How Designers Can Create the Best Test Knitting Experience
While test knitting is crucial to the success of a pattern, the rules for the process are quite loose. For small designers, each set their own testing guidelines, some of which may or may not be communicated with the testers themselves. And sometimes, testers end up feeling stressed or unappreciated by the designer. In this blog post, you will find suggestions from fellow test knitters for how designers can improve their test knitting processes. However, even if you’re not a designer, keep reading to learn what the test knitting process entails and how it could better for everyone involved.
This post is the 2nd in a 3 part series on test knitting! In the first post, you can read about the purpose and process of test knitting, and in the third post, you can get tips to help test knitters get chosen and do an awesome job!
Test Knitter Recommendations for Designers
The truth of the matter is that designers need test knitters to make their patterns successful. Because of that fact, it’s important that designers treat test knitters with respect and create a positive experience. The recommendations below are based off of feedback submitted from fellow testers:
Cynthia W. (@cyntisknits): Give Clear Expectations
“I love test knitting for designers who are honest about deadlines and provide as much info upfront as possible!! If you have a hard deadline, that's okay, but I would like to know that before applying. Is there flexibility in the deadline? As a test knitter I am better able to decide if I can apply and know I can complete the project in a way that is beneficial to the designer.”
Recommendation for Designers: Provide clear expectations on as much as possible when putting out the testing call, from the deadline to if/how many pictures you want testers to submit at the end of the process.
Anete K. (@anetekruusmagi): Group Chats Can Be Overwhelming
“Many designers use test knitting groups, and I don't find them especially fun or helpful. I love to communicate directly with the designer through email. But if asked, I always say yes to be added in the group because I think otherwise I will not be selected. It's of course fun to make knitting friends, but if the testers group is too big, it can easily get overwhelming.”
Recommendation for Designers: Group chats can be easier to manage for designers because if someone has a question, others might as well, and designers can answer it in one place for everyone to see. Also, other test knitters may be able to answer some questions for their peers. If you go with a group chat route, maybe give test knitters the option to personally message or email you if they prefer.
Megan L. (@meg__knits): Social Media Interaction
"I was peeved by the fact that the designer I test knit for interacted with me very minimally on Instagram throughout the process. They didn't interact with my story posts about the test knit, and didn't even like or comment on my post until the day of release, despite being told we could post as much as we wanted about it before release. It made me feel like I wasn't valued and almost like I should just feel lucky to have test knit for this person. Reposting stories or posts you're tagged in as a designer, or even just private messaging, makes the person testing feel validated in what they're doing, and I think that's really important for the process as a test knitter."
Recommendation for Designers: Designers should follow and interact with their test knitters on social media if they use that platform often. (Personally, I added all of my test knitters to my “Favorites” so I make sure to see their posts.) Test knitters are basically working for designers for very little to no money, and the designer likely selected them because they like their work. It is important to show test knitters respect. Period.
Alexa M. (@fiberofherbeing): Modifications + Appreciation
“As someone who is super petite, I’ve really appreciated designers letting me make small mods so I end up with something I’ll actually wear + love. I also especially appreciate those that have offered yarn support and/or a second free pattern from their designs as a little something extra! But of course, I don’t expect that from a newbie designer, but for one that has multiple successful patterns and are doing well with their pattern-making, it’s a nice way to appreciate your testers’ work!”
Recommendation for Designers: Consider letting test knitters make at least small modifications to the test knitting project (especially since many other knitters will likely do the same after the pattern is launched), and offer them support where you can!
Annie O. (@niealamode): Recognize Your Testers
“When designers dismiss suggestions, they post your finished test knit images without tagging you, or don't repost your finished test knit at all.”
Recommendations for Designers: Designers should listen to their test knitters’ suggestions or explain why they may not take the suggestion. They should also tag test knitters and give them photo credits in posts and product listings. It's a good idea to set clear expectations before sharing photos on whether or not everyone's work will be posted.
Bi C. (@abeecreates): Confirmation Emails Are Awesome
“I think it’s nice when designers send out confirmation emails before they send the pattern. If I'm stressed that week, I sometimes forget about signing up for test knits. If designers take their time sorting through applications, I have likely signed up for other test knits while waiting to hear back. If a designer doesn't confirm with me first and sends me the pattern, I’m not comfortable saying that I’m too busy, so I end up being stressed about knitting it ☹️.”
Recommendations for Designers: Designers should confirm with selected test knitters instead of assuming that the test knitter is still available to do the project.
Andrea Ch. (@oopsnloops): Create a Welcoming Group
“I think building a nice and welcoming group is important! If not, it almost feels too impersonal and creates a weird dynamic between test knitters and the designer.”
Recommendation for Designers: If a designer creates a group chat for knitters, make sure to set a positive and welcoming tone so that everyone feels excited and welcome to participate.
I wholeheartedly believe that the knitting community is a special tribe to be a part of. Within this community, we rely on each other’s skill sets and work in order for us all to get the most out of our hobbies and art. From herders to spinners, from dyers to local yarn shops, and from designers to test knitters. All of these players are crucial in order for this community to function.
Test knitting takes work, and because test knitters usually only get a free pattern out of the experience, it is very important for designers to make the process itself fun and positive. The suggestions from test knitters above are a great way to do so.
If you are a maker who is thinking of test knitting for the first time, or has applied to test knit but haven’t been chosen yet, then you won’t want to miss next week's post! We give tips to test knitters to help you stand out among other applicants and how you can do an awesome job!