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Writer's pictureNicole Michael

So You Want to Have Your Pattern Tested...


As I mentioned before on this blog (and all over my Insta and YouTube!), I love testing patterns for designers. In fact, sometimes I get VERY ambitious and have 4 patterns I am testing at one time...I do not recommend this. That being said, this year I wanted to have one of my very own patterns tested to make sure everything was clear, my gauge made sense, and that there was interest in the design. Having wrapped up the test last week, and with the release of the pattern only days away, here are some things I learned having my pattern tested. So, if you want to have your pattern tested, here are a few things to get you started!



  1. Start with something simple for your first test. Originally, I thought I would only need to have a pattern tested if I was worried about sizing, like for a garment. I had written patterns before, and never felt the need to have them tested. However, I changed my mind with the Honeymooner Wrap. The yarn I used to make my sample was new to me and I wanted to make sure the weight and gauge were appropriate for easier to access yarns. Let me tell you, I am so glad I started with a simple project! I can't imagine having to juggle running a group chat with making edits, PLUS figuring out how that effected all my sizes for my first test. Start simple, don't worry, there will still be plenty to fix!

  2. Have an attitude of gratitude. This may come as a shock, but receiving criticism is not my favorite thing. Especially when I have poured a lot of creativity and time into a project. Here's the thing though- when you have wonderful people offering to make you pattern, you are ASKING for criticism. This is not to say that you should expect or put up with harsh/unkind words in your group, you absolutely should not. It is to say though, that the way you originally wrote your pattern will not immediately make sense for everyone. You are also going to make typos. You might also get math completely backwards. When one of your testers brings a mistake or idea to your attention, start with a thank you. It helps put you in the right mindset to make changes, and it lets the group know that you want this pattern to be the best it can be, and that they are invited to give their input. This was especially true for me as many of my testers were confused on a certain section, and it was because my math was incorrect. Fixing that problem, adding a chart, and row counts made the pattern much easier to use for everyone.

  3. Understand your testers' skill levels. Most pattern tests want a variety of skill levels. The tester application may ask a question like "Would you describe your skill level as beginner, intermediate, advanced, or expert?". I used that very question on my tester application. I also asked how many pattern tests the applicant had completed before, again wanting some testers with lots of experience, and some newbies. One type of question I really should have asked though was about the TYPE of patterns the testers had made. Some people are fabulous crocheters, but really only ever use YouTube or picture tutorials. Some have made full garments, but never really got comfortable with increases and decreases. These aren't necessarily disqualifiers for testing, but its good to beforehand.

  4. Lead with kindness. The people testing your pattern are doing so because they want to. They have their invested money, time, and knowledge. No one is making them do this, this is not their job, they are doing a service FOR YOU, so be kind. Not only will this make your tester group happier to make your project, it will also make them want to test for you again in the future.


And with that, I want to remind you that the Honeymooner Wrap will be released this Friday, 4/21/2023 both here and on Ravelry!


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