Testing, Testing...Knit Pattern Testing

 

Hello and happy Sunday to you!

 

 

How was your week? Mine felt a bit long and all over the place,  making tea and knit time much desired this weekend.

 

Chiral shawl ~test knit for designer Leila Raabe

I have received a number of questions about all the test knitting I do. So I figured I would dedicate a post about it.

 

Misselthwait Manor Shawl~ test knit for designer Anne Podlesak.

 

Most often the first question is, "How to do you find or choose designers to test knit for?". My answer is it varies. In most cases I have admired a designer's work and then I see that they have put out a call for test knitter either on their blog or in their Raverly group.

 

Henny shawl~ test knit for designer Liesl/Buckaloo View

Then there are the cases where you happen to be friends with a designer and offer up your services.

 

Cup of Tea socks ~ test knit for designer Robin Lynn

 

More questions:

How can I find a designer to test knit for?

• If you don't have a particular designer in mind that is also requesting test knitters, there is a couple of groups on Ravelry where you can join. The largest group is The Testing Pool.

Do you get paid to test knit?

• I don't. The compensation comes in the form of the pattern I have tested and the finished knit.

Does the designer provide the yarn?

• In most cases they do not. Now, if I am knitting a sample for a shop, designer, or yarn dyer than in most cases they will provide it. There are some designers that may ask that you test knit with a particular yarn which is not usually provided.

Do you have any tips?

• Very important- Make sure that you have the time and resources to commit to the testing.
• Provide detailed feedback to the designer. Obviously you don't want to be rude, but don't be shy about informing of errors or instructions that are not clear. Let the designer know as soon as possible. This is the whole point of test knitting. You are saving the designers from needless corrections after the pattern has been published.
• Have fun! I have learned so many great techniques and stitches thanks to test and sample knitting.

 

I hope this helped answer some of the questions. For those who could care less about test knitting, thank you for letting me share some pics of my test knits. :)

 

Have the best day today!

XO,

Andi 

Comments

[monica]

good info & tips! really admire your ethic & integrity, my friend.

[Tracey]

I love that you are able to test knit and help fellow fiber loves in this craft Andi. Your knitting is always so beautiful.

[tanna]

Your work is wonderful, Andi. Lucky designers!! =) blessings ~ tanna

[Maryse]

I'm sure you are a very appreciated test knitter!

[Camilla]

That is so neat Andi- I never knew how the whole test knitting works.

[Alina]

Thank you, Andi, for your tips! I've just received an offer from a designer to test knit for her. And I am so excited!

[anne]

You know how VERY much I appreciate you and your willingness to help me out with lots o' testing!! :)

[steph]

all the designs you've knit are lovely....what a great way for the designer to spread the word, too!!!!

[cory ellen]

Cool - thanks for sharing, Andi! Very informative to read, both as a knitter and a designer. Your work is beautiful, and it sounds like you're an excellent test knitter!

[Nicole]

Very neat to read! Your test-knitted items look very nice :)

[Ine]

Thanks for clearing things out about test knitting. I haven't been in the knitting world long enoug to give test knitting a chance, but I might in the future. Love all the test knits you've showed here!

[Jenny]

Andi - Happy Sunday!
My question is how do you knit so fast?? What method do you use. I can not seem to get any speed and Ive been knitting steady since 2009.
Jenny

[Kepanie]

Ooh, girl... I'm coveting that Read My Lips yarn. Angry designer is lucky to have you as a test knitter as you're honest and straight forward.

[sam]

These are some lovely patterns and nice rich colors.

[Pia]

Andi, such a good post. Frankly, as someone who regularly uses test knitters, I have to say that your tips are spot on.

As a designer you (or at least I) want to hear everything. Is there a sentence that could be worded better? not quite sure how to do x and think some further instruction would help? is the math off? did I forget a capital letter somewhere?
Anything and everything that makes the pattern better is valuable. The best testers are the ones that keep pointing out flaws/room for improvement. Especially if they give a suggestion for the improvement as well.

[karen]

I've test knitted small projects of friend designers and it was fun. I find that it does require time to knit and to give good feedback. I am loving your mug immensely :)

[Lisa]

Loving this post today Andi. All of your test-knits are beautiful and I think it is great you have the time to help out :)

[Angela]

Beautiful knit projects Andi. That tea looks like a nice black tea.

[lilirious]

Such lovely projects! Thank you for the link to the testing pool! I've been looking for a place to look for test knitters, and I might give it a try :D

[katie]

thats so interesting! lucky are the designers that choose you~ wishing you a weekend full of knitting :) xo

ps..i love the chai tea & the mini's are beautiful...thank you!

[Leigh]

A timely post, Andi! This is all excellent advice, thanks so much. Your designers are lucky to have you do the testing, these knits look so beautiful :) XO

[Tina]

Great post Andi ! I've test knitted a bit here and there too. It's quite enjoyable and so rewarding to help out a fellow knitter. Your pieces are so lovely!!!

[Karen]

Lots of great pieces, and beautiful work!

[Donna@Allthingsming]

Great Post!! Love seeing the pieces you test knot!