I am applying for 3 testing zones. I have free time 3 days a week but I’m forced to study a lot and I’m making Christmas presents for my teacher’s kids (a bunny and yoshi from