Pattern Testing with Pearled Wing

Tyto Alba Testers. Top: @tortietreblemakerdesigns Bottom: @sunnywithachanceofyarn. Both on Instagram.

Before I even wrote my first pattern, I pattern tested for other designers. I have had some great experiences but I have also seen and heard some wild things! Those wild things pushed me to make the testing experience as good as I could for my testers.

I couldn't publish my patterns without the help of kind volunteers. Well, I could, but it would be a bit of a disaster!

Below: Some of the Isca pattern testers. The brave people who took a chance on a new crochet pattern designer.

Isca Testers. Top: @sushicrochets, @tortietreblemakerdesigns, @unikoiatelier Middle: @astrocrafting, @kh._crochet, @shainamakesstuff Bottom: @anyas.byrdnest, @sofiespaciovacio, @_.floop._ All on Instagram.

I have met some of my closest friends whilst pattern testing.

I met Emma (a.k.a Tortie Treble Maker Designs) whilst testing my first pattern, Isca. She tested Isca and I tested her first pattern, Clouds and Raindrops Cowl, at the same time. We’ve pattern tested every single one of each other’s patterns since then!

Emma wearing her beautiful Isca Top

Clouds and Raindrops Cowl

As some of my closest friends are my regular repeat pattern-testers, you can bet I’m going to try and treat them as well as I can.

I try to keep application forms, for tests, relatively basic. If you've tested for me before you're welcome to just send a DM. I don’t require an essay about why you’re interested in testing my pattern and I've avoided testing for other designers who do require that! I just need to know your name, email and, as I usually run my tests on Instagram, your Instagram account name.

I usually take on everybody who applies, depending on how many applicants I get. I love to meet new people and I’m hugely appreciative of anyone who wants to try my patterns.

You don’t need to tag 3 friends or share the tester call. Any shares are appreciated but not required.

Iceni Testers. Top: @tortietreblemakerdesigns, @welshe.krafts, @stinkydragonproductions Middle: @welshe.krafts, @tortietreblemakerdesigns, @welshe.krafts Bottom: @mellow.manzanita, @crumpetsandcrochet, @jessiegrace_crochet All on Instagram.

I usually make the testing period around 3 months long. I’m not in a rush and if extra time is needed then that’s fine too. We all have a lot of things going on and I like to keep the testing process as stress-free as possible. I am pro-stash busting but I know some testers will need time to locate yarn.

My patterns are usually made to measure and a little more complicated, so that involves a little more work for the tester: calculating their stitch counts, adjusting proportions of the garments to fit their bodies, letting me know where a little more information is needed etc.

The Tyto Alba test (pictured below) was a difficult one as the original instructions that worked for my body, didn't work for a lot of the testers. It needed a little troubleshooting!

Tyto Alba Testers. Top: @thebaldbee, @stephanie_makes, @crochet_yarn_love Middle: @tortietreblemakerdesigns, @sunnywithachanceofyarn, @utikcrochetncraft Bottom: @by.camty, @hekle_glad, @handmade_by_yours_truly All on Instagram.

I love to see any modifications that testers want to try. In fact, I often find modifications that I want to try. My recent Knarr test started off as a Knarr Hat and/or Sweater test but, a month in, I added a Knarr cardigan pattern for anyone who wanted to test it. I added a month. Those testers who are only testing the Knarr hat still get 4 months.

Knarr cardigan, hat and sweater

I don’t keep tabs on what my testers are doing and I don’t penalise anyone for not finishing. I appreciate any time that people have given me. I understand that life happens. I understand that someone might look at my pattern and find it too overwhelming. Not every pattern is suitable for every person and that’s ok.

I send final versions of the pattern out to all testers, including the ones who didn’t finish. I hope they will finish one day; I don’t want to block them from being able to do that.

Amanita Sweater Pattern Testers. Top: @crochetbymichellej, @kimstitchedmeup, @ixanicreations Middle: @nativecreativecrafts, @astrocrafting, @tortietreblemakerdesigns Bottom: @mon.amour.mona, @amethystmermaidesigns, @entangled.knots All on Instagram.

I also give out free patterns at the end of the test, it’s the least I can do to show my appreciation. Not much good for poor Emma who already has every single one of my patterns!

Arrowsmith Pattern Testers. Top: @thingsicrocheted, @anrycraftedbyhands, @ixanicreations Middle: @vcreativeadventures, @tortietreblemakerdesigns, @amethystmermaidesigns Bottom: @nikitadoomcrochets, @crochetbymichellej, @doralycrochet All on Instagram.

I start a new group chat for each pattern test and I love when testers meet new people and make friends. It may not be professional, but I love a friendly crochet-a-long atmosphere. I don't want anyone to be afraid to ask a question and I don't get mad if someone asks me a question that somebody else already asked.

Aquila Pattern Testers. Top: @forestxghostxcrochet, @vcreativeadventures, @anrycraftedbyhands Middle: @sunnywithachanceofyarn, @_.wish_if_you_can._, @tortietreblemakerdesigns Bottom: @nikitadoomcrochets, @amethystmermaidesigns, @nikitadoomcrochets

Calls for Pattern Testers will be announced here and on my Instagram account @pearledwing.

#crochet #patterntesters #patterntest