Having written patterns for several years now, I have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful crocheters who have been willing to test my patterns! I still take the opportunities to test knit and crochet patterns when I can!
Being a pattern tester has many benefits, such as learning new and different stitches and techniques, connecting with other crocheters and knitters, and also learning about the design process (especially helpful if you want to design you own work!).
Sound interesting? Do you want to know more about how to become a pattern tester? Continue reading below to find out the ins and outs of pattern testing!
Where to Find Testing Calls?
There are a variety of places on the internet where you may find testing opportunities! Below are a list of some of the places where I have found testing opportunities, and looked for testers myself!
Many designers actively use their social media accounts, such as Instagram to find testers. They often will put a ‘call’ for testers on their Instagram page or stories. Some ask you to sent them a direct message, comment on their post, or fill out a form to apply. Make sure to read carefully what they are asking for!
Some designers go by first come first serve for their testers through Instagram. I have in the past turned on notifications for these designers so that I know when they have a new post! That way I’m more likely to know when they have a call out and increase my odds of getting in on the test.
Facebook Groups
There are a variety of Facebook Groups devoted to finding patterns to test, and people to test them! I have in the past used Crochet and Knitting Pattern Testers and Crochet Pattern Testers to find testers. Each of these groups has their own rules for testers and designers that must be followed. Not completing a test can lead to being banned from the group.
Designers who have their own Facebook groups may also call for testers through these, or on their page as well
Ravelry
If you have a Ravelry account, you may be able to find testing opportunities through there as well! Check out The Testing Pool for current calls.
Other Websites
Other sites with information about knitting and crochet are out there too with opportunities to test, and these change all the time! One relatively new place to find testing calls is Yarnpond. As of the release of this post (January 2021), there are over 600 designers listed! Lots of opportunity.
Testing Requirements
When a designer puts out a call for a test, they will most likely provide you with requirements that you must meet to complete the test. These will vary from designer to designer, but if you cannot meet these requirements DO NOT APPLY. Just about every designer can tell you stories of when they have been left hanging by testers.
Requirements usually include-
- The timeline for the test- depending on the test this can be as little as three days, to as much as several months. If you cannot meet the timeline with a high level of certainty, don’t sign up.
- Skill Level– designers may include the skill level needed to complete this test. This is not the time to jump from an advanced beginner to an intermediate pattern, especially since the pattern may have errors that need correcting.
- Materials– the designers will tell you what you need to have to complete the test. In some cases it is only a certain weight of yarn, but sometimes they need to you to be able to access the same yarn they used. Your designer may ask you to share how much yarn you used to complete your pattern (a scale is beneficial for this)
- Required Feedback– the designer will tell you what you need to provide back to them. This usually includes checking the accuracy of the stitch count, errors in the pattern itself, grammar and spelling, clarity of the writing, visual formating etc.
- Social Media and Sharing– some designers ask that you share your completed piece once you have finished, or on the release date of their pattern. If you have a Ravelry account they may also ask that you add it to your projects using a testing code.
If you think you can meet these requirements but still have questions, ASK! You many want to know things such as whether you can make minor changes to the piece (adding or taking away rows to match arm length), the construction of the piece, if you need to be a part of a group chat etc.
Because of the prevalence of testers not completing the pattern on time, some designers will bill you with the cost of the pattern if this occurs. Take that into consideration before signing up if you cannot meet the timeline.
During the Test
So, you’ve been chosen to be a pattern tester! At the start of the test you’ll receive a copy of the pattern, usually a pdf, but some may decide to provide it as a Google Docs link instead. Designers may also provide a sharable document for including information with the group such as yarn, yardage, sizing etc.
Some designers will give a timeline for each stage of the test, and only provide the next component after you show you have finished up to a certain part. This helps ensure the pattern is completed.
As mentioned above, your designer has certain things they will be looking for in regards to clarity, spelling, grammar etc. This includes the ENTIRE pattern, so any introductory paragraphs, materials list, stitches and abbreviations, notes on the pattern, explanations throughout the pattern, photos etc.
The Gauge
For pretty much any pattern you test (less so for amigurumi) you will need to check for gauge. If you do not match gauge, all of your measurements will be inaccurate. Designers do not have time to physically make a version of their work in every clothing size, and rely on their calculations and tester to verify accuracy.
Communication is KEY!
