Get the help you need to ensure that your patterns are the absolute best they can be and gain a reputation with your customers for clear, well-written patterns.
Reduce the number of queries from testers and customers alike and save time on pattern support. See below for more information on what a full tech edit involves.
With over 20 years of knitting experience and more than 15 in crochet, I have tried almost every technique you can think of. I came from working as a sample knitter and pattern tester, then moved into translating and tech editing, completing comprehensive courses for both knitting and crochet through Cool Wool School.
I will always keep your voice and style: I won’t rewrite your pattern to fit someone else’s (unless you ask me to!). You can expect personal, friendly attention and as many rounds of feedback as needed until you are completely happy with the result.
My training covered all kinds of patterns from toys to garments and everything in between. My specialties in knitting are top-down in-the-round garments and modular constructions.
My goal as a tech editor is to ensure that your pattern is:
Everything the maker needs to work the pattern has been included; all materials and notions are stated; all abbreviations are included; any special techniques or stitch patterns have been explained; gauge and sizing information is complete with details on ease where applicable; finishing instructions are given.
The formatting and style of the pattern are used the same way throughout; abbreviations are consistent; different sizes are annotated the same way; any shaping is consistent and the different parts of the garment match or mirror each other where they should.
Charts or diagrams are clearly labelled; special stitches, techniques, or abbreviations are explained; the instructions are easy to understand and appropriate for your intended audience; information is given on how to swatch, how much yarn is needed, whether ease is included, and how to choose the right size.
Condensed, more precise instructions where appropriate. This will depend on your intended audience and your style, and may be more important for patterns intended for publication in a book or magazine.
I will check all the numbers in the pattern to see that stitch counts add up on every row/round; the repeats work; the item will turn out to the specified measurements according to the stated gauge; any charts/diagrams are correct, properly labelled, and match written instructions; any shaping works as intended. I can also check yarn requirements, but for this I will need the weight of a sample worked exactly to pattern.
Comments and highlighting.
«Track changes» function and/or comments feature.
In «Suggesting» mode and/or comments feature.
If a large number of style changes need to be made — for example to fit the style guide for a magazine submission — these changes can be made directly without tracking, if you prefer.
If you have any questions or you have a pattern you would like me to look at, don’t hesitate to get in touch.