One of the things I’ve been trying this year, other than designing, is pattern testing. This is a great way to get some recognition for your work while getting early access to new and interesting patterns. You get a new FO (finished object) out of it and, as an added bonus, you may even be able to increase your following! It truly is a win all the way around. One of my favorite things is the networking because I get to discuss yarn crafts with other great makers and it fosters a sense of community in what can be a very solitary hobby. So, how do you do this effectively so both you and the designer get the most out of it?
1) How do you find tester calls?
I’ve had the most pick finding these on Instagram or Facebook. Tester calls often move quickly and having a social media presence, or at least the ability to follow closely, can be a huge boon. If you don’t have the ability to do this or just don’t want to, don’t fret. There are other options.
Ravelry has a group called the tester pool where designers looking for patterns post their designs. Find designs that inspire you and follow the designers blogs. Some even have a form on their website where you can apply to be a pattern tester. Usually, though, they will want to see some examples of your work. So take some quality photos to show your FOs off to best advantage.
2) Know The Requirements
Most tester patterns will come with a deadline. The designer sets this for a reason. What you may not know is the designer also has a release date for the pattern. They may have been hyping this on their social media and it’s usually a hard date by which you must complete the project. Try not to commit to a pattern that you won’t be able to finish on time as this may delay the pattern release. However, some designers may be willing to forgive slight tardiness if there’s a good reason and you communicate this beforehand.
A common requirement is also taking a picture of the garment or project. The designer may make it a requirement that they are able to use the photos on their blog or social media. For size inclusive patterns especially, this helps prospective makers be sure the garment or accessory will fit their body and can help the designer make more sales. I absolutely hate taking pictures of myself so I have been struggling with this. But I guess no time like the present to be more body positive? Hehe…
3) Know your limits
Are you a slow or fast knitter/crocheter? Are you a beginner or seasoned? Have you ever made a garment or a project like this before? Have you ever altered a pattern before?
These are the type of questions that you should ask yourself before you take on a project. This doesn’t mean you should never challenge yourself. I’ve met a maker who likes to jump in feet first and made her first garment as part of a tester call. It’s not something I would do, but if it works for you, I say go for it!
Be cognizant of any special techniques the project may use. Sometimes you can figure this out by looking at the sample photo. Other times you may need to contact the designer. I’ve found most designers to be very helpful and warm. Some may even put together a video tutorial for their patterns to help you and future makers.
Know the limits on your time too. I work full time in residency so taking on more than one project at a time is not feasible. Besides work, I also have to study and find time to design and keep up a social media presence. If you stay at home, depending on your responsibilities, you may have more or less time on your hands.
4) Know Your Worth
So you have been selected as one of the tester for a pattern. Congratulations! Put your knowledge to good use. Your opinions are important. Before you alter anything about the pattern, ask. Communication is key as ultimately this is not your creative labor of love. But if you need to knit for 7 inches instead of 10 so it fits your body, that is valuable information. If the garment fits you well, people of your size may be more likely to try it.
Even though I’m not the most body positive person, I know that just because you are bigger/smaller than the average person doesn’t mean you want to make and wear something any less flattering. Quite the opposite! If you’re on the extremes of size, whether big or small, I’m sure you know what I mean. This is part of your worth as a pattern tester, especially to size inclusive designers. Seek them out. Some of the ones I know off hands are: knitsandknotswpg, knitatude, tincanknits, and kaykrochets. Grading patterns to fit a wide variety of sizes is a lot of work and not without difficulty. Even though the math is correct the garment can still need tweaking. So let your designer know what you feel needs changes.
5) Be Flexible
Sometimes, despite the designer's best efforts, there are problems with the pattern. This can be frustrating but is a part of the testing process. I thought the project I'm currently working on would be a nice night float pattern to work on since volume was down in the hospital due to COVID. However, there were some fundamental errors in the construction and it had to go back to the drawing board for about a month. Now it's just perfect. Another testing pool I did was for someone in a different country so there was 8-12 hours of delay in communicating. Try to stay available.
Do you have any other tips or stories from pattern testing. Let me know in the comments!
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