Crochet Pattern Testers – What are they and how do you become one?

This post will explain what it is that a crochet pattern tester does, how pattern testers are different from tech editors, why people pattern test, why crochet designers use pattern testers and, possibly most importantly for you, how you can become a crochet pattern tester.

I’ve been publishing crochet patterns since the autumn of 2017.

In that time I have written over 100 patterns including for my own collection, for magazines such as Inside Crochet, Moorit and Simply Crochet as well as on line publishers including Love Crafts. As a tech editor , I have read and reviewed many more.

With each pattern I write or edit, I learn something new. Whether it’s a new way to explain something or a change in layout to give a pattern better flow, there is always room for improvement, especially with more involved patterns.

Using feedback from pattern testers is another way to improve how patterns are written. They are, after all, the people who need to be able to understand and follow the instructions to make the thing!

I have been using testers on and off for many years now and it’s what I want to talk to you about today.

What is a crochet pattern tester?

Different designers use testers in different ways. This is my take on their role and how I have come to use them.

In summary:

A crochet pattern tester it is a crocheter who is given an unpublished or draft pattern to make, provide feedback on and confirm that it makes what it sets out to.

Essentially, a crochet pattern tester testing to see if it ‘works’!

Pattern testers will often spot mistakes in stitch counts because their sample does not match that given in the pattern.

However, if, for example, they are making a sweater, they are only going to be looking at the numbers for their size so this is no substitute for a good tech edit (see more about that below!).

Often testers will be asked to provide photos of their makes and spread the word on social media. In this respect, pattern testers are supporting the designer’s efforts to market their new pattern.

As a maker, you like to see a few versions of an item, both to see what it might look like in different colours and sizes (where applicable) and for reassurance that the pattern won’t let you down!

How do I work with pattern testers?

My main goal when using pattern testers is to validate the readability of a pattern’s instructions. Can they understand it, follow it and make the thing?

Testers are real-world way to learn about where people may come unstuck – just because I know what I mean, will other people?

This kind of feedback from different crocheters is not something you can get anywhere else.

This, for me, is the most important aspect of testing.

It gives me feedback I can use, not only in the pattern being tested, but also in future patterns (or in updating older ones) to improve the general user experience.

Because, there is no universal standard way of explaining everything in crochet patterns, such as where to put the first stitch, it is sometimes really hard to communicate things ‘just so’ without the pattern becoming way too wordy.

When writing a pattern, it’s actually a really hard balance to strike. Advanced crocheters will know what you mean immediately by looking at a pattern, beginners need more step-by-step guidance.

In reality when a pattern is published, a maker may shrug if they are off a stitch or two here or there, but a tester needs to be more precise and question that. If they are off a stitch or two, is it because they have missed something or is it because there is something confusing in the pattern?

I love testers who ask questions if they are not 100% clear on something. A good tester will recognise when they are making assumptions instead of following the instructions. This is important because it’s hard to control for assumptions other people might make.

I tech edit my patterns so I can be fairly confident that they will be error free* and that they make what I expect them to. I also personally make at least one sample of every pattern. But what I can’t replicate is the cross section of makers’ experience.

This is why I choose to use testers with a range of crochet experience. I want to mimic the real journey of a maker. Generally my designs are suitable for advanced beginners and up, so I want my testing to reflect that.

I ask my testers for all their feedback and niggles and gripes are included. As a designer, you need to have a thick skin about this stuff and be open to constructive criticism – it’s the only way your patterns will get better!

Plus, critical (but constructive) feedback from a tester, whose ‘job’ it is, will be way preferable to a negative comment or a bad review from someone who gets stuck having purchased a pattern!

I offer priority pattern support for my paid patterns but some people don’t seek advice, preferring to leave a snarky review over asking for help…I’m getting off topic!

The draft pattern is sent to my testers to make and feedback on, usually over a period of several weeks (depending on the complexity and of the pattern).

I will ask testers to check their gauge (where relevant), take measurements of their finished item and give feedback on other aspects of the make. It may be that I am concerned about a particular area of a pattern so I may ask testers more specific questions too.

Once I have all the feedback, I incorporate this into the pattern and make any updates or changes as needed. The pattern it has a final tech edit before publication.

*Sometimes errors do sneak through. I am not perfect!! In this digital world, it is easy to update patterns to rectify mistakes.

What’s the difference between a pattern tester and a tech editor?

A pattern tester is not a tech editor (short for Technical Editor).

The pattern tester’s role is to use the pattern as it would be by any other maker ‘in the wild’, though perhaps with a more critical eye. (And the definitely have to swatch if it’s a garment!)

A tech editor’s role is to go through a pattern meticulously, check the maths, the accuracy of the instructions, the copy (text), the formatting, the flow of the pattern, the clarity of the instructions AND to check (theoretically) it makes the thing it sets out to.

