Pattern Testing FAQs

This will be an ever-growing resource dedicated to frequently asked questions about pattern testing. Where I expand on a topic in a blog post, I will link to that blog post once it is published. If there is a question you would like to see here, please feel free to email me at TheSkeiniac@gmail.com or send me a message on Instagram.

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How do I become a pattern tester?

Apply! Many designers will post a picture of a design with a caption like, “Call for testers! Link to application in bio.” Others have mailing lists specifically for people interested in testing patterns. And some use other platforms like Facebook and Ravelry. Keep you eyes peeled for a tester call for a design you like, and if the requirements and deadline work out for you, apply! You’ll be surprised how many designers are willing to take a chance on a new tester, as long as you are otherwise qualified. Note, depending on the platform used, you may need a public profile to be selected.

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Do I need to gauge swatch?

YES. In a pattern test, you always need to do a gauge swatch, maybe multiple. You may need to change your hook/needle size (and maybe even your yarn) until you match the designer’s gauge in the pattern. You should also block your gauge swatch, so you know how the fabric will look in your finished item after it is washed. Meeting gauge in a pattern test is critical to the feedback the designer is seeking from you, especially for garments.

Click here to read the post all about gauge swatching.

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Can I modify the pattern?

Assume no. The true answer is maybe, but always assume no and always ask the designer first. I have a lot of feelings about this topic, so a longer post will be coming soon!

Some designers will be okay with you modifying some simple things that do not alter the nature of the design, like extending the length of a simple body if you have a long torso. But even then, always check in with the designer first. They may need you to make it exactly as written first, provide them with yardage used and photographs of the fit, and then you can go back and fix it to your preference after.

While you should always check with the individual designer first to be sure, in my opinion you should not apply to test a design if you want to or plan to modify a feature of the design itself, such as the type of straps, the depth of the v-neck, or the length of a crop top because you do not like to wear crop tops. If you do not like the design as you see it, do not apply to test it. You can always buy it later and make whatever modifications you’d like.

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How do I measure yardage?

To accurately measure the amount of yarn you used on a project, you will need access to a small scale that can measure in grams or ounces, as well as the label for the yarn you are using (which should contain a full skein’s weight and yardage). You will then set up a simple formula and cross-multiply to get your total yardage (see image below). If you are using multiple different yarns in a project, the calculation will be a little different.

Click here for a detailed post about measuring yardage.

Do I have to use the same yarn as the designer?

Typically, no. But there are always exceptions. In most cases, the designer needs you to use the same category yarn (e.g., fingering, DK, worsted, bulky), but not the exact same yarn they used for their sample. However, if the designer is collaborating with a yarn dyer/company, you may need to use a specific yarn. The test application should make that clear, if so. Otherwise, many designers love seeing their designs made up in a variety of different yarn brands and styles, as it helps them more widely promote the design!

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How do I use a Ravelry testing code?

If a designer asks you to set up a Ravelry project page as part of a test, they may provide you with a mysterious looking code. Do not fear! This is really simple. When you “Add a Project” on Ravelry, it will prompt you to “Enter the Pattern Name.” (Note, this is different than “Name Your Project.”). Simply put that code into this box and hit continue. This will link your project page to the design for the designer.

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What tools do I need to get started as a tester?

The key things you will need for most pattern tests are:

• a range of sizes of needles/hooks close to the size the designer used (as you may need to size up or down to meet gauge);

• the correct type (e.g., DK, worsted) and amount of yarn needed to complete the project;

• a measuring tape;

• a scale that can measure in ounces or grams;

• a camera

Click here for a post all about the basic Testing Tools You Need, including some links to some of my favorite tools.

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What kind of feedback should I provide?

One of my early posts talks about the kind of feedback I like to provide as a tester. Click here to see that post . In general, look for things like typos, stitch count errors, and clarity in instructions. You will also provide feedback about the fit of the design (if applicable) and the amount of yarn you used.

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When and where do I provide feedback?

When to provide feedback? This depends entirely on the type of feedback you are providing. If you have noticed an error in the pattern that other testers may get stuck on too (for example, an error in the stitch count, stitches not lining up as anticipated, or a missing instruction), notify the designer immediately. If there is a group chat or forum, it may be best to post your question/feedback there, so that other testers can see it too, and let you know if they had the same issue or make sure to note that there may be a change when they get to that spot.

If you notice a minor typo or grammatical error that does not affect the making of the design, that kind of feedback can be saved for the end. You can also include your general feedback on the yardage used, final item measurements, and other basic feedback like that for the end, unless the designer asks you for feedback earlier.

