Can I make modifications?
[FULL DISCLOSURE: This is a topic I feel very strongly about, so I apologize if I come off a bit intense. Every designer is different when it comes to modifications, so the bottom line you should take away from this post is always ask the designer before you make any modifications.]
Okay, let’s talk about my biggest tester pet peeve: When testers make modifications during pattern tests (especially without asking). The point of a pattern test is for you to test the pattern as written so the designer can make sure the pattern as written fits well and makes sense. They also need yardage estimates for the design in each size as written. Modifications alter the amount of yarn used. Modifications result in you making up your own directions somewhere instead of following the written directions. Simply put, modifications mean there is some aspect of the pattern you are not checking for the designer, which is a disservice to the designer and defeats your purpose as a pattern tester.
For that reason, nothing drives me crazier than when I am in a testing group and testers say things like, “I lengthened the top because it was too short for me,” or “I changed the cuff because I like cuffs better this way.” These are just two examples of what I’ve seen come up so often and my reaction is always just, ughhhhh.
My personal opinion: I strongly urge you to not apply to test a pattern if you know you only want to make it with certain modifications. Once the pattern is released, you are free to make whatever modifications you’d like.
That being said, some designers do not mind or even prefer some testers to make modifications, because it can sometimes help showcase how versatile a design can be. So, if you want to test a pattern but would prefer to make some modifications, here is some advice:
1) You should always ask before you make modifications.
If you are not willing to make it unless you can make a modification, that means you need to ask before you even apply to test the pattern.
2) When you ask (because you are going to ask first, right?), don’t assume the designer will say yes to your request to make modifications. In fact, assume they will say no.
This applies even if you know they said yes to another tester making modifications! They may be okay with one or two testers making some changes, but if everyone does, they will not get the feedback they need. Each request should be treated individually.
3) Don’t fight back with the designer’s decision and don’t ask why not. If they say no, you need to make the pattern as written. End of story.
4) Be prepared for the designer to ask you to make the pattern as written first, before allowing you to rip back to make modifications.
Designers may need your feedback on yardage and measurements before you make a modification, so it is common for them to say something like, “please make it as written first, get me feedback, and then you can frog back and modify to your preference.” Respect this response.
5) If you do make approved modifications, make sure your captions, posts, and Ravelry project pages make clear what modifications you made.
For example, if you added waist shaping but the design itself is boxier, you need to make sure people who see your photograph of the design know that you added waist shaping that is not written into the pattern. If someone buys the pattern based off your picture and then gets a pattern that is not as fitted as yours and does not have instructions on how to make it fitted, it is the designer who is going to face criticism or questions from the purchaser. Please don’t put the designer in that position.
A couple other things I think you should keep in mind when it comes to modifications:
A lot of designers may feel obligated to say yes to your request to make modifications, because they feel bad. They recognize that testers are putting time and money into making something, and they want the tester to like the outcome. Requests to make modifications also sometimes make the designer question whether their pattern is okay as written. Designers put a lot of emotional energy into these patterns, and sometimes frequent requests to make modifications during a pattern test can feel insulting or otherwise upsetting. So, please don’t make a habit of asking to modify a pattern during a pattern test. Once in a while is fine, and if the designer says up front that modifications are okay, that’s different. But generally speaking, if you want to make modifications, just wait for the pattern to be released.
Please don’t request to make modifications that fundamentally alter the nature of the design. There is a significant difference between a request to add an inch or two to a basic body of a garment to better fit your body type, and a request to change an i-cord strap to a 3-inch flat strap, or to change a stockinette section to ribbing. The first one will not necessarily fundamentally alter the look of the design, whereas the other two will. Be mindful of the types of modifications you want to make before you ask. If it will fundamentally change the nature of the design, just wait until you can buy the pattern. Once you buy the pattern, you’re free to do whatever you’d like with it.
FYI: There will be a whole other post about choosing the proper size when applying to test, but knitting a larger or smaller size than your measurements because you personally prefer a looser or tighter fit than the intended ease for the design is considered a modification, even if you do not change anything else about the pattern. Treat that as a modification – which means you need to ask first! And stay tuned for a longer discussion about choosing the proper size at a later date! For now, there is a FAQ about this topic.
Thank you for reading my rant on modifications! Again, this is just my perspective, but I think taking this approach is the safest if you want to be a good pattern tester. Assume no modifications and always ask first.
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Pictured above: @TheSkeiniac wearing the Lunaria Sweater designed by @by.stephanie.erin using @lionbrandyarn Comfy Cotton Blend.
