pattern testing

I’m not sure about any of my fellow crochet buddies out there but I for one enjoy a great pattern. To me, a free pattern is optimal, but if I purchase a pattern on the rare occasion my lust for a pattern wins over, I hope that it’s written without any flaws and easy to follow. Even if it’s a free pattern, I hope for the same. With that said, in comes the pattern tester.

To be a pattern tester, one must be willing to work with the designer, and know how to crochet, read a pattern, have yarn and the only payment is accessibility to a pattern and a budding friendship. I’ve seen requests from designers for testers who are very skilled with years of experience, to crocheters who just enjoy crochet and have variable experience and skills.

I took a chance and responded to several designers who needed people to test out their pattern or patterns. I’ve been fortunate enough to be given an opprtunity to help another crocheter with their design. In doing so, I have been learning new skills as well as offering my input on a personal level in a semi professional setting. (Semi professional in regards to my assistance to their success in their business and free advertisement of said designs by me).

I enjoy the process of seeing original designs and being one of the first few to get a hold of said pattern and to help make the pattern a success. In my run as a pattern tester, I have found a few typos, a wrong or different stitch, and unclear instructions in a few of these patterns. I feel a sense of accomplishment in addressing these mistakes that otherwise may have gone unnoticed and for the designer, could mean a bad review and a loss of business. With my help and that from others, I feel that a full circle is enacted by means of an open communication with the designer and the ability to perform as a crochet pattern tester with an end result of a beautiful square, hat, scarf, vest, or pair of gloves, what have you. 

Whatever the designer creates in their mind’s eye and writes down on paper, sends it out to us and the cycle continues, fine tuning a pattern for your enjoyment. I am very fortunate to be a part of this and hope to continue in aiding my fellow humble crochet hobbyist with a beautiful pattern with little to no flaws from a talented crochet designer.