Behind the Scenes: The process of designing, test knitting

Some designers don't do test knitting--if you have a good tech editor, test knitting isn't truly needed. But I enjoy the test knitting process so for most patterns, I will do both tech editing and test knitting. But what does test knitting mean?

Basically, test knitters are volunteer knitters who get a copy of the pattern before it is released and are asked to make that project based upon exactly what is written down (so no alterations). If it's a pattern in multiple sizes, then generally the designer tries to find at least one test knitter per size. Sometimes test knitters are split into those who will follow the written instructions and those who will use charts, to make sure both ways of reading the pattern are covered.

As the test knitter works through the pattern, he or she alerts the designer to any problems or questions that come up. Sometimes it might be an error and sometimes it might just be that some wording is unclear. It's nice to have a range of levels of experience within the test knitter group to make sure the pattern instructions are written as well as possible for both beginning knitters and more experienced knitters.

Test knitters also are usually asked about their gauge, yarn usage, and finished object dimensions. That way the designer can check to make sure that what has been designed can be recreated, and if there are large discrepancies (such as every test knitter using twice as much yarn as the designer used), then the designer can try to figure out that issue before releasing the pattern to the public.

When the pattern is released, test knitters are asked to link their project pages to the pattern page. This is helpful for other knitters who might be interested in the pattern but might not want to be the first one to try out a pattern--since the test knitters have already completed some projects, the other knitters can be more confidant that the pattern will actually yield the intended object. (Because, as wonderful as self-publishing patterns can be, it does mean anyone can publish a pattern and sometimes those patterns aren't as polished as they could be, leaving knitters frustrated over the instructions.) Also, since most test knitters use a different yarn than the one used by the designer, it shows right away some other options for yarn selection.

Several of you on this mailing list have done test knitting for me (thank you!), but if you haven't done so and would be interested in testing my future patterns, please let me know. I do all of my test knits in my Ravelry group. (Here's an example of a previous test knit, for the Brangien Hat.) I have a list of people that I earburn whenever there is a new test and they get first shot at testing new patterns (spaces are limited and usually fill up pretty quickly). So if you'd like to be added to that earburn list, just send me a message, tell me your Ravelry name, and I'll add you to the list.

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The content in this post was first featured in my newsletter (July 20, 2015). If you'd like to keep up to date on my designs and yarn and receive content like this right in your email inbox, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter.