Earlier this week I made a reel on Instagram telling what I was looking for before I applied for a pattern test.This can apply for a crochet or a knitting pattern.
However, I wanted to go a little bit more in depth than what I can do on social media. So here's four things I look for before I apply to test a pattern. Please note, this is based off my personal experience and from one person to another, the importance of some of those can be different.
1. Who's the designer?
In the past I tested for some designers that I keep going back to and some that I swear to never test anything for them ever again.
The experience we live with the designer can make or brake our love for them.
Some people are more organized than others, I personally enjoy Claire Jackson (perfectlyknotted) because she has a google drive that we can update as we go so she can know where we're at and we can stay on track. But that could be a dealbreaker for some people, too much pressure, or feeling like it's micro managing their time.
Some designers don't allow any modification, including adjusting the lenght of the body or the sleeves. This can be tricky for some, especially if you're someone with a shorter/longer torso than the 'standard' sizes.
2. Timeline
What's the timeline, does the designer allow for a proper timeframe according to the yarn weight, the type of pattern (garment vs. accessories, etc.) if it's a garment, does all the sizes could have it done by the release date?
Would I have time to include this test in my work schedule? I have a small human at home that require a lot of my time, I need to be able to fit this test during their sleep time on top of everything else I have to fit during that time.
As a pattern tester, I usually have more than one test at a time, so it's important that I stay organized and make sure I am not putting too much on my plate and give the best to all those tests.
3. Size Inclusivity
What are the size offered, this is true for garment, but also wrap, shawls, socks, there's need to be various options to fit all sort of different body types.
This is also linked to timeline, I won't go apply for a pattern that doesn't offer a size larger than XL or even XXL. We've been having those conversation for a long time now and it's time people get on board with the idea that there's a lot of different people and they are losing on a good portion of the market by excluding bigger people.
4. The cost.
Do I have the yarn in my personnal collection or do I need to go out and purchase/dye some? Time is also another cost that is important to take into account. We are not paid to do this, so all the time that we take away from family and friends, or simply other hobbies we might have should be accounted in the total cost of a pattern test.
5. Do I like the pattern?
It seems a little bit obvious, but sometimes we get carried away by the passion and apply simply because we like the designers and wants to test for them. So it is important to really take a minute and look at the details of the patterns, the schematic, the yarn weight used, the techniques. If it's a garment, would I actually wear it. Do I want to make it for someone else? If so, would that person like the pattern you're working on, the yarn, etc.
In conclusion, there's a lot of factors to look for before applying for a test and those are the five most important to me. This list can change from one person to another, but I do hope it gives newer testers in choosing a project they care about and will end up loving the final result!
Happy crafting!