How to Become a Crochet Pattern Tester and What to Expect

Hey crocheters! Have you ever been interested in becoming a crochet pattern tester? It’s a great way to flex your crochet skills and help out a designer at the same time.

Designers really rely on their testers to give feedback and help improve their patterns before they get released into the wild.

And let me tell you, it’s a pretty awesome feeling to see a pattern you helped perfect out there in the world, being used by other crocheters.

Each designer has their own process when it comes to pattern writing, and it’s fascinating to see how they all approach it.

Personally, I like to write as I crochet. But some designers make the whole item first and then write the pattern. I can’t even remember what I had for breakfast most days, so the latter would never work for me! And then there are the designers who write the entire pattern before they even touch a hook and yarn. I don’t know about you, but I am seriously impressed by that!

My testers catch mistakes and inconsistencies that I, as the writer of the pattern, couldn’t see even if I tried. Designers have a tendency to get tunnel vision when it comes to their work, making it incredibly challenging to test their own patterns. I’ve found myself second-guessing my pattern-writing skills and going back and forth on whether something is clear enough. That’s why I’m grateful for my testers; their valuable feedback and eagle eyes have helped me hone my patterns and make them even better.

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, becoming a crochet pattern tester is definitely worth considering.

Benefits of becoming a tester:

While it rarely provides a monetary reward, there are plenty of benefits to be gained from taking on this role.

For starters, you get to try out new patterns before anyone else! How cool is that? Plus, you’ll get to keep the final version of the pattern for yourself – can we say “score”?

Crochet pattern testing can also be a great way to develop your skills and expand your comfort zone with new projects.

And let’s not forget about the friends you’ll make along the way – testing allows you to get to know the designer, and sometimes other testers as well.

Oh, and if you’re anything like me, you probably have a yarn stash that’s been growing over time. Pattern testing is a fantastic way to use up some of that yarn and make room for more. Added bonus?

If you’re detail-oriented, you’ll find pattern testing to be incredibly rewarding.

So whether you’re looking for a focus during downtime or an opportunity to make new friends, pattern testing is definitely worth considering.

What are designers looking for in their testers?

Crochet testing isn’t exclusively for confident and experienced crafters! If you’re new to crocheting, testing is an excellent way to learn more about the craft.

In fact, it’s especially advantageous when a designer is developing a beginner-level pattern to get feedback from beginners. It only makes sense! Of course, if a pattern is aimed at more advanced crocheters, beginners might find it challenging.

Every designer expects something different from their testers, but most of us look for reliability, patience, and good communication skills.

It’s essential that testers complete their work on time and provide the information designers need. If necessary they must be willing to redo parts of their work.

Plus, it’s crucial to be able to communicate clearly, so designers know where a pattern may need improvement.

Testing can be an exciting and rewarding way to improve your skills, regardless of your level of expertise.

Here is where I draw on my experiences and what I need as a designer from my testers.

Expectations of testers:

• Complete the test timeously. Be sure you can meet the testing deadline as they can be non-negotiable. The pattern may be for an event, submission to a magazine or to mark a particular date.
• Use the correct yarn weight. Patterns are written for a specific yarn weight. To make it in something different affects the gauge, size and practicality of the design. If a pattern is written for 4 weight yarn do not use 3 weight just because you have lots of it in your stash. Often, changing the yarn weight requires the pattern to be re-written, and that is not fair to expect of the designer! And chances are, you will not love your finished project as much as you would have had you used the correct weight yarn. If you feel the need, check with the designer first but be prepared for them to say no.
• Be sure to read through the whole pattern before starting the test. The information section and pattern notes may be the boring parts, but they still need to be read through and checked.
• Complete the test as the pattern is written. It is tempting to add your own little flourish to a pattern. A shell stitch edging to some fingerless gloves, an extra couple of rows of repeat… The designer needs to know that the pattern works as written and is usable as written. If you really want to add something have a word with the designer – they may allow you to do it, or they may ask that you add your touches after the test.
• Provide good quality photos. This isn’t just for social media or blog posts. It also helps the designer to see how the pattern looks in different yarn brands. And garments can look very different on different body types. So don’t be shy about getting those modelled photos – they can tell a designer a lot!!
• Does the designer request anything else of you? Do you need to complete a Ravelry project for instance?
• If you find any issues communicate them back to the designer! There may be prescribed methods to do this e.g. email, comments on a google document, in a Facebook chat. Try to be specific on exactly where and what the issue is. Most designers also welcome suggestions on how to improve something e.g. phraseology.

What you can expect from designers that you test for:

• Timely responses – but remember about the time zone issue and that they families and things going on too. Most designers will respond within 24 hours.
• The final copy of the pattern will be gifted to you in most instances.
• For more complicated pattern tests you may be gifted another pattern of choice from the designer.
• Of course, life can be unpredictable, and sometimes unforeseen circumstances get in the way of even the best-laid plans. The good news is, most designers are understanding and flexible when it comes to hiccups in the testing process. Just be sure to keep the lines of communication open. And remember that if you find that life keeps throwing curveballs your way, it might be best to put off testing for a while.

Do you want to become a tester for me?

Different designers have different ways of communicating with their testers. Some use a dedicated Facebook tester group, or create their own. Others will advertise on their social media for testers.

If you want to become a tester for me the easiest way is sign up to my testers email list. There is no obligation to test a pattern for me, but you get first dibs on them from my mailing list. Just click the button below and leave me your email address!

On signing up you will be sent a testers checklist. It will help you to better understand what I need my testers to check for within my patterns. Much of it is straight forward, but it can be useful to have something to refer to!

Conclusion:

Not all designers use testers – I was shocked at this. But if you are interested in coming a crochet pattern tester, try contacting your favourite designers directly to see if they have availability to add you to their testing pool.

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