterns tab is where the Ravelry pattern database lives and we get a lot of questions about how it works, so here are a few frequently asked questions that you may be wondering about, too!

1. How does a pattern get added to the database?
Our pattern database is user maintained. Patterns can be added by designers, publishers or members who are familiar with a particular pattern (often someone who has made the pattern and wants to link it to their project). We also have volunteer editors who help us make sure that what is added to the database meets our pattern database guidelines.

2. How does a pattern become “Hot Right Now”?
Automagically! :) No really, the Hot Right Now pattern order is generated automatically based on traffic from the last 24 hours. It is updated more than 50 times a day, so it changes frequently allowing you to see what is getting the most interest right now. You can sort patterns by “Hot Right Now” at any time in the advanced search by choosing that option in this little drop down menu.

3. This pattern is no longer available, why can’t you just delete it from Ravelry?
When you add a project to Ravelry, you are able to link it to the pattern entry. Then, you can look at all of the projects made with that pattern. Therefore, we allow any pattern that has been available to be added to the database. Even if it isn’t currently available, people may still have that book on their bookshelf or that file saved on their computer and will still be making projects from it. You can search for patterns that are currently available as Ravelry downloads under the Availability heading in the advanced search. This can be found on the left of the page with the other filters.

4. My most frequently received question about the pattern database is “How do I get that pattern?”
I have written a much more involved post about that where you can find all of the steps for finding a pattern depending on the pattern source.

The pattern database is one of the most helpful parts of the site. The ability to look for patterns using a lot of different criteria and to see projects made with those patterns before embarking upon your own project can be really useful. I hope the answers to these questions help you understand the database just a bit better.