Crochet Pattern updates and Errata
This is my first blog post in a while and it’s a bit of housekeeping.
In it I discuss how to make sure you have the latest version of any Dora Does PDF crochet pattern and what to do if you think you spot an error in a pattern.
I also go into detail about how each of the 3 crochet pattern platforms I use (Ravelry, Etsy and Love Crafts) manages updates. In that regard, much of the discussion applies to any pattern purchased from an indie designer on those sites.
Crochet pattern maintenance
Over the past few months I’ve been working on updating some of my older crochet patterns to ensure they are consistent with my current pattern writing style.
My goal is to ensure that once you’ve seen one Dora Does crochet pattern, you will recognise another and know intuitively what to expect and where to easily find key info.
These updates range from simply updating the formatting, adding a few links to tutorials written since the pattern was published to correcting the odd typo. On the other end of the spectrum, it might involve revising the whole pattern and potentially making a new sample (for example to create a more size inclusive pattern).
At the latest count I have put 106 designs out in the world since I started Dora Does in 2017, so this update process is not going to happen overnight. I’ve learned a lot about pattern writing since those early days.
To help with the task, I’ve been building a spreadsheet of all the Dora Does patterns to keep track of when each one was last reviewed or updated as well as some other basic info about the pattern.
This process got me thinking about how I make sure that you have the most up-to-date version and how to let you know if an error is found in a pattern after you bought it.
Managing mistakes and updates
Despite my best efforts, sometimes errors slip through. This is the same the world over. Anything that is written and reviewed by humans is subject to human error.
Going back to the pre-internet era, crochet patterns were published in print, either in magazines, books or as stand alone patterns. They were written in a very condensed style to save space (and print costs).
If a mistake was discovered or revision needed to be made then it was added to the publication’s ‘Errata’.
What is Errata in crochet?
Errata is the plural of the word Erratum, which means an “error in printing or writing”, or “list of corrections”.
Errata is commonly used across the publishing industry to list errors and corrections after a publication has gone to print. This would traditionally appear in a later version of a magazine or as an additional insert to a book.
In today’s online world, it is much easier to create an online errata page for print documents.
If you use ravelry you will see that patterns have an errata feature attached to them so you can check to see if errors have been identified and what the corrections are for a specific pattern there.
Because I have never sold print only versions of my pattern, an errata page is not something I have created to date. I haven’t entirely ruled it out, but I’m not quite sure how this model fits the digital-only world.
That’s not to say my patterns are always free of mistakes (as much as I wish they were) or that it’s not something I think about. I’m committed to quality and do my best to rectify any errors as they are found. (I find it mortifying every time!)
How Dora Does manages errors and updates in PDF crochet patterns
First of all, if you think you spot an error in any of my patterns, whether it’s a PDF or a pattern on my blog, please do let me know.
I am very open to all pattern feedback and am always grateful to those makers who take the time to point out potential errors – it’s not rude to reach out and let me know if something seems off!
When I become aware of a mistake I will update the pattern to correct it, create a new version of the PDF and update it on all platforms where the pattern is sold.
The same process applies when I make any other update to a pattern.
How to check you have the latest version of your Dora Does pattern
I use versioning on all my file names when creating PDF patterns.
So the first version will be called something like ‘pattern name 1.0.’
Then if i mane any updates, that will move to ‘pattern name 1.1’ and so on and so forth.
So if you see a filename when you download the pattern that reads something like “Any yarn will do sweater 1.3,” the 1.3 suggests there have been 3 minor revisions.
Any major revisions, like regrading or changing the template (as I have done, and continue to do with some of my older designs), I will change it to 2.0, then 2.1 and so on and so forth.
I keep a record of all the version numbers so if you’re ever uncertain you can ask me.
How do you get the latest version?
If you do need to get an updated version of your pattern, I outline below how to do so, based on the platform you purchased the pattern from.
All pattern sales platforms are not equal in the way in which they handle updates to files, so it made sense to address them individually.
Crochet pattern updates on Ravelry
For its many issues, Ravelry makes it easiest to update crochet patterns.
Simply go into your purchases and download the latest version (which should be there by default after any update).
When I upload a new file in Ravelry, I can choose to send a message to all buyers of that specific pattern letting them know about an update.
If I’ve made a very small update, like an inconsequential typo for example, I don’t tend to do this (to stop from spamming already busy inboxes).
If it’s a more significant update, I will send the message which will have a link in it to download the latest pattern version.
This update message option is an incredibly useful feature for all designers and makers.
Note that although there is an Errata feature in ravelry as mentioned earlier, this is not something I have used personally to date. However, other designers do youse this so if you’re stuck on a pattern, it may be worth a look.
Crochet pattern updates on Love Crafts
Love crafts does not have the option to send notifications to buyers when making a pattern update.
However, whenever you go into your library the most recent version of the file will always be available.
So, for example, if you bought a pattern a while back, downloaded it but only got round to making it a year later (we’ve all been there), then it’s good to get into the habit of re-downloading it from your Love Crafts account. The same goes for Ravelry now I think about it!
As a side note about shopping on love crafts. The way the platform is set up, Love Crafts handles all the customer data, payment processing and hosting of the patterns. As a designer, I do not see any buyer information for privacy reasons. So even if I wanted to contact buyers directly, I couldn’t.
All designers see on Love Crafts is the number of each pattern they have sold in a given time period.
Crochet pattern updates on Etsy
Etsy proves the trickiest platform to navigate in terms of updates.
I love Etsy but do wish they would up their game when it comes to managing digital sales.
I’ll explain what to do if you’ve purchased one of my patterns on Etsy and need the updated version, then I’ll tell you why I do it this way.
If you have an older version of a pattern purchased on Etsy, please email me with the pattern name and proof of purchase (e.g. the email confirmation or screenshot of your order), or message me on Etsy from the account that has the purchase and I will email you the latest file directly.
When you purchase a pattern on Etsy, you can log into your account to download the pattern or download it via a link in the purchase confirmation email.
If you have an account, you can log in, look at your purchases and download the files from within the platform.
This is the closest Etsy get to a library. However, in my experience, you will only have access to the file that was available at the time of purchase, even if a new file has been added since then.
When you check out as a guest you will only have access to the pattern via the link sent out in your confirmation email.
On top of that, you also can’t download files from the Etsy app, so make sure you’re in a browser.
The most common question I get asked from Etsy purchasers is ‘how do I download my pattern.’ So if you struggle then you are not alone!
In short, any issues with Etsy downloads, or anything else relating to my crochet patterns for that matter, just email me and I will do my best to sort you out. 🙂
I hope that gives you a good behind the scenes view of what goes into maintaining crochet patterns from a practical and technical perspective.
I know it got a bit in depth and is kind of a dry subject, but I think it’s helpful to explain this process. If it can prevent you getting frustrated then it’s a win in my book 🙂
Happy up-to-date hooking!
Dx
