BUILD THE KNIT COMMUNITY
TEST KNITTING
Modular colorwork is designed to unleash the creativity within you, and help you learn how to design your own patterns within a flexible structure.
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I love Doodle Test Knits because I learn how makers get creative in how they arrange, add color, and play with new Doodle Motifs.
My Doodle Test Knits typically focus on "testing the charts" rather than "testing the pattern" (because my base patterns are tried and true) so I like to encourage creativity in how and where you want to use the new charts.
While you'll be required to use only the charts included in the test knit, feel free to:
- Try them on socks, sweaters, mittens, etc.
- Rotate, crop, or combine charts in interesting ways
- Play with color palettes or different yarn weights
- And more!
I also focus on running community-building test knits that encourage tests to grow their online fiber community and gain new connections with other makers, the designer, and the dyer collaboration partner.
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How I Run My Test Knits
TEST KNIT CALLS
My test knit calls are sent out via email. I'll preview in-progress photos of my latest projects on Instagram, so you'll have time to decide if it's right for you. The test knit call will link you to my application form for that specific test. Each test has a unique application.
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TEST KNIT APPLICATION
My applications are specific to the pattern, so you'll need to fill on out each time. I use Google Forms to collect relevant information required to choose my knitters, as well as inform you of all the requirements of the test knit.
HOW I CHOOSE MY TEST KNITTERS
I love to choose test knitters that are interested in getting creative with Doodles, playing with color/motifs, building the online fiber knitting community.
My favorite application question is "Why do you want to test knit THIS pattern specifically?" I really enjoy reading those answers and they often help me choose the people most interested and most likely to enjoy the test.
I also weight my tests to include roughly 50% repeat testers and 50% new testers, which provides a good mix of experience in reading my style of pattern writing. I actually love to have "first time testers" because I feel I offer a really fun experience!
TEST KNIT FORUM
I run my test knits on Instagram, using the group chat feature, as I find that it allows for easy communication and engagement with my groups. I want to build communities and encourage test knitters to make friends during this process.
TEST KNIT FEEDBACK
Feedback is collected through the group chat, or as direct comments on the pattern PDF via DropBox. I use an online commenting feature in order to provide a single source to collect all feedback, as well as make any necessary updates required during the test knit.
At the end of the test knit, I will also send out a Google Form to collect final feedback including yardage, gauge, needle size, finished dimensions, etc.
TEST KNIT BENEFITS
Test knitters get many benefits throughout this process, including:
- Early access to an unpublished pattern
- Free copy of the final pattern
- One free additional pattern on Ravelry
- 50% off a Doodle Deck (minus shipping)
- Knitting community with a Knit-a-long vibe
- Ability to ask questions directly to the designer (me!)
- Dedicated test knitter posts in IG feed and stories
Test Knit FAQs
I select my test knitters individually per pattern design.
When a design is ready, a test knitting call will go out via email. Knitters are encouraged to apply to those that they are interested in, however, due to demand, I cannot select all applicants.
To sign up to hear about upcoming test knit calls, sign up above.
As part of the test knitter agreement, I ask for you to:
- Post project to Ravelry (if accessible to you)
- Post photos to Instagram with pattern hashtag
- Provide feedback via Dropbox
Additionally, I appreciate knitting-focused Instagram profiles and willingness to engage with the knitting community in a safe and accessible manner.
Nope! Because my patterns are geared towards beginners, especially as a way to learn how to do colorwork, I often look for beginners to test knit with me.
For accessories, I typically provide 4 weeks, which often allows for time to ship any yarn purchases required.
Each application will list the specific timeline for that project, so as to allow you to make informed decisions on time commitment.
As part of the designer agreement, you get:
- Early access to an unpublished pattern
- Free copy of the final pattern
- One free additional pattern on Ravelry
- 50% off a Doodle Deck (minus shipping)
- Knitting community with a Knit-a-long vibe
- Ability to ask questions directly to the designer (me!)
- Dedicated test knitter posts in IG feed and stories
Due to the popularity of the test knits, I usually have a fairly high number of applicants. I also like to get a good mix of new/seasoned knitters, locations, demographics, etc.
Most of my test knits include 25-40 test knitters.
Due to popularity of my patterns, I cannot choose all applicants to who apply, simply due to demand.
Often, if you are not selected, it is not personal and I encourage you to keep applying.
If there is a test knit that you are specifically interested in, feel free to reach out and engage.