Hallu. Started crocheting last year in september and i am totally addicted. Found now my way to Ribblr and love this place here. I cant daily crochet but try my best because its soo much fun. Have a little daughter 2 years old. My question is if i am apply to a tester call how long can i say i am a beginner…its not about time i think more about things made or things learned… i am totally excited about your opinion to this. So what would you say???
Here is some “definitions” I could find
"Level 1, Beginner
Projects for first-time crocheters using basic stitches. Minimal shaping.
Our interpretation of this level includes:
- Ch, Sc, Hdc, Dc in simple forms, using basic repeats and patterns
- Projects worked in rows without shaping
- No special stitches or techniques
- Projects may include: washcloth, scarf
Level 2, Easy
Projects using basic stitches, repetitive stitch patterns, simple color changes. Simple shaping and finishing.
Our interpretation of this level includes everything in the beginner level, plus:
- Simple stitch and row patterns, specialty stitches and techniques
- Simple color changes
- Simple shaping and finishing (tubes and increasing rounds)
- Projects may include: Hat, cowl
Level 3, Intermediate
Projects using a variety of techniques. Mid-level shaping and finishing.
Our interpretation of this level includes everything in the beginner and easy levels, plus:
- Complex stitch and row patterns, variety of specialty stitches and techniques
- Mid-level shaping and finishing (simple seam or join, increases & decreases)
- Projects may include: Triangle shawl with specialty stitches, basic amigurumi
Level 4, Experienced
Projects with intricate stitch patterns, techniques and dimensions; non-repeating patterns, multi colored techniques, fine threads, small hooks. Detailed shaping and refined finishing.
Our interpretation of this level includes everything in the beginner, easy and intermediate levels, plus:
- Intricate stitch and row patterns, involved specialty stitches and techniques
- Multi-colored techniques (tapestry, tunisian, fair isle, intarsia)
- Dimension (multiple seams or joins)
- Projects may include: Multi-piece garments, fair isle sweater with multiple specialty stitches and techniques
And so, it’s possible to have only crocheted for a few months and completely execute an Experienced level motif lacework sweater with fitted panels!
And, it’s also possible to have crocheted for decades, crocheting hundreds of items, and not have advanced past the Easy level."
Thank you
I would say that if you are confident with your work and you are having fun with it, try out an intermediate pattern! If you aren’t totally happy with the result, stick to beginner for now and work your way up! I have a cute funfetti bunny in my shop that is intermediate level if you’d like to give it a shot! Also feel free to contact me if you have any issues!
My Charlie the chicken is also an experienced-beginner pattern!
I think it’s up to you! Maybe try looking at some other free intermediate patterns to see if you can do it. Otherwise, stick to a few beginner projects until you’re pretty comfortable
Many of the tester leads are flexible, and I think they’d understand if you say you are somewhat comfortable with crocheting and that you may not get stuck or not finish by the deadline
While testing you can also message either your group chat or individually to help and make sense of everything
Lastly, if you get chosen for a harder test, you can always use other resources! I’m not sure about the rules of testing but I’m pretty sure you can reach out to us as long as you don’t show the entire pattern and stuff like that. I also find YouTube videos and other websites particularly helpful when I’m stuck. Hope this helps and makes sense!
Good luck!!
tbh i think it really depends on your confidence i started late jan this year, and jumped straight into trying to make amigurumi because that was what appealed to me! i successfully made a ball on my first try and decided i was pretty much ready to try everything!
of course, when i applied for tester calls, even when they involved techniques i wasn’t familiar with, i would take the time to educate myself with videos etc and make sure to still complete the tester call as “professionally” as i could. so far, i think it’s worked out well - i’ve not had a tester call that i couldn’t complete due to “inexperience”. it may help to start small / with easier patterns to gain confidence
I find crochet doesn’t take long to become intermediate, compared to many other activities. I think you are a beginner when you still need to watch videos of what you are making, can make simple shapes, and need very detailed explanations. When you are intermediate, you can read a pattern and understand the general techniques used without too much explanations. For example, in a beginner pattern, I would explain how to close the hole at the end of an amigurumi, but in an intermediate one, I would just write “close the hole” because you are supposed to know if already.
I think you are intermediate when you have crocheted some more complex shapes (for example a dragon is more complex than an octopus keyring), and when you are used to some common techniques, like how to make different types of stitches, making a color change, sewing parts together, embroidering details, etc.
You could try intermediate patterns. If you are a beginner, you could be a bit overwhelmed if you don’t know everything, but you can always watch videos about each technique.
If you want to test intermediate patterns, I advice to look at some intermediate free patterns, and see if you understand it. If not, you could watch youtube tutorials of intermediate patterns. That’s how I learned most of it, seeing it on video really helps to understand, and to get used of it so you avoid mistakes in the future.
I’d say it’s just about how much you crochet, and it’s difficulty. When I was first starting, I made an easy little amigurumi penguin from a woobles kit, then I kind of jumped into any pattern I wanted regardless the difficulty! Of course they didn’t look great at first, but after I played around with yarns and hook sizes I figured out how to make my crochet nicer. Now, I’d say I’m intermediate-advanced maybe? It really depends what I’m making though. As for tests, don’t be afraid to try new things! I know that tests on here are one of the main reasons I’ve learned so much, and as others have said, you can always look up a video!
Two points on pattern levels:
- It’s very much about what you know and
- Levels are subjective. (Though the explanations provided by @LuckyKnotofGold are pretty stellar.)
If you were to apply for one of my tests at a higher level than is stated on your profile I wouldn’t think twice about approving you. In fact, I absolutely appreciate it when I have beginners testing higher level patterns - it helps to ensure that my patterns are clear before they’re released. If you’re unsure about a pattern test - just ask! Most designers are happy to answer questions posed by potential testers.