The best example of knitted pixels would be this sweater:


Though its not loose fitting like yours. Its still a good ref!

I looked that one over, but it's not quite what I was going for. Even so, might be the best way to do it after all. I'll play around with it.

For reference, it's based loosely on this:

I hope you don't mind, I was curious how to do knit for such a small surface, so I experimented a little (with your top) and came up with nice triangle pattern that looks like knit at 100%. :)

Is that texture more of what you were aiming for?

Oh! That works quite well! Thanks oodles, neller.

This pattern is killing my brain, but I think I got it right.

Will move on to shading shortly and messing with the outline shortly.

Not quite working on the shoulders...but turning it sideways makes the pattern go all wonky. Any thought on how to make it go up the arms properly without looking to uniform?

Try the pattern sideways for the sleeves?

Seri - you are going to kill me - but I would shade the shirt FIRST before adding the pattern! It's easier to shade it...then add a pattern with the darkest color on top of it - then shade the pattern a bit to blend in a bit with the shirt XD I like the shape :D

@neller - it didn't look quite right. Went all wonky for some reason. Might be because it's bugging my eyes out. Will take a break and try looking at it with fresh eyes.

@Maria - OH GOD WHY!?!?!?!?! On a more serious note, I tend to find it easier (in terms of not making my head explode) to shade patterns after the fact....though, who knows, in this case, maybe making it a flat cotton, getting all the folds in place, etc. and then shading might work.

/shrugs

Running out of time so I'm willing to try whatever.

Depending on what 'brain' side user you are, some people do all pattern first, before putting in light and shadow.
Some put in light and shadow before putting pattern.

I am shading first then pattern.

It's hard for me to do a critique right now, but I DID doodle on how I would have tackled it. I always do a sketch before I pixel the lines and add flats.

You should try and determine where folds should go and also try not to use dithering (that checkerboard texture) like that. I know you're going for a knit sweater, but there are illusions that one can create with different shades to make the same effect. (although I don't even think I'd go for a knit texture xD)


You don't need to copy me, but maybe it can help you as a point of reference.

That made for an excellent point of reference. I'll admit to being awful at placing folds and whatnot. I may have to start drawing things out beforehand. A bit of sketching may well be able to solve a handful of my problems.

Decided to keep the knit. Changed the way it worked a bit. It's starting to look more like imagined without being overly dither-y like it was before.



Only thing is...I'm having serious issues with highlight now. xP



And for those interested in seeing other variations of the design:

Oh yeah I like this new version a lot! I especially like the new knit texture. It makes me want to feel the surface. I'm glad I could help!

Originally Posted by Seridano

That made for an excellent point of reference. I'll admit to being awful at placing folds and whatnot. I may have to start drawing things out beforehand. A bit of sketching may well be able to solve a handful of my problems.

Decided to keep the knit. Changed the way it worked a bit. It's starting to look more like imagined without being overly dither-y like it was before.



Only thing is...I'm having serious issues with highlight now. xP



And for those interested in seeing other variations of the design:

The only thing left I could suggest is maybe adding some variety in the shades of the knit! It looks really good, but it just looks like a diamond pattern on the sweater. The folds look really good! Maybe soften some of them at the bottom of the sweater with some slightly darker shading?

---------- Post added 09-29-2013 at 02:55 PM ----------

Originally Posted by xuvrette

Depending on what 'brain' side user you are, some people do all pattern first, before putting in light and shadow.
Some put in light and shadow before putting pattern.

I am shading first then pattern.

I like to do the pattern first then shade...if the pattern in the material of the shirt, like the knit, that is. :3

@Demo - Thanks again. Your reference folks were just what I needed! Everything just fell into place after that, the pattern included.

@neller - /nods

I'll see what I can do about the bottom folds. The patterning is making things a bit tricky down there, but I should be able to soften it up a bit if I play around with it for long enough.

Also, do you guys think I should submit the plain sweater version (no undershirt) instead? I figure it would offer more variety in terms of layering that way, were it to become an actual item.

I like the undershirt, but that is a good point!
How does the sweater look on the bases without the undershirt?

Here are some examples, both without the undershirt and with a psion shirt layered under it.



And here's the version I'm turning in before I crash (since I won't be able to work on it tomorrow).

I vote for separate the 2 items. When I saw the reference, it doesn't look like one piece, it is 2 different pieces.

Nellerler, have you read one of kawaiihannah's tutorial on pattern? I find her way seem to be easier. Which is shade then pattern.

Seriri... aww. I guess I have to hold off my tongue on a few points. XD
Good luck.

god that sweater is adorable and so soft and warm looking!

Thanks, Sha, glad you like it!
Not going to lie, the pixel contest was just the motivation I needed to get back into this.

Originally Posted by Seridano

Thanks, Sha, glad you like it!
Not going to lie, the pixel contest was just the motivation I needed to get back into this.

Aww good! That makes me happy! I can't wait to see what else you do!

You're welcome. And it was the motivation i needed to... start more ideas and not finish them. xD I never get anywhere with mine. I think i even left my warning label up : My designs are up for grabs for others to finish. xD i'm an idea person not a completionist. i guess..

Feel free to send ideas my way. I'm terrible at coming up with clever designs for things.

take a look in my pixel workshop xD you can claim them if you want ^^

i'd probably be better off just drawing my ideas and giving those to people haha.

Drawings are super helpful...especially if you're like me and can't see folds well otherwise.