Finding Testers
A few designers have reached out to me asking how to find pattern testers, or more specifically, how to find better pattern testers. There are a few primary factors that lead me to either apply to a pattern test or pass on a pattern test. So, I thought I would use this opportunity to share some of my thoughts on what goes into my decision, in hopes that this may shed some light on what leads to more a successful pattern test call.
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First and foremost, it’s (almost) all about TIMING!
Unless the pattern is a super simple accessory, calls for super chunky yarn, AND happens to fall during a relative lull in my testing schedule (rare), I am almost certainly never going to take on a pattern test with a testing period of 7 to 10 days (or less). Really, even two weeks is a stretch for most projects, unless it is truly a quick make, like a coaster or a chunky headband. When you are putting out a testing call, you may think, “This only took me one afternoon, so surely a week is sufficient.” But keep in mind that the good pattern testers often:
are avid makers working on at least one other project at any given time;
are working on other pattern tests with deadlines they are already trying to meet before yours; and
may need time to get the yarn required for your test, if it is not in their existing stash.
Therefore, giving testers one week from the date you put out your call leaves little-to-no leeway and is a surefire way to make sure good testers say, PASS.
The same goes for testing periods of three-to-four weeks for garments. There is almost no circumstance in which I will take on a garment test with less than a four-week deadline, even though many garments will not take me that long (particularly because I am often working a smaller size – more on timing considerations for all sizes below). As mentioned above, I am often working on at least one other project with pre-existing deadlines and therefore typically won’t be able to get started for at least two weeks. That only leaves me with about two weeks or less to make your garment. So, in most circumstances, I’m going with a hard PASS here too.
So, what should you do to make sure testers aren’t passing on your test simply because of timing?
Provide More-Than-Sufficient Time to Test the Item. In my experience, these are good rough guidelines to follow (although there are always exceptions):
At least two to three weeks for accessories/smaller makes (e.g., cowls, beanies, mitts, socks, headbands, small home décor);
At least three to four weeks if you’re working with a thinner yarn, like fingering or sport, regardless of how “small” the project may seem to you;
At least five weeks for most non-sweater or bulky+ sweater garments;
At least six weeks for most sweaters (eight if you’re working with a thinner yarn) and larger projects (e.g., blankets).
Give A Little Heads Up/Notice:
Tease designs before you put out a testing call.
I am much more likely to want to test something if I’ve been seeing it in my feed or stories, and you’ve been drumming up excitement and anticipation. When I see you sneak a shawl with a texture that makes me drool, I am going to start thinking ahead to when that might be tested and make sure I do not take on too much leading up to that time period. By contrast, when the first time I see something is during the testing call, it’s a lot easier for me to say, “Nah, I don’t need this right now,” because I am not yet attached to it.
Tell your audience that a testing call is coming soon, including an approximate time frame, if you know.
This can give you more leeway on the timing suggestions above, if needed. For example, if you know you have a beanie pattern test call coming that you need tested within a one week period, but you tell me a week or more before that one week starts, I will be much better prepared to get that test done in the one week testing period because I can start budgeting for it in my schedule earlier and make sure I have the yarn on deck. Then when that week rolls around, I am ready to go.
Another important thing to note: I feel very strongly that testing periods should be sufficient for all sizes to finish before you publish your pattern. I have seen designers say things like, “The testing period will be four weeks for sizes X-Z, but the larger sizes can have as much time as needed.” I think the intent behind this is genuine – the designer is acknowledging that larger sizes take more time. But the intent is missing the mark, because inevitably, the designer then publishes the pattern after the four weeks, when many of the larger size testers have not finished. What does this say to me? First, it says you do not care about the feedback for the larger sizes. Otherwise, how could you publish a pattern before you get feedback from them? Second, it says you do not care to promote the hard work of the testers who worked the larger sizes (who, by the way, have put in more time and money than smaller size testers). This is because you will not have their pictures to promote when you’re pushing your pattern on your platform or to use within your pattern itself. By the time they finish, you may have already moved on to promoting another design. Therefore, the testers miss out on all the genuine opportunities to be shown off and appreciated on the designer’s platform. If I am being honest, this bothers me enough that often I won’t take on a pattern test if I see that a designer takes this approach, even if the testing window is sufficient time for my size. My advice: if you genuinely care to make your pattern size inclusive, make sure your testing window is long enough for all sizes to complete the test before you publish.
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A few other things that affect my decision to take on a pattern test:
Does the designer promote and celebrate the work of testers in their feed or story?
While I love the pattern testing process, a lot of work and money does go into it, and if a designer does not acknowledge the hard work of testers, I am less inclined to test for them. That does not necessarily mean you need to include tester photos in your feed – I know a lot of thought and effort goes into feed cohesiveness. But you can still pump up your testers in your captions and share their photos in your stories at the very least.
Was the designer engaged and appreciative during the testing process?
This is one that you only learn once you’ve tested for a designer before, but I am much less likely to return to test for a designer if I did not feel like the designer appreciated or acknowledged the feedback I provided and/or did not engage with me and the other testers during the process. If it feels like you’re not even sure if the designer read your feedback or acknowledged your work, why would you do all that work for them again?
Does the designer engage with me/my feed?
Not a deal breaker, but especially as I become more experienced as a pattern tester and have more options, I am much more likely to test for makers who have made an effort to engage with me, as well. If I care about you and you care about me, I am much more excited to promote you! So, designers, if there is someone out there who you’d love to test for you, start engaging with their posts (comment! share in stories!), react to their stories, try to establish some sort of connection. Testers are much more likely to make time for a test and do a good job on a test for friends than strangers.
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As always, this is just my perspective! I would love to hear from you. What leads you to say YES to a pattern test? What leads you to say NO? What leads you to go back to test for a designer, or to steer clear from a designer going forward? Send me a message on Instagram or via my CONTACT page and let me know!
Pictured above: The Sunflower Shawl designed by @capellalunafibers using Classic Sock yarn by @madebyhaileybailey in Nori colorway.
