As a crochet designer, I’ve had the pleasure of working with quite a few crochet pattern testers. If you’re thinking of becoming a pattern tester, there’s some important things to consider to ensure you get picked from sometimes hundreds of candidates. Crochet pattern testing is a rewarding way to connect with designers, challenge your skills, and contribute to the crochet community. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
What is a crochet pattern tester?
A crochet pattern tester has the important job of working through a crochet pattern before it is released for publication. These are some of the things you’d be expected to check:
- Accuracy – do the written instructions make sense? If there are stitch charts, schematics and video attachments, the pattern tester will also need to check these for accuracy and that they match the written instructions. Problems with stitch counts and repeats will usually be picked up by a pattern tester and this is crucial for the crochet designer. Note: It is not the job of a pattern tester to scrutinise the pattern from start to finish. The tester ensures the pattern can be made according to the instructions. But a crochet tech editor will check every line in much more detail. Read this article here which explains the role better.
- Consistency – do the written instructions and abbreviations all align?
- Sizing / Measurements – it is important to check the gauge / tension of the pattern and also the final size of the project as this could be essential for crochet garments for example. Crochet garments usually require a pattern tester per size but it is true of anything sized such as hats.
What skills do you need to be a successful pattern tester?
Crochet pattern testers that get asked time and time again to test for crochet designers, have developed a strong set of skills. The role of a pattern tester is not just about making a crochet pattern. There is more to it. These are some of the skills a crochet designer will be looking for in a pattern tester:
- A good level of skills – be confident in reading and following patterns, including advanced stitches or techniques. If you’ve never tried Intarsia crochet before then a pattern test would not be the place to start learning!
- Taking notes – making notes for the designer is important as even the smallest of details can make a big difference in the ease of use of a crochet pattern. In the past, I have had pattern testers give very little feedback but this was partly my fault. I now email my testers with a list of tasks they need to perform and give feedback on. i.e. how much yarn was used, was a particular part of the pattern easy to understand or were the photos clear enough?
- Attention to detail – and being able to follow the crochet pattern exactly as written – you’ll be surprised that some testers suddenly decide to change a part of the pattern because they don’t like it! Which takes me to my next point.
- Good communication – crochet designers need to hear if there is something not working with their pattern. There could be something that doesn’t sit correctly, fit properly or look right. Tell the designer as soon as possible, Don’t make any changes to the pattern without speaking to the designer first. This is a big no-no!
- Good time management – crochet designers will give you a deadline to have the pattern completed by. These are usually set against the publication date. It is important that you are honest with yourself and the designer about how long it will take you to complete the pattern. Being late with the test and the feedback is not helpful and unprofessional.
Things you should do before applying to be a pattern tester
As I mentioned, some crochet designers will get hundreds of applications for pattern testing. You need to set yourself up to succeed in being selected and there are few things you can put in place before starting:
- Build a portfolio of work – the best way to showcase this is through social media such as Instagram and Facebook. Posting regularly shows your passion for the craft. I will look at my applicant’s Instagram profiles to see the kind of crochet they do. If they have a busy profile with lots of lovely work then I know they are serious about their crochet.
- Engage with crochet designers – start to follow crochet designers you admire. Comment regular on their social media posts and start to get noticed. I have picked many of my testers through their engagement on my posts.
- Take drop dead gorgeous photos – the first thing I look at is if the crocheter can take a decent picture. Why is this important? Most designers will get permission from the pattern tester to be able to use their images for marketing purposes. It is a really good way for the designer to show other colour ideas for their crochet pattern.
- Join pattern testing groups – look at Facebook and Ravelry for testing groups to join. Crochet designers will frequently post requests for pattern testers. Again, engagement is important in these groups – don’t just join and be a voyeur – get stuck into the conversations!
What are the rewards to being a crochet pattern tester?
One of the main benefits of being a crochet pattern tester is that you get to see crochet patterns before anyone else. You are playing an important role in the success of that crochet pattern. Crochet designers know that if their patterns are clear and easy to use then people will buy more from them.
A professional attitude, good communication and working to a deadline are the key things that designers are looking for and you may be asked to help on future pattern tests if you can show these skills. Some crochet pattern testers get paid for their services but they may work for yarn companies and magazines. Independent designers don’t often pay for testing but instead will give their testers the final copy of the crochet pattern and may gift another pattern as a thank you.
The other advantage to being a tester is improving your crochet skills and learning new techniques. My pattern testers have taught me a few things too! This is why I love our crochet community – by sharing information, it becomes mutually beneficial.
I wish you the best of luck as you start your crochet pattern testing journey. Enjoy!