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FirstStitch

Simplifying textile crafts for beginners—one stitch at a time

Fiber arts for all: a pattern decoder that helps crafters spend less time deciphering and more time creating

  • Type: Product Management Bootcamp project
  • Role: Product Manager
  • Duration: 3 months (mid-June to mid-September 2026)
  • Tools: Interviews, competitive review, Lean Canvas, Figma

The Idea

FirstStitch aimed to be an all-in-one hub for fiber artists, combining technology with traditional crafting to make the process more accessible, organized, and enjoyable. The focus was on decoding patterns, providing guidance, and fostering a community around fiber arts.

A dense printed knitting pattern next to the FirstStitch decoded view, with a project roadmap, skills, tools, and row counter

My role in this project

I was the Product Manager, which meant I was part of the whole product process, from discovery and research through development and delivery.

Duration

This project was done in 3 months, between mid-June and mid-September 2026.

The Process

Research

Goal: Understand the problem space, validate assumptions, and define the core value proposition.

User research

  • Conducted interviews with fiber artists (knitters, crocheters) to identify pain points.
  • Key findings: Users struggled with decoding complex patterns, converting yarn measurements, and finding reliable resources for techniques.
Research synthesis of user interview insights for FirstStitch

Market research

  • Analyzed existing tools and platforms in the fiber arts space (e.g. Ravelry, pattern books).
  • Identified gaps: Lack of AI-powered simplification, centralized stitch libraries, or inclusive design for disabilities.
Competitive review of existing knitting apps and pattern tools

Problem definition

  • Core problem: Fiber artists waste time and get frustrated decoding patterns and gathering materials.
  • Validated with potential users: Would a tool that simplifies patterns and provides step-by-step guidance be valuable?
Problem-framing canvas used during the Product Management Bootcamp

Accessibility focus

  • Explored how to make the platform inclusive (e.g. screen-reader compatibility, high-contrast modes).
  • Engaged with crafters with disabilities to gather feedback on barriers in existing tools.

Prototyping

Goal: Translate research insights into tangible concepts and test feasibility.

Feature prioritization

  • Focused on the pattern decoder as the MVP, with secondary features like the stitch library and wool converter.
Priority matrix used to decide what FirstStitch should include first

Low-fidelity prototypes

  • Sketched wireframes for the pattern decoder interface (e.g. upload flow, step-by-step output).
  • Created user flows for key actions: uploading a pattern, viewing decoded steps, and saving progress.
Hand-drawn wireframes for FirstStitch home, pattern decoder, database, and results screens

Iterations

Goal: Refine the prototype based on feedback and prepare for development.

Design iterations

  • Added visual stitch diagrams to the decoded pattern output.
  • Simplified the upload flow to reduce friction.
Before and after: a dense knitting pattern next to the FirstStitch decoded, step-by-step view

Feature adjustments

  • Delayed the wool converter to Release 3/4 based on user feedback (lower priority).
  • Expanded the stitch library to include video tutorials for premium users.

Hypothesis testing

  • Tested: Will users pay for premium features like advanced stitch tutorials?
  • Result: Positive interest, but price sensitivity noted.

Monetization strategy

  • Finalized a freemium model: free for basic decoding, premium for advanced features.

Accessibility improvements

  • Added alt-text for stitch diagrams and screen-reader support.
  • Collaborated with a crafter with a disability to test prototypes.
Accessibility audit checklist applied to the FirstStitch concept

Artifacts

Mockup of a press release before the release of the FirstStitch app
Mockup of a press release before the release of the app.
Promotional article introducing FirstStitch and the Pattern Decoder
Feature article: the Pattern Decoder and what comes next.

Challenges & Learnings

Biggest hurdle

Balancing AI feasibility with diverse user needs for the pattern decoder.

Key learning: Simple solutions can validate ideas before investing in complex tech. Niche problems need niche, user-driven approaches.

Aha moment

“The biggest value wasn’t just translating patterns, but building confidence through clear, step-by-step instructions with visuals and community-backed tips.”

Why it mattered: Shifted focus from pure tech (AI decoding) to user experience (guidance + community). Validated that simplicity and trust were more important than perfection in the MVP.

Takeaway

“So much happens and needs to happen before coding. Deep research, prototyping, and iteration save time, money, and headaches later.”