One of the best parts of my job is getting to work with my test knitters.

Don't get me wrong, it's quite fun to knit my own sample and think, "hey, this looks pretty good!" But when I get to see what other knitters do with the pattern... it's, well, magical! I love it when I'm so inspired by my test knitters' color choices and creativity that it makes me want to knit my own pattern again (and again.....and again)!

Wondering how to get involved?

The first step to becoming a tester with Pacific Knit Co. is to sign up for my newsletter to ensure that you hear about all the upcoming testing opportunities (we don't post test knit calls on social media anymore so the newsletter is the exclusive source for test knit announcements).

If you want to read more about what testing with Pacific Knit Co. is like, head over to the Test Knitter webpage for all the details.

Whether it's for me, or any other amazing knitwear designer, here are a few tips to help get you started!

 

Tip #1: Start a knitting-focused Instagram account

Almost every designer these days has an active social media presence. We enjoy sharing our photos, seeing photos of others' projects, and getting inspired by all the wonderful knits out there.

Because this has become such a great (and important) way to reach other knitters, many designers prefer that their testers have a public-facing account. This not only enables test knitters to share their own work (with hashtags), but it also allows designers to share the test knits on their own accounts to promote the pattern.

This is partly why I personally like to select a larger group of test knitters compared to many other designers. More testers means more people sharing images of the pattern around the release day. It's all about inspiration and excitement, and the more unique versions of a pattern, the better!

If you prefer to keep your personal account private, I highly recommend starting a separate knitting-focused account if you plan to test knit for a lot of designers. It can help build out your portfolio of work, and, over time, you will begin to create a following of fellow knitters too!

 

Tip #2: Always read all the requirements of the test

A good testing call should include basic information you will need to know, such as yarn weight, gauge, yardage, sizes, etc. This will give you an idea of whether the project is aligned to your preferences and needs.

Often, there will also be notes about any special knitting techniques that are required. This is intended to help you decide if you'd be able to comfortably knit this pattern. For example, while I classify most of my knit designs as "adventurous beginner," you may not yet feel confident with your skills in grafting live stitches or knitting a bobble. No worries if not! Designers just don't want to set you up for frustration with a pattern that isn't right for you right now.

Next is the timeframe. Test knitting deadlines can vary from designer to designer, and may differ depending on the garment. A hat could be as little as 2 weeks, while a sweater is often 6-8+ weeks. Make sure you are comfortable with this timeline before committing to a test knit.

With all that in mind, it's best to only apply if you believe you can fully commit to completing the pattern. We know that life sometimes gets in the way of knitting, but reliability is a great way to get into a designer's good books. If something does come up, reach out and let them know! (please don't ghost designers!).

 

Tip #3: Be open to providing feedback

While patterns that are out for test are typically already tech edited, even the best-written pattern could still have parts that are unclear. That's the point of test knitting! To make sure that knitters of various skill levels (or even languages) can still properly interpret and knit the pattern.

And it's about more than just proof-reading the text. Improving the accessibility of knitting patterns for a broader group of makers is an important aspect of knit design today. So talk to the designer if there are ways you think that the accessibility or inclusiveness of a pattern can be improved, such as larger font size, color-blind friendly graphics, or higher contrast charts!

Whether it's a typo or a technique that doesn't make sense, don't be shy - reach out to the designer and make it better together! This is an important part of the test knit, and a great way to show your value as a tester!

 

Tip #4: Develop your photography skills

Eye-catching photos are key to promoting a new design. You'll want to think about how to stage both in-progress photos, as well as finished ones. The more you are able to share during the test knit, the more excited both the designer and the knit community will be! (and honestly, I'm still a little giddy every time I see someone post one of my designs!)

The two most important things are: learn how to take good selfies and learn how to style a great flat lay photo of your knitting.

Want my top tips? We have a whole blog post about Styling Flat Lay Photos

For selfies, it helps to have a tri-pod (or other system) so that you can properly get your torso in the shot. If you feel a little self-conscious, that's normal. Remember that what you're really trying to photograph is the knitting, not your face! Style your knit in such a way that it becomes the focus, and you are just there to... give it something to sit on.

For flay-lays, it helps to have a flat, bright space, with consistent lighting. It's also fun to add props or stylize your images with leftover yarn balls or seasonal greenery. Find a few props that tell the story of your knit - whether that's a favorite stitch marker, or your project bag. Have fun and try different arrangements until you get something you love!

If you're stuck, you could always browse some of your favorite knit designers' feeds and see how they do it! You don't have to try to copy their exact photography style, but beautiful and engaging project photos are a great way to catch the designer's attention during a test knit!

 

Tip #5: Engage in community-building

This one is simple: just engage! If you are interested in test knitting, it's likely that knitting is a big part of your life. But in this remote/digital world, it's easy to feel distant and disconnected from other knitters.

Engage with your fellow test knitters, comment on the designer's posts, tag designers/dyers/makers in your own posts. No knitter is so big that they don't still get a little dopamine hit when they see people interacting with their art. We're all here to support each other and build each other up, and designers love to see positive and active voices in their tests (and beyond).

 

Happy Doodling!

 

Blog written by Jamie Lomax