Meet inTANDEM

About Us

Welcome to inTANDEM zine, your go-to destination for innovative and inclusive knit and crochet patterns. We believe in the power of creativity, collaboration, and community. Our mission is to provide a platform for crafters of all skill levels to explore new techniques, express themselves through yarn, and connect with a diverse global community of makers.

Our Vision

We strive to create a welcoming space where everyone feels valued and inspired, regardless of their background or experience level. Through our quarterly publications, we aim to showcase the beauty and versatility of knit and crochet while fostering a culture of learning and exploration.

Our Values

Collaboration

At inTANDEM zine, we believe that great things happen when we work together. Our commitment to collaboration is evident in every issue we publish. By partnering with talented designers, dyers, and makers, we ensure that our timelines are not only realistic but also allow us to deliver top-notch patterns right when you need them. These partnerships are not merely transactional; they are reciprocal relationships built on mutual respect and a shared vision for the future of crafting.

Our collaborative efforts extend beyond the pages of our magazine. We engage with our community at live events, online workshops, and through social media, creating a feedback loop that enriches our content and empowers our contributors. These interactions help us to continually refine our offerings and ensure that they meet the high standards our readers expect.

Inclusivity

Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do at inTANDEM zine. We celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences of every individual in our community, actively working to create a safe and inclusive space for all. Our dedication to diversity is not just a statement—it's a practice woven into the fabric of our operations, and equal representation is a key tool in this endeavor.

We strive to do better with each issue, ensuring that our content reflects the vast spectrum of crafters that make up our readership. This includes consciously curating content that features a wide array of designers and crafters from various backgrounds—different ages, races, sizes, and genders. By doing so, we foster an environment where everyone can find inspiration and feel a sense of belonging. Our selection process for patterns and contributors is meticulous, prioritizing inclusivity and representation to ensure that our publication serves as a platform for voices that are often underrepresented in the crafting industry.

Furthermore, we are committed to maintaining an open dialogue with our readers about their needs and experiences, allowing us to continually adapt and enhance our inclusivity efforts. Through these practices, we hope to not only provide inspiration and support but also to foster a knitting and crochet culture that uplifts and celebrates every member's identity and abilities.

Accessibility

At inTANDEM zine, we're dedicated to making knitting and crocheting accessible to everyone, which is why we offer our patterns in a variety of formats. Each of our standard digital and print editions features clear, concise patterns written in a 12-point Verdana font, celebrated for its readability. But we don’t stop there.

Recognizing the diverse needs of our community, we include an Easy To Read edition with every purchase at no additional cost. This special edition is designed to cater specifically to individuals with low vision and those who prefer to use mobile devices for crafting. It features a stark black text on a white background, using a 24-point font size for maximum contrast and visibility. Every pattern repeat is written out in full, within the section where it's used, reducing the need to flip pages or scroll excessively. This thoughtful layout minimizes distractions and simplifies the crafting process, ensuring that following along is as seamless as possible.

Advocacy

Advocacy is a cornerstone of inTANDEM zine's mission. We are committed to supporting not just the craft of knitting and crochet, but also the people who make up this vibrant community—designers, makers, and publishers alike. By elevating voices that might otherwise go unheard and championing causes that affect our community, we strive to make a meaningful impact beyond the pages of our publication.

We actively promote fair practices and equitable opportunities within the industry, ensuring that all contributors are acknowledged and compensated fairly for their creativity and hard work. This commitment is reflected in our transparent collaboration processes and the supportive network we foster among our contributors.

Furthermore, inTANDEM zine uses its platform to highlight important social issues related to the crafting world, such as sustainability, ethical sourcing, and the promotion of mental health through crafting. By advocating for these values, we aim to inspire our readers to not only appreciate the beauty of their craft but also understand the power they have to effect positive change within and beyond the crafting community.

Continuous Education

At inTANDEM zine, we are committed to the continuous education of our community in the arts of knitting and crochet. Every issue is designed not just to showcase patterns but to also deepen understanding and mastery of various techniques that readers may not have tried before.

Each publication focuses on a specific skill or technique—from not-so-basics like casting on to more complex methods like cables, lace, and short rows. We curate our patterns to progress in difficulty within the context of these techniques, providing a natural learning curve that supports crafters at all levels. This structured approach helps beginners build their skills confidently while giving advanced makers new challenges to refine their expertise.

By continually introducing innovative concepts and detailed explorations into each technique, we keep our craft vibrant and engaging. We encourage our community to push their boundaries and explore new possibilities with every stitch they make.

Ethics & Equitability

At inTANDEM zine, our commitment to sustainability in business embodies a comprehensive approach to ethical business practices. We believe that fairness in pricing, wages, and long-term contributor relationships is fundamental to our integrity as a publication.

We ensure that our contributors are compensated fairly for their creativity and hard work, not just at the time of initial publication but continuously as their patterns generate revenue. This ongoing financial support reflects our commitment to valuing their contributions over the long term. Moreover, we strive to offer fair prices for our patterns, balancing quality and accessibility to support both our readers and contributors economically.

Listening and responding to the needs of our designers is a pillar of our business model. By understanding and supporting their requirements, we foster a collaborative and supportive environment that empowers their success and innovation.

Furthermore, we are committed to continuously seeking ways to improve how we operate. Whether it's refining our collaboration processes, enhancing payment structures, or exploring new ways to support our community, we are dedicated to maintaining ethical practices that promote a sustainable and equitable crafting industry.