Did you know that even crochet pattern designers can make mistakes? It’s true! It is for this reason that most crochet pattern designers will select a group of people to try out their new pattern before it is sold or released to the general public. This is crochet pattern testing.
Then I saw a Facebook post asking for pattern testers! There are even groups on Facebook specifically for matching designers and crochet pattern testers!
What is crochet pattern testing?
As I mentioned, pattern testing is literally testing out a new pattern before it is released to the general public. It is really that simple. Essentially anyone who knows how to crochet can do it. Sure, you might want to make sure the pattern is matched to your skill level, but anyone can apply to be a tester.
The purpose of the tester is to make sure that there are no mistakes in the newly written pattern and that the stitch counts are correct. Using pattern testers is a great way to get eyes on your pattern and have people try it out before you sell it.
Imagine releasing a new pattern you are charging money for, and it is full of mistakes. You don’t want that. You can end up with angry customers and maybe even poor product reviews.
The tank top pictured above is the first item I crocheted as a pattern tester.
Do I get paid for Crochet pattern testing?
Generally speaking, most people do not get paid for crochet pattern testing. Typically, you will get the pattern you are testing for free, once it is finalized. You also get to keep the product that you crochet. Some designers will even give you a second pattern for free if they have more than just the one pattern.
What Crochet skill level do I need to Start crochet pattern Testing?
Believe it or not, even beginners can be pattern testers. Some crochet patterns that will need to be tested are beginner level! The designer will tell you what level the pattern is before you apply. Designers don’t want you to not know what you are signing up for, trust me. They want you to feel comfortable with the pattern and be able to complete it, otherwise you can’t fully test it.
The panels pictured above were part of a blouse I crocheted as a pattern tester. The blouse went with the tank top that was pictured farther up the page. Both of these pieces went on my road trip vacation with me from Alabama to Montana and back!
What does it cost to be a crochet pattern tester?
The only out of pocket cost you would have as a tester would be the cost of the supplies required to make the pattern. For the first test I did with the blouse and tank top, I had to purchase yarn of a specific size because I did not have any already on hand. I spent $15 at Hobby Lobby on my yarn and ended up with 2 shirts I crocheted as well as some leftover yarn that could be used for something else.
My second time as a crochet pattern tester was for Jototheworld.com and I was able to use some yarn I had on hand and only needed to purchase a box of kleenex tissue for $1.68. I was crocheting a tissue box cover and needed a box of tissue to make sure that the cover fit the box correctly as part of the pattern test. My tissue box cover is pictured below.
What if I don’t finish the crochet pattern testing?
As I mentioned before, so far, I have only tested one pattern, so I can only speak to the requirements of that test. The pattern testers were given a 5-week deadline to complete the crochet pattern testing and submit their photos. 5 weeks was a great amount of time, but I will admit I struggled because I was on vacation at the time. I did finish on time, though. If we were unable to complete the test, we would have been required to purchase the pattern.
In conclusion, being a crochet pattern tester is a great way to expand your skill set. It is an opportunity to make some things you might not otherwise make. This can come in the form of stitches, motifs or items themselves. To date I have tested 2 patterns, and I can say the lessons on just those 2 patterns were immeasurable. Especially given I just wrote my own pattern and used crochet pattern testers for the first time. But please also keep in mind that designers are seeking your feedback. Please provide honest useful feedback so that they can continue to create amazing designs for us to crochet!
How do I become a crochet pattern tester?
I recently became a crochet pattern tester for the first time. I saw a post either on Facebook or Instagram asking for testers for this really cute blouse, called the “Date Night Blouse“. I thought, “why not?” So, I applied. I knew I had the skills to crochet it, I just needed someone to give me my first opportunity.
The application process is typically a Google form that is set up for each person to fill out with their information. The designed will then go through the applications and select the testers. It just so happened that the test I applied for was looking for a lot of testers.
The blouse ranged in size from I think XXS to 6X and the designer wanted a few people per size. I included a note on the application stating that I had never tested a pattern (It was also a question on the application), but I would love an opportunity to get selected for my first pattern testing.
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