During the test, your designer will probably tell you the best way to contact them! Group chats through Instagram are often popular as all of the testers and the designer can work together to solve issues with the pattern, and see live updates. If you are in a group chat, make sure to check for updates and comments from testers and designers regularly!
If you find an error in the pattern itself, let the designer know ASAP. They can then fix this error and let other testers know of the correction before they get to that stage. You may receive updated versions of the pattern throughout the test, so make sure you are reading the most current version.
Other minor notes can often be saved until the end of the test, but the designer will let you know what they prefer!
Confused about a part of the pattern? Ask the designer! If you are confused, that means future readers and purchasers of the pattern may be too. what the designer means to say. Your experience is an asset, but can also be a hinderance to testing. You need to think about someone reading the pattern who has less experience than you. If you notice an abbreviation that isn’t explained in the list, point it out!
What happens if I can’t complete the test?
Ideally, this will never happen because you’ve managed your time properly. You should only sign up for a test if you can pretty much guarantee that you can finish it on time. However, things happen- you’ve broken your wrist, a family member dies, these are all legitimate reasons why you may not be able to complete the test. If this happens, let the designer know ASAP so they can replace you.
That being said, make sure not to start a test a few days out from the deadline. If you break your wrist the day before a test is due and you’ve barely started it doesn’t really look good.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to sign up only if you can meet the requirements. Designers rely on testers finishing their patterns on time and providing high quality feedback to publish high quality patterns. By missing this deadline you can hinder their ability to release their work. This is especially true when a test takes several months. Sometimes a designer may need to wait another year to release a seasonal pattern!
If you do not complete the test without a legitimate reason, you may be billed for the cost of the pattern and the designer will probably not select you for future tests (duh). If you became a tester through a Facebook group or website, you probably will find yourself banned from the group.
Designers sometimes share with each other the names of high quality testers and those to avoid, so not completing a test may lead to not being chosen for future tests. If you are hoping to design patterns in the future, having a good name and reputation with other designers can be beneficial. Especially if you want to team up for giveaways, pattern roundups etc!
After the Test
Yay on finishing your test! Now that you’re done, what should you do now?
Most designers will want you to send photographs of the piece, so you want it to look nice! With a garment or blanket, you most likely will need to block it before photographing, so make sure you take this into consideration when organizing your time! Natural light or a light box is preferable, but the designer will probably give you further instruction if they have specific requirements. There are plenty of blog posts on taking high quality photos, but even with a simple cell phone camera you can take great shots!
Constructive Feedback
Now is the time to provide your feedback! Any edits that still need changing should be sent to the designer so they can make those last minute changes. Constructive feedback should help the designer make the pattern the best it can be, so make sure it is that.
You may find that there aren’t a lot of things that need editing in a pattern. That’s awesome. However, sending ‘pattern was great, thanks’ in an email is still not very helpful. Even if there are not corrections to make, sharing things you LIKED about the pattern, stylistic choices, photos etc are hugely beneficial to the designer. This can help them when writing their future patterns as well.
Post!
Once your piece is finished and you’ve taken your photos, you may want to share them! It may also be a requirement of the test. Follow the designer’s guidelines for when you can post.
If you are using Instagram, make sure to tag the designer in the post as well as on the photo itself, so people who visit their page can see their tags!
Check out a couple of awesome photos taken by previous testers!
If you have been given a Tester Code for Ravelry, make sure to upload your project! Even if there isn’t a tester code, it still is great to add your project to Ravelry.
Other Tips and Advice
- Stick to the pattern- part of your job is to check the accuracy for the way something is written! After the pattern is released you can always make another, or alter it after taking your pictures
- Think like a beginner- things may be obvious to you, but may not be so obvious to someone less experienced! Share these comments with the designer.
- Come in with the mindset that you are helping a designer! The reason to test is to help someone release a product. Remember that this is part of their business. When you put in your best effort and help them, it influences their success!
- Also, by being a reliable pattern tester you most likely will be asked back to test again! (I have a list of go-to’s that I ask before putting out a call publicly)
- Don’t bite off more than you can chew. It can be tempting to sign up for a bunch of pattern tests at once, but consider whether you can devote the time needed.
Thank you!
A huge thank you to all the designers and testers who provided their feedback to me while writing this post. An extra special thank you to Shanese of Handcrafted by Shanese who provided me with so much incredible information and feedback- I couldn’t have written this post without your insights!
Thank you as well to Cozy Little Mess, Modesty By Laura and Blue Flamingo Creations for letting me use their photos for this post.
