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 learn how makers get creative in how they arrange, add color to, and play with new Doodle charts.
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 testers are required to use only the 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 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 testers 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 only sent out via email (this part doesn't happen on social media). I'll preview in-progress photos of my latest projects on Instagram, though, so you'll have time to decide if it's right for you. The test knit email will provide the link to the application form for that specific test.
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TEST KNIT APPLICATIONS
My applications are 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
I currently 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 KNITTER 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.
Any and all feedback is welcome! I want to be responsive to customers' needs and preferences, so more comments means a better experience for everyone!
BENEFITS OF TESTING WITH PACIFIC KNIT CO.
Test knitters get many benefits throughout this process, including:
- Early access to unpublished charts
- A supported test knit with a fully tech-edited pattern
- Free copy of the final pattern
- One additional free pattern of their choice
- 50% off a Doodle Deck (minus shipping)
- Inclusion in a knitting community with a knit-a-long vibe
- Ability to ask questions directly to the designer (me!)
- Dedicated test knitter posts in Instagram feed and stories (be featured on my page!)
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Test Knit FAQs
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. So rather than saying "I love knitting" - it's more about telling me what you're excited about or why you want to try this pattern.
As part of the test knitter agreement, I ask for you to:
- Knit the test pattern charts on any one of my Base Doodle Patterns using any yarn you prefer
- Post your project to Ravelry (if accessible to you)
- Post photos to your Instagram with the pattern hashtag (if accessible to you)
- Provide any feedback via Dropbox
Additionally, I appreciate a 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. Pacific Knit Co. patterns are fully customizable, so knitters of all skill levels can join in and make the pattern work for them.
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.
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.
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!
