Let’s Talk About Test Knitting

TL;DR: Test knitting plays a critical role in creating clear, enjoyable patterns. This post walks through what it is, why it matters, and how I work with my test knitters.

---

Maybe you’ve only heard about test knitting because you’ve seen a favorite designer ask for “testers.” Or maybe you’ve participated in a test knit before, and it wasn’t quite the experience you hoped for. Either way, let’s talk about test knitting: what it is, why it matters, and why it can be a meaningful part of your knitting journey.

Test Knitting vs. Tech Editing

Before a pattern is released to the public, designers take two important steps to ensure it’s clear, accurate, and enjoyable to knit: tech editing and test knitting. While they work together, they serve very different purposes.

Tech editing is typically done by a professional tech editor. Their role is to review the pattern for accuracy by checking the math, stitch counts, grading, and instructions. Tech editors don't knit the pattern and don’t offer opinions on how enjoyable the project might be. Their focus is precision and clarity.

Test knitters, on the other hand, work directly from the pattern and actually make the item. They take notes throughout the process and report back on their experience. This often includes gauge information, yarn usage, clarity of instructions, issues encountered, and modifications made. Test knitters are also usually asked to share photos of their work-in-progress and finished projects, which may later be used for marketing.

Another key difference is compensation. Tech editors are paid professionals. Test knitters volunteer their time, and designers typically thank them with free patterns, discounts, or other perks. I outline what I offer my test knitters later in this post.

Why Test Knitters Matter

Test knitters play a critical role in a pattern's success. This stage allows designers to gather feedback from knitters with varying experience levels, knitting styles, and body types. Testing shows how a pattern behaves across a range of yarns and helps confirm whether gauge and yardage estimates are realistic.

Because everyone knits a little differently, test knitting often catches issues that no spreadsheet ever will. Sometimes it’s a confusing instruction or a stitch count error that slipped past editing. Other times, it’s feedback that highlights techniques needing clearer explanations or additional support. All of this information is valuable, even when not every suggestion is incorporated.

Test knitting also helps future makers. Seeing a variety of finished projects gives knitters confidence, especially with garments, where fit and proportion matter. Tester photos and notes help patterns reach the people they’re meant for.

What I Ask of My Test Knitters

Every designer approaches testing a little differently. When I prepare to launch a pattern, this is what I offer my test knitters and what I ask in return.

Discord Channels and Community

I use Discord to host my test knits and provide a shared space for communication and support.

Chatter

A general space for introductions, conversation, and sharing works in progress and finished objects.

Updates: Where I post the PDF pattern and any revisions, along with explanations of what changed.

Support, Typos, and Suggestions: The place to ask questions, flag typos, and share feedback. Honest, timely feedback is always appreciated. If something feels confusing, please bring it up right away rather than waiting until the end.

Survey: A short feedback survey to complete once your project is finished and blocked.

Photos: You are not required to share photos publicly. I will never use or share your photos without your consent. I do ask for at least one photo of the finished object, preferably worn, so I can better assess fit. Photos can be shared via Discord direct message or email.

Ravelry and Social Media: Since most of my patterns are sold through my website and on Ravelry, some testers choose to link their projects using the provided Ravelry code so they appear publicly once the pattern is released. This is entirely optional and never required. Testers are also welcome to share works in progress or finished objects on Instagram at any time.

Below are the details of what I ask of my test knitters and how I thank them for their time.

Perks: Testers who complete their Top of the World Knits project and submit feedback by the deadline receive a final copy of the pattern, one free self-published pattern of their choice, and a lifetime 20% discount on all of my self-published patterns. That discount never expires.

Already subscribed? You’ll automatically receive all future test knit calls. New subscribers can sign up to be notified and will receive a free pattern to download when they join.

Join the Email List