What is purlJam?
purlJam helps knitters, crocheters and machine knitters turn an idea into a pattern of their own. Describe what you would like to make, answer a question or two if needed, and it writes a full pattern for your size, yarn and tension (US: gauge), in UK or US terms, with a preview image.
Is purlJam an AI knitting and crochet pattern generator?
Yes: purlJam uses AI to write knitting, crochet and machine knitting patterns to order, for your size, yarn and tension (US: gauge), in UK or US terms. There is a free plan.
The pattern is written from your description, so you are not limited to a catalogue of fixed designs.
How do I get a pattern from purlJam?
Once you are signed in, you type what you want to make in your own words, and purlJam writes the pattern in a couple of minutes. There are no forms to fill in.
- Describe it. For example: "a top-down raglan jumper in DK for a 40 inch chest" or "a crochet market bag in cotton".
- Answer a question if one comes up. If something important is missing, such as the craft or the size, purlJam asks before it starts. You can answer or skip.
- Read your pattern. The instructions appear on the page as they are written, and a preview image follows shortly after.
The more you say about the yarn, the size and the fit, the closer the pattern is to what you had in mind. As with any new pattern, work a tension square (US: gauge swatch) and read it through before you cast on.
Which crafts and terms does purlJam cover?
purlJam writes patterns for hand knitting, crochet and machine knitting, in UK or US terms. It works out the craft from your request, and you can set your usual craft on your profile.
- Hand knitting: flat or in the round, from hats and socks to jumpers and cardigans.
- Crochet: written in UK or US terms, whichever you choose. The two systems use the same stitch names for different stitches, so every pattern says which one it uses. See how UK and US crochet terms convert.
- Machine knitting: written for the machine, with carriage passes, row counter (RC) readings and tension dial settings, not hand-knitting instructions.
Set your crochet terminology on your profile and new patterns follow it, or say "UK terms" or "US terms" in a request to choose for that pattern.
What do I get with each pattern?
You get complete written instructions, a preview image and a place to keep the pattern. Each pattern is written for the yarn weight, size and terms in your request.
- Written instructions: materials, tension (US: gauge), sizes and the pattern itself, row by row or round by round.
- A preview image: a picture of how the finished piece could look.
- A finished measurements table: for jumpers, cardigans, sleeveless tops, hats and simple rectangles such as scarves and blankets, the pattern lists the finished measurements for each size.
- Your library: every pattern you generate is saved to your library, where you can open it again at any time.
You can also edit a pattern you own: change the title, the description or the instructions, for instance to note a change you made as you worked.
What else can I do with purlJam?
Beyond new patterns, you can make stitch charts, track a project and browse patterns other makers have shared. All of it is in the same place as your patterns.
- Stitch charts: ask for a chart, such as a colourwork motif, and purlJam draws it on a grid that you can edit and save to your library.
- Projects: start a project from a pattern and keep track of how far you have got.
- Shared patterns: browse the knitting patterns and the crochet and machine knitting patterns that makers have made public, and add one you like to your own library.
Paid plans add more: downloading a pattern as a PDF, remixing a pattern into a new version, and attaching a reference photo to a request.
Is purlJam free?
Yes, there is a free plan, and there are paid plans for makers who want more. All you need to start is a free account.
The free plan covers writing patterns with preview images and keeping them in your library. The pricing page shows what each plan includes and what it costs.
Do I need an account?
Yes, a free account. It takes a moment to create, and it is where your patterns are kept, along with your projects and stitch charts.
Your account also remembers your preferences, such as your usual craft and your crochet terminology, so you do not have to repeat them in every request.
Who is behind purlJam?
purlJam is made and run by the purlJam Team. The patterns are written by AI to order, and the team works on how they are written and checked.
If a pattern is unclear or you spot a mistake, use the feedback box on the pattern or the contact page: both go to the team. The What's New page lists recent changes.
Ready to try it? Start with a simple beanie in DK yarn, or describe your own idea on the home page.