Things that make a pattern better Part II

Your favorite knitwear designer is looking for test knitters. Cool. But what the heck is a test knitter? Last time I told you about tech editors who are paid to check knitting patterns for all kinds of errors, but some issues can only be found by knitting the pattern. That’s what we (designers) need test knitters to do.

What is a Test Knitter (Testers)?

In a nutshell a test knitter knits up a pattern before it’s released to the public. The test knit itself is like a private knit-a-long with you, the designer, and a few other chosen knitters. Testers are expected to finish knitting by a specified deadline and give feedback. It’s a volunteered, time limited, knitting job. But it’s more than that.

What Test Knitters Do

Testers let the designer know if the knitting instructions make sense, are easy to follow, and that nothing is missing. In the test knit group for 30 Rising Suns Cowl (coming soon), a few testers knit their bind-off too tightly. Because of my testers experience, this pattern now has instructions for a stretchy 2-stitch i-cord bind-off.

As a test knitter, you might be asked to check the pattern for mistakes or compare the instructions to the charts. They then let the designer know about any issues they find. Every designer has something different that they want done. Some designers use only test knitters and skip the tech editor.

What Designers Want From Test Knitters

What designers really want is someone they can trust to try or “test” the knitting pattern. Testers help catch all those embarrassing errors that can ruin a pattern and keep knitters from finishing. Yikes! No one wants that.

It’s about more than finding errors. We also need test knitters who can take and share good quality photos of their knitting on social media and Ravelry. We also LOVE it when testers complete their Ravelry project page along with an honest review of the pattern.

We need test knitters that are committed to starting and finishing on time. That being said, if you can knit and follow a pattern, you can test knit too!

Test Knitting Benefits

So, what’s in it for test knitters? Here are some benefits:

• Being first to knit the newest pattern from your favorite designer
• Satisfaction of helping to make patterns better for other knitters
• The joy of the scavenger hunt – being first to find pattern errors
• Receiving the final version of the pattern for free
• Private knit-a-long with the knitwear designer
• Making new knitting friends
• Learning new techniques
• Getting one on one instruction if needed
• Recognition of your contribution online or in the pattern
• Possibly receive an additional pattern, yarn, notions, prizes, or even money

Not every designer use testers or has every pattern test knit. For me, my testers are invaluable. Test knitters help me take my patterns from good to great!

If you would like to become a test knitter for my future designs, please join my email list just for test knitters by clicking here. There’s no obligation to test knit, you only apply for the knits that interest you.

Do you have questions about test knitting? Pop them into the comments below. I’ll be happy to answer them.