Difference between Testers and Tech Editors

Crochet 🧶
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I thought I would outline some ways that tech editors are different from pattern testers as I believe that many designers and crochet enthusiasts may not be entirely clear on this! Thank you to @anon5108995 for the suggestion.

  1. Tech editors do not crochet your item. Instead, they will edit your pattern by using spreadsheets, visualization and sometimes charts.

  2. Crochet pattern testers are usually unpaid. Tech editors are usually paid by the hour or job. However, you will probably recoup the money you invest in editing with your high quality pattern.

  3. Tech editors will verify your math. Testers will find some math errors while they work up your pattern. A tech editor will check your grading, stitch counts, row counts and even yardage.

  4. Tech editors check for typos, grammatical errors and consistency in style. Testers are great for pointing out typos. However, tech editors will specifically be looking for errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation. We will review each line for even minute errors.

  5. Tech editors make sure your pattern is complete and contains all of the necessary elements a quality, professional pattern should have. This includes such things as the gauge measurements, abbreviations section, what terminology is being used and much more.

  6. Your tech editor will ensure that your pattern follows industry standards and/or a stylesheet if you have one.

  7. Tech editors will ensure consistency and clarity. Did you bold every section title? Did you italicize your instructions throughout the whole pattern? Would anyone be able to read your pattern, understand your instructions and create what you intended?

I have a full blog post on this and other topics on my website (link in profile). I am always updating and adding to it!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!

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That’s really helpful! I honestly hadn’t thought about differences between them, but it looks like I think like a tech editor when I’ve tested lately.

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I’ve been collaborating with @StitchReader over the past week on one of my patterns Gaymer Vest: Crochet pattern | Ribblr

And her attention to the details has been incredible. Spotting the little things that I missed (even when you proof your own patterns you still miss things like full stops and bad spacings). Charting parts of the pattern, checking my maths was correct and in keeping with my gauge. @StitchReader picked up stitch counts that had been missed during testing. She also helped me with formatting, making sure that I had the correct row numbers, notes and information in the right places.

It’s the first time I’ve had the opportunity to work with a tech editor first hand. I’ve had patterns published in magazines, which get tech edited before publication but was not given the feedback.

I have to say that I am definitely going to be working with @StitchReader again. I have a new found confidence with publishing patterns thanks to the work that we have done this week on the Gaymer Vest Top.

I would highly recommend any designer to have their pattern checked by a tech editor in addition to testers before publishing. It gives a whole new insight into the designing process.

PS - @StitchReader you can use this as a testimony on your site :grin: thank you again.

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Thank you so much Faye. This means so much. It has been an absolute pleasure!

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