When a designer creates a new pattern they will grade it up and down, making it available in many sizes. It's not as simple as just doubling stitch numbers all over. People's measurements are proportionally different at different sizes. Usually they don't have the time, energy or yarn to knit it in all the sizes. That's where test knitters come in. We provide a service, usually for free, to these designers, making the item in our own size so they can check it fits right. And for those who can’t afford a tech editor we also check syntax and make sure things read right.
There are so many reasons to become a test knitter. Here are some of my reasons:
- The first and most obvious: we get a pattern for free that would otherwise cost money. It’s also arriving in your inbox a few months before it’s even available to purchase so you feel extra special. My brain computes that 40 hours of work in a tight deadline is better value than £7 for the pattern when it finally comes out.
- As a thank you for your hard work a lot of designers will gift you another paid pattern from their catalog or at least give you a discount code.
- You’ll usually be put in a group chat with other test knitters to keep you inspired as you knit together. Maybe you'll even make some friends in that group. It's your very own exclusive KAL.
- Issues will be addressed right away as the designer is on the ball. Ever had a problem with a pattern and you can’t work out if it's you or the pattern. You might look on Ravelry or Instagram and not get a clear answer. Nobody else seems to be talking about it and there's no errata. You think about reaching out to the designer but see it's a big brand or discontinued or vintage company that hasn't existed since the war! With test knitting, the designer is actively putting all their focus on this one pattern. A single message in the group chat and you will find out pretty quickly if it's an error or if other people are also struggling. You might have just saved someone in the future from this very predicament!
- Giving back to the knitting community. For a lot of designers knitting doesn’t pay the bills. It’s only a hobby. They put in all this work because they love the craft. You learnt to knit on the internet. Every time you forget a cast on, there's a tutorial within arms reach on your phone. Now you get to be the help.
- The designer will promote you when they promote your pattern. If fame is what you’re looking for then not only is test knitting great for networking but you could likely be one of the faces of their pattern. If you're concerned with followers, getting tagged in the promotional material could be a nice way to boost that number.
- Building connections. I have test knit for the same designers multiple times. (What can I say? Some people keep cracking out some really interesting patterns!) I imagine when they see my name pop up again on a test knit application they'll recognise me and think 'huh, her again.' I know smaller designers appreciate when they have solid test knitters they can rely on and so being part of that circle is an honour.
- The joy of knitting. Some people need something to do with their hands. Some people want a challenge. There’s a test knit opportunity for whatever you’re looking for.
- Learning the process. You can’t start writing your own patterns and running test knits until you’ve participated in a few first. It’s worth getting a feel for how other people do it and what’s expected of you.
- Motivation to finish a knit. This is not the sort of project you can start, get bored or frustrated, and leave for 6 months. There’s a deadline. The designers are usually very accommodating if you ask in advance for an extension, but you’ve got to get it finished. It cannot stay in your WIP basket forever or you’ll be letting someone down. As a people pleaser that’s all the motivation I need to get it done.
- Try new things. As long as you’re comfortable with most of the techniques listed in the application you should be fine to apply. You can pick the others up as you go. Through test knitting I learned double knitting, mattress stitch, i-cord, and GSR.
Bonus: As someone who is larger than average, I pretty much always get into a test knit. The smaller sizes get snatched up right away but from 2xl and upwards there is a real shortage of knitters. So if that's your size I know an every small pattern designer is dying to have you on board so they can make sure their pattern fits well for all bodies. Being size inclusive can be difficult without people like us guiding the way.