Become a Pattern Tester
A little bit about what it means to
test a pattern for DevillyCrochet Designs
Hello and welcome! Thank you for
your interest in becoming a pattern tester for DevillyCrochet Designs. Before
any pattern is released to the public, I rely on the support of my testers to
make sure the pattern is the best it can be. If you’re interested in joining my
tester team, please read about my testing process and your responsibilities as
a tester below, and then fill out the application form at the end of the page.
Why test in the first place?
There are many reasons people love
to participate in pattern tests! Here are a few:
- Help
me improve my pattern and make it the best it can be.
- Expand
your knitting / crochet skills.
Try new techniques and stitches. - Meet
like-minded people in a friendly environment and spark new friendships in
the fiber community.
- Get
early access to the pattern and be among the first to make it.
- Be
a part of the designing process.
- Knit
/ Crochet alongside a team of encouraging people.
- Chat
about yarns and get feedback from fellow testers.
- Ask
questions about the pattern and get real-time feedback from me or other
testers.
- Get
featured on my social media.
If this sounds like something you’d
like to be part of, keep reading to learn more!
The pattern testing process
Pattern testing is a volunteer-based
process in which a team of skilled makers receives the pattern before
publication, with the aim to knit / crochet the item and provide feedback
regarding, among others, yardage, measurements, and fit. This feedback is
collected at the end of the test via a feedback form that will be made
available to you at the beginning of the test. Photos of the finished item
being worn on a human body or flat lays are also required.
Suggestions may also be offered
during the test for issues such as incorrect stitch counts, spelling or grammar
errors, and overall readability and ease of use. These technical suggestions
are typically made as comments in the corresponding Ravelry Thread if you are not
on Ravelry this can be done by mail, too. Major pattern updates will be send
via mail.
Communication during the test takes
places in the Ravelry group or for those who do not have a Ravelry account via
mail. You can also ask questions when you’re stuck on something or debate about
color options and yarns!
In terms of deadlines, I try to set
reasonable testing periods so that everyone can work at their own pace and not
be stressed about an upcoming deadline. I set my testing periods so that you
don’t feel rushed, but you have a solid timeframe to rely upon to make sure you
get the project done. My testing schedules so far for socks is:
-
2
– 3 weeks if only 1 sock is needed
-
2
– 4 weeks if both socks are needed
I’m well aware that life happens and
sometimes, things don’t go as planned and you may no longer be available to
honor a pattern test commitment. In such cases, communication is key! I rely on
everyone’s timeliness to release the pattern, so it’s extremely important to me
to know ahead of time if you’re going to submit your feedback and photos late!
Your responsibilities as a pattern
tester
Follow the pattern as written:
- Stick
to the yarn weight and other requirements called for in the pattern.
- Check
gauge before starting, and also regularly as you go.
- Make
no changes to the pattern as written, if modifications are mentioned you
are allowed to do them. If modifications are needed for a proper fit,
please reach out to me to discuss the best solution.
Provide
photos:
- Provide
at least one progress photo and one photo of the
finished item on human or blockers or flat lay, ect.
- Photos
should be in focus, high-resolution, well-lit (preferably natural light)
and showcase the design prominently. Please provide unedited photos only.
- Give
me permission to use your photos on my blog, pattern listings and across
my social media to advertise the pattern, with credit to you as the maker
whenever possible.
- Whenever
you post photos about the pattern on social media, use the design specific
hashtag and credit me as the designer.
Copyright:
- Refrain
from sharing or publishing the pattern in any way, in whole or in part.
Optional:
- To
help advertise the design, create a Ravelry project for the
pattern and post your photos and details there.
My
responsibilities as the designer
- Respond
to all pattern related questions and provide pattern support in a timely
fashion. I strive to respond to all questions within a 24-hour timeframe.
Please bear in mind that our tester groups can be international, with
testers from all over the world, which means there are some time zone
differences to be taken into account.
- Listen
to your feedback and, where applicable, implement edits and corrections to
the pattern according to your notes and suggestions, both at the end of
the test, and during the testing period.
- At
the end of each test, all testers who completed the test receive the final
version of the pattern tested, as well as one extra free pattern of their
choice from my current collection as a thank you!
Apply to be a pattern tester for DevillyCrochet
Designs by filling out the the corresponding form. Filling out the form
is an expression of intent and does not guarantee you’ll be selected to test!
If selected, you’ll start receiving tester calls from me via email.
Note: Failure to complete the test on time
without communicating with me may lead to your removal from my tester pool
without further notice.
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