Pattern Testing with @AriannaFrasca82

For this post, Arianna and I decided to do a special collaboration post in which we both answer questions about the pattern testing process — I answer on her blog from the tester’s perspective and she answers below from the designer’s perspective.

Arianna’s responses are below, and mine can be found on her blog here!

@AriannaFrasca82 is wearing her own design, the incredible Moon Cardi — available now on her website!

@TheSkeiniac is wearing the Trestle Trail Slouch by @knitbrooks (coming soon!)

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Why do you need pattern testers?

Pattern testers are essential in the pattern design process. As a result of their feedback, I can fix and tweak the pattern into something I am divinely proud of. They bring beautiful, clear, and accessible patterns out into the world. Also, I get a crowd-sourced marketing engine to help me promote my new design. Between my pattern testers, I might find a new tech-editor or a contract maker, or another small business that is looking to collaborate. I also gain significant experience in pattern writing through them.

How do you decide which pattern testers to select?

I always search for pattern testers who are able to communicate with me, who are willing to share their WIP, and who share good pictures of the pattern testing process either on social media, in private groups, or via email.

I love to see previous testers come back, and I welcome new testers because they can give an unexpected point of view and useful suggestions.

What are a designer’s general responsibilities in a pattern test?

A designer should provide a thorough and accurate pattern, with gauge, type of yarn used, and necessary resources.

Pattern testing takes a lot of time. It takes time to read everything, understand it all, make the swatch, make pattern edits, format the PDF, and let’s not forget the conversations that need to take place. So, establish a reasonable timeframe to complete the projects is a must. For a sweater, I would do no less than eight weeks.

Also, a designer must provide support throughout the process, get those questions answered before someone else points them out, and give support generously.

I don’t foresee a day for my tiny brand when I can afford to pay people to test patterns. I am relying on the goodwill, enthusiasm, and skills of people I’ve met on the internet, and all I can offer in exchange for their time and hard work is a final, formatted PDF, plus another free PDF pattern, a digital hug, and a round of cocktails if we ever meet in person.

What ways do you interact with pattern testers?

I like Instagram or Slack testers' group because they are a confidential and relaxed way to chat about the pattern and the entire process. But, when several testers are all working together, everyone must pay attention to the conversation. No one has the time to ask or answer the same questions over and over again. So, I prefer to answer all the questions as soon as possible, then send an email update every time a tester spots a typo, so no one is left behind.

Any thoughts on the boundaries of a designer’s availability during a pattern test?

As a designer, making yourself available is part of the time commitment you need to make. The crux is a two-way conversation, and both sides need to be here for it.  

Try your best to be available, but make sure you’ve also set your boundaries. Don’t get hanged up too much if you don’t get an answer back immediately — children, pets, partners, food, sleep, timezone... life happens!

Do you have any other suggestions for testers?

Be honest while being kind. Constructive criticism is healthy and necessary and makes for better designers.

Before you commit to becoming a pattern tester, make sure you have the time to set aside to dedicate to this task!

Give the pattern a first-read and get those typos and questions sent off to the designer before you forget about them!

If you think you’re not able to finish the pattern within the time limit, just let the designer know!

Be the person the designer can count on to get those thoroughly written notes in so you can genuinely help to finalize those patterns.

And a final note…

As a designer, I want to design things that get you excited to make. That is the most important thing of all. And you are the most crucial part of that process. Without testers generously giving their time, most of the newly independent companies would not exist.

I love and appreciate all my testers, more than I can probably articulate without getting emotional, and I want this process to be fun! I want to learn from you, to be better. And I think that the entire test process makes our craft, skills, and community stronger.

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Thank you for reading this interview with the talented designer Arianna of @AriannaFrasca82!

Please check out her website: ariannafrasca.com

And remember to read my interview on her blog here too!