Pattern Testing with @HookedByChrisHo!

Chris of @hookedbychrisho started pattern testing this summer and immediately took off running with it — she is now a pattern testing machine! Chris rocks all of her photos, approaches all test chats with a great attitude, and is just a genuinely amazing person in the maker community. I am thrilled to introduce her to the blog for this week’s Tester Tuesday feature! Please enjoy this interview, and then make sure to head to her Instagram to give her a follow and some love.

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Chris is pictured above wearing her Black Widow Sweater designed @by.stephanie.erin. Below, she is wearing the Tango Wrap by @detroitknots; the All Star Sweater by @by.stephanie.erin; the Alvina Cowl by @littleowldesigns; and the Penny Top by @ilovetinderbox.

When and how did you first get into pattern testing?

I decided to try and crochet my first garment earlier this year (April/May? No idea, the months are all running together at this point). In June, I was scrolling through hashtags on Instagram and kept seeing makers and designers posting tester photos and was intrigued. Like, what is this world of people who voluntarily take tests? A few days later, Courtney of @ilovetinderbox posted about an upcoming tester call. Now that I'm writing this, it seems a little psycho, but I turned on all notifications for her handle so I could apply when she put the call out. I then waited with bated breath and high hopes that this designer would choose me despite having zero crochet photos on my grid. She did, and the rest is history!

How do you select which tests you want to do?

I love this question; mostly because the answer has changed from June to now. At the beginning, I was applying for any test that I *thought* I might wear and I didn't do a ton of research on the designer beforehand. I was just trying to test and learn as much as I could.

I've recently become much more selective -- I now only test items that I absolutely *love* and for designers whose personal mission(s) resonate with my own (read: Black Lives Matter, equity and equality, body positivity, etc.). It's narrowed the pool significantly but I feel really good about the choice because it's allowed me to be more "myself" in the group chats, as well.

What do you like about pattern testing? What keeps you coming back to it?

First, I just love making beautiful things. Past that, I love the idea that my take on a design might inspire someone to start crocheting. Disclaimer: I have no idea if this has ever actually happened . When I started crocheting years ago, there weren't a lot of options or designs beyond baby blankets and scarves. No shade to either of those things, but I live in California and am not a baby (most of the time).

And, lastly, I've made so many yarny friends (including you, Kase!) from testing. This community is incredibly supportive and I truly feel like I've made lasting friendships that were born in a tester group.

Oh shit, I forgot the yarn. Pattern testing gives me an excuse to buy yarn. The amount of times I've told my partner, "It's for a test" when he gives me "the eyes" is unforgivable but DGAF.

Now be honest... what’s one thing you really hate about pattern testing?

Gah, the pictures. I hate taking pictures of myself. It's incredibly awkward and I dread getting caught by a neighbor or passerby because I think they think I think (you still with me?) I'm an influencer or just really like myself that much. I also never feel satisfied with the photos and assume designers feel the same about them. They pour hours and hours into these designs, not to mention the math, and here I am looking like Gollum crawling out of his cave and showing them my preciousssss test.

What is one thing you wish you knew when you started pattern testing?

I wish I would've had a better understanding of how hard designers work on a design before putting it into testing. (Maybe other than Chantal of @knitatude, I heard she's lazy 😉). I started testing and still test for fun. I don't want anything out of it and I don't have any goals beyond making myself happy, but designing is an essential income source for many designers and, thus, should be taken seriously by testers. Not only good, but honest, notes and making deadlines are much more important than pretty pictures.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to start pattern testing?

Do it! But, before you do it, have the basics down. I swear this is not planted, but read through The Skeiniac archives on gauge swatching, measuring yardage, and tools you need. Also, use Google. If you don't know how to do something, look it up. If you can't figure it out, then ask the question. Don't be lazy. Don't take shortcuts, don't assume, ask questions, and lean on your tester group.

A tiny piece of advice on etiquette: try not to accuse the designer of making a mistake in their pattern. For example, if you think a stitch count is wrong, ask them to confirm instead of saying, "your stitch count is wrong" to the whole group. It's just rude, y'all.

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Thank you so much for reading this interview with @hookedbychrisho! I think we can all agree she absolutely does NOT look like Gollum in her beautiful photos. Be sure to head to her page and show her some love!