Midnight Knits

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....

My third test knit for Emily of em.knits, and I'm so glad I signed up. Usually I don't use patterns. They're generally not made to fit me (especially commercial or vintage ones), so I've got pretty good at working out the stitches and constructions from a few pictures of whatever I want to make. Cables make it even easier to get an idea of the stitch count and measurements.  But Emily's patterns are different. The first time I saw a picture of the sample knit I stared at it for a few minutes completely confused. I knew I needed to get in on this test and see what she had done. And I was pleasantly surprised that she had spaces available in my size.  As clever as I think I am, I admit I would never have been able to replicate it from images alone. I had assumed you cast on at the neckline and then made a shit-tonne of increases either side of the shoulders to build the yoke. I imagined it could probably also be knit in panels where the shoulder cables were part of th...

This was my second test knit for this designer. Every one of her designs speak to me so I know it won't be my last. Emily Chen of  em.knits  has always been very professional, attentive, and kind, so I had no worries going into this test. Sometimes it can feel scary reaching out to a designer to ask questions or point out errors, but the test group (usually on Slack) is full of other people sharing and chatting so it feels much more approachable. Emily also reaches out to check-in regularly throughout the test period if you prefer flagging something one-to-one. Like with most test knitting, last time I was a tester for Emily I was gifted one free pattern for my hard work. I was extremely close to purchasing the Winona Polo with my voucher until the pattern was taken down suddenly. Emily wasn't happy with the arm shaping for the bigger sizes. It needed re-grading. That's where this story begins. I was selected to test knit the updated pattern. It took me a while to reach the...

When I saw the test call on Instagram for this blouse I didn't care that I was already in the middle of two other knitting commitments or that my course was about to start. I had to sign up. Thankfully Sanne of ChaiCrafts is a wonderful designer and had made a size inclusive design so I was able to participate. (Believe it or not, some knitwear designers still don't cater to people my size!) I excitedly purchased a cone of 3-ply 80:20 wool:silk from YarnOnCone. There's not that much difference between 3 and 4 ply right? Plus it was such a pretty lavender lilac I wasn't even thinking! More fool me. This yarn turned up looking more like a lace weight and my gauge swatch confirmed that. One strand was far too airy and showed more skin than would have been appropriate! Two strands was much better so that's what I went for. I didn't think too much of it at the time. Silly me. Yarnage obviously halves when you hold something double. My brain didn't register this....