Pattern Testing with @DetroitKnots!

I am thrilled to introduce Natalie of @DetroitKnots for today’s Tester Tuesday feature! Natalie is a crochet and Tunisian crochet designer whom I have come to adore. I have tested two of her Tunisian crochet designs (& hope to test many more in the future), and they are definitely two of my favorite handmade garment designs in my wardrobe. Natalie has mad talent! Please enjoy this interview with her and then be sure to go support and follow along her maker journey.

When, how, and why did you first get into designing?

I first started designing in 2016. I wrote a pattern for a hat that has since been removed because it was terrible. Lol! I found that I was always changing parts of patterns to make them my own style but knew nothing about writing patterns. I did know how to sew and construct garments, so I went off that. I learned how to write patterns by testing for other designers, like Michele of @144Stitches.

What are the three key things you look for in a pattern tester?

I first look for whether the person applying has interacted with me on social media. I like to have a sense of who they are as a person and a maker. I then look at photo quality. They don’t have to be expert photographers but are they wearing the things that they make and showing them off well? I also look for a willingness to learn new things. Are they making the same things over and over, or are they exploring techniques, color, and texture?

You are one of few designers who are cranking out amazing Tunisian crochet designs, including Tunisian garment designs. Has the design or testing process been any different for Tunisian crochet versus regular crochet? If so, how so?

The process is pretty much the same. The only difference is the need for video support for stitches and construction. I mix techniques and stitches. I find that videos are helpful.

It's no secret that you're not afraid to frog! Can you talk a little bit about your love for frogging and how that factors into your design and testing process? Have you ever had to frog a design during the testing process?

Frogging is an essential part of my process. It’s one of the reasons it takes time for my designs to be released. I first must get it right for myself. Then in the testing process, they must be willing to frog too. It’s how we all learn and how we end up with a piece that we love. Frogging helps us make the pattern understandable to the end user.
Frogging also prevents me from having to do pattern support after release. Lol! Not that I mind it, but it's better when it's not needed.

What is one thing you love about the testing process? One thing you hate?

I love getting to know people more. The groups are always fun, and we form friendships. My groups usually continue long after the pattern has been released.
Some people might think it’s ghosting but that just means I won’t choose that person again. I hate when someone causes confusion through their frustration within the group. Like making changes without discussing it. There will be times when something doesn’t work right, that’s why we test. I take suggestions into consideration and make changes accordingly. Causing morale to go down or making someone feel bad in the group will get you kicked out. I always state upfront that the group is to remain positive and supportive. If you get frustrated, come to me directly to work it out.

If you could give one piece of advice to your future testers, what would it be?

I'm not perfect and will never have a perfect pattern from the start. If you didn't find something to fix, look again. I usually don't choose testers again that say, "the pattern was perfect, I didn't find anything wrong."

What should we be looking forward to from @DetroitKnots?

There will be more Tunisian crochet designs coming. I’ll throw in some regular crochet too, but I’m most excited about Despite (the shawl pictured at the top of this article) and the Skybridge set. Despite is rivaling Luna for my top favorite. It is huge, full of texture, and a few not so common techniques.
The Skybridge set will be released this Friday free on the Stitch and Hustle Blog. This set feeds my texture and color love.
You might also see my face and designs in a few magazines soon…I’m just saying.

♡♡♡

Thank you for reading through this fun interview with @DetroitKnots! I am so excited about all of the new designs Natalie shared and hinted at here. She’s got that magic touch with Tunisian crochet designs. Make sure you’re following along with her on Instagram, Ravelry, and her website. Subscribe to her newsletter here, and if you want to become a pattern tester, get on her tester list here!