Tech editors do not create a sample of the pattern like testers do, so they may not be able to feedback on some of those issues that only come up when making.

This is one of the reasons that many designers use both testers and tech editors. It’s not an either-or comparison. Dora Does’ crochet patterns are always tech edited but not always tested.

Many pattern testers may well pick up some of the same issues a tech editor would too. I am grateful for every one they point out, but I would not rely on testers to find my errors. Pattern testing can sometimes be a gateway into tech editing.

Some testers have the most amazing attention to detail and would make exceptional tech editors.

This is not a requirement to test from my perspective. The truth is that makers in the wild don’t always have this attention to detail and often don’t follow the pattern too closely.

Why do crochet pattern testers test?

There are a number of reasons why people might want to test a pattern and I wouldn’t like to assume anyone’s motivations, but these are some of the common reasons I see given.

Testers like the look of an item being designed or love a designer’s work and want to get an exclusive access to and contribute to the development of the new pattern.

Some testers enjoy trying a new technique or style or their first garment maybe. Some are just looking for an interesting project or challenge and some may be a friend of a designer and test on request!

Many testers are interested in the design and pattern writing process and testing patterns can give great insight into how they are put together. Especially as you get close access to the designer during the making process. Pattern support plus!

I am fascinated by how different designers write their patterns – there is always something new to learn about how I can better explain something – so this learning aspect really resonates with me.

Are testers used for all Dora Does patterns?

The short answer is no!

As my experience as a designer grows, I can apply the lessons of one pattern to another.

So if I’m making a sweater that is, for example a similar shape to something I’ve made before then I use the knowledge from that previous pattern.

The testing process is convoluted and time consuming so if I don’t have a clear goal as to what I want from it then I will think twice.

The main circumstance in which I do use testers is if I am trying out a new technique, or shape or style and I’m not sure if my explanation will be widely understood.

This varies for different designers. Some use them for every design, especially if they like having different samples to help market the pattern. Some designers never use testers, just tech editors.

How to become a pattern tester

If you want to become a tester my advice would be to seek out a designer who you may be interested in testing for, follow and interact with them on their social media channels and see if and how they use the testing process.

Many designers put out calls on social media asking for testers so keep an eye out for those.

I put out calls on social media but also have a specific mailing list for those who are interested in testing and want first dibs!

Each test comes with a deadline. Sometimes this is quite a long time but often it is just a few of weeks so if you are considering testing, you need to ensure you have the capacity for it when applying for a test.

Usually they will have got far enough into the pattern that they can provide useful feedback.

Can I test for Dora Does?

Historically, as I mentioned above, I have put out an open call for testers. Whilst I am building up a bank of testers who have tested more than one of my designs, I always like to give new-to-me makers a try – partly so they can look at my writing style with fresh eyes.

Using untested testers, so to speak, has its risks. I often have testers take my pattern and never come back to me with any feedback. This is deeply frustrating and disappointing but I have chosen to accept it as part of the process and move on (and not give them another testing opportunity!).

I get that life happens sometimes and testers may not finish a test, but all they need to do is let me know and I will understand! It’s a trust and communication thing for me.

If you like the sound of what you have read here and are interested in becoming a tester for my designs, I have put together a mailing list so you can hear first about upcoming tests. (Your details are for my records only and will never be shared with or sold to any third party.

They are subject to the privacy policy of flodesk who I use to collect and store information – see my privacy policy for more details.)

At this stage I will just ask for your name and email address. When I open a tester call, I will send you an email with the details of the test and a link to complete a tester application form (not as scary as it sounds).

This form will ask you, as a potential tester, to fill out some information about your crochet experience, project preferences and leave your contact details (contact is via email).

The next time I have a pattern I would like to get tested, I will drop you an email as my first port of call with the details (before any possible public / social media calls).

With some designs, I may not want to show they finished item on social media whilst it is still in the testing phase – this way I can share it with a smaller group of potential testers not in the public domain.

I do not offer payment or yarn support for testing. I will normally gift my testers a choice of one of my patterns on completion of a test as a thank you gift!

Sounds like something you might be interested in?

Click here or use the button below to sign up to receive emails about upcoming pattern tests.

(Note that this is separate to the weekly WiP Tip email and you will only receive emails when a pattern test is coming.)

I hope you have found this insight into the crochet pattern testing process interesting, even if it’s not for you.

I believe that the more designers share their process with makers, the greater their understanding of the amount of work that goes into producing a quality crochet pattern. All for around the cost of coffee or two!

Thanks for sticking with this post, it’s a wordy one!

I look forward to maybe working with you on a future design… I have a lot in the pipeline!

Happy Hooking

Dx