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 get to see how makers get creative in how they arrange, choose colors for, and play with new Doodle charts!

My Doodle Test Knits typically focus on "playing with the charts" rather than testing the pattern itself, so I like to encourage creativity in how and where you want to use the new charts.

While each test focuses on using only the NEW charts included in the current test knit, I love to see knitters:

Use as many or as few of the charts as they want
Try the charts on cowls, hats, socks, or other pattern shapes
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 testers to grow their online fiber community and gain new connections with other makers, the designer, and the dyer collaboration partner.

And now that we have our own test knit space in DoodleHQ, we can give our testers even more community and resources!

Does this sound like fun? Subscribe to our newsletter to get exclusive access to Doodle Test Knit Calls!

BENEFITS OF TESTING WITH PACIFIC KNIT CO.

Test knitters get many benefits throughout this process, including:

Early access to unpublished charts
FREE copy of the final pattern PDF
One additional FREE pattern of their choice
50% off a Doodle Deck (minus shipping)
NEW FOR 2026: FREE access to the test knit space in DoodleHQ
Ability to ask questions directly to the designer (me!)
NEW FOR 2026: Live virtual events exclusively for testers
Dedicated test knitter posts in Instagram feed and stories (be featured on my page!)

How I Run My Test Knits

TEST KNIT CALLS

Test knit calls are sent out in our newsletter, and announced in our DoodleHQ. We don' put out these test calls on Instagram anymore, so signing up for the newsletter will be the best way to stay in the loop!

I do often preview in-progress photos of my latest projects on Instagram, though, so you'll get to see a little of what's coming, and have time to decide if the next test is right for you!

TEST KNIT APPLICATIONS

Each test application is specific to the current pattern/deck, so you'll need to fill out a new application each time.

I use Google Forms to collect the relevant information I need in order to choose my testers. The application form also includes all the extra details like yardage, gauge, deadlines, etc. for the current test.

HOW I CHOOSE MY TEST KNITTERS

I love to choose test knitters who are interested in getting creative with Doodles, playing with color/motifs, and 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 who are most interested and most likely to enjoy the test.

I also weight my tests to include roughly 50% repeat Doodle testers and 50% new testers, which I find 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 COMMUNICATION

Starting in 2026, I'm starting to host test knits in the DoodleHQ app. This new space will host the group chat, as well as all the downloads and information the testers need.

And new to this space, we'll be hosting live virtual Cast-On Parties to kick of the test, as well as a virtual Show & Tell at the end, so we can all share our projects! I want to build communities and encourage test knitters to make friends during this process.

Sign up for my Newsletter to find out about my next test!

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.

I often get far more applications than I can manage in a test knit, so I can't select everyone every time. The best way to stand out is to give good answers to the application questions. This doesn't mean saying "I am so talented at knitting" - it's more about telling me what you're excited about or why you want to test this pattern.

Having a public Instagram is not a requirement of the test knit. We do appreciate and encourage testers to share their projects on social media, including Ravelry, but we understand that people might not want or be able to access different platforms.

We do ask that testers be willing to provide feedback to us, and we like having testers who enjoy being part of the group chat and community space.

We also ask that all testers be polite and respectful of other people and testers in all of our community spaces.

Nope! Doodle patterns are designed to be adaptable, so you can knit them with any level of experience. You can stick with two-color charts, or get as creative as you want with colors and complexity. You can make the patterns work for your skill level, but you can also make use of our tutorial library to learn some new techniques!

I do like to get a few beginners in each test, because I think Doodles are one of the best ways to get started with learning (and loving) colorwork knitting!

Nope! While we have moved to using our DoodleHQ as the home for our test knits, prior membership is not a requirement, nor will it affect your odds of being selected.

DoodleHQ will be the only place to access the group chat, but pattern feedback and individual support can be provided via other channels, if you prefer.

The designated test knit space in the DoodleHQ will include a group chat, all the important dates (including live virtual events for testers), all the important information about the test, as well as limited access to other resources in the wider DoodleHQ experience!

For accessories, I typically provide 4 weeks, which should allow for time to ship any yarn purchases required. Larger items will have longer test knit timelines accordingly.

Each application will list the specific timeline for that project, so as to allow you to make informed decisions on time commitment.

Most of my tests include 30-50 test knitters.

Due to the popularity of the test knits, I usually get far more applications that I can select (sometimes upwards of 500), so it's just not possible to pick every applicant, even if they are all amazing!

Once all the knitters for the current test have been selected, I will send out an email to everyone who applied - letting them know either way. I aim to get this done in a timely manner after the closing date of the test call.

Due to popularity of my patterns, I cannot choose all applicants to who apply, simply due to demand. Please remember that not getting selected is not personal, and I encourage you to keep applying.

If there is a test knit that you are particularly interested in, feel free to reach out and engage with our team!