Where to provide feedback? Again, if it is an issue with the pattern itself that may affect others’ ability to make it, let the designer know immediately, by messaging them in the group chat/forum or directly. That way the designer can make any necessary edits and send an updated pattern to the rest of the testers. For the rest of your feedback, your designer should let you know if they want feedback via email or a tester survey. The designer should provide this information in their initial email to you, so that you’re aware up front what feedback they are seeking.

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How do I take good photos for a test?

I use the camera on my iPhone, a tripod with a clicker, and free photo-editing apps like Lightroom and Snapseed (these links are to the APPLE version, but you should be able to find them easily on other phones, as well). Natural lighting will always be best for your photos, so make sure to budget that into your testing timeline. If you are finishing your design at midnight the day it is due, chances are you won’t get good pictures by the deadline.

Nkese of @cosmic_crochet_creations recently wrote about tips for getting better photographs on the Stitch & Hustle blog. Click here to read that post!

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What do I do if I cannot complete a test?

Communicate. Things may come up that make it so you are unable to complete a test by the deadline. The best thing you can do is communicate with the designer as soon as you know that it may be an issue. Do not wait until the end of the testing period. If you give the designer notice, they may be able to find another tester to fill your place. If you wait, they lose out on feedback they need to publish the best pattern. And DO NOT ghost (disappear without saying anything at all) the designer. This is an incredibly rude and unacceptable thing to do.

While unexpected things may come up, please think critically before accepting a pattern test. If the deadline seems too tight for you or you know you have some things coming up that month that may push this to the bottom of your priorities, simply do not apply to test. Your desire to test the pattern means nothing if you cannot actually do it on time. There will be other tests. Move on and let someone else take that spot.

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I applied to a test, but I haven’t heard anything from the designer. What should I do?

The designer will let you know if you have been selected to test. Often, the designer will also say in their tester call what date testers will be selected by, or will otherwise make known when testers are found. If you do not hear back from a designer, try not to message them asking if you were selected. Choosing testers is a very stressful part of the designing process, as there are often a large amount of wonderfully talented makers applying. It is hard to choose! And it is even harder to have to tell someone directly why they were not selected. Just wait until you hear, and if you do not hear back, try again next time.

The reason you were not selected may be as simple as too many people applied for the same size and they cannot choose everyone. If you were not selected this time, definitely don’t give up. Think about whether there is anything you can do to make your page more appealing for the next go around. Can you improve your pictures? Did you apply for a sweater test but your page only shows amigurumi? Keep in mind that your tester application is an application for a job. Make sure you’re showing off your qualifications as best you can, just as you would with any other job.

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What is due by the deadline?

Keep in mind that everything is due by the deadline. The deadline is not the date by which you need to finish making the item. It is the date by which you need to finish making the item, block the item, take photographs of the item, and submit all of your feedback. When you are applying to a test, keep that in mind. Make sure you budget time for compiling and sending your feedback, as well as some wiggle room for photographs. Do not wait until the last day and then blame the weather for why you cannot get photographs.

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What size should I choose?

When doing a pattern test, it is very important to choose the size that aligns with your actual measurements. If you measure at a 34” bust, do not choose the 38” bust size simply because you like things to be a looser fit. Your role is to test the pattern at the designer’s intended ease. If the design is meant to be a looser fit, it will have positive ease written into it. If you want to play around with sizing, wait for the pattern to be released and then you can do whatever you’d like with it.

Also, make sure you stick to the size you chose when you applied! Designers are filling tester spots based on sizes. You cannot choose a large, and then decide later on you want to do a medium. That could leave the designer without someone testing the large and with too many people testing the medium. Figure out the correct size for you before you apply, and then stick to that size!

And also remember the size you chose! This should be easy if you properly chose your size based on your measurements, but it is far too common for testers to ask the designer what size they signed up for once a pattern test begins. Make a note of what size you applied to test so that you don’t have to put that extra work on the designer.

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I am interested in pattern testing, but I never know where to find calls for testers. Where can I find those?

Great question! I have found all of my pattern tests via Instagram, following designers and other makers who inspire me. People will often share tester calls on their feed or stories, so keep an eye out for those. To help people more easily find tester calls, I added a highlight reel to my Instagram profile (“Test Apps”). This reel will contain active tester calls each week. If you have a tester call coming or know of one out there, let me know so I can add it to the reel!

There is also a Pattern Testers group on Facebook that you can request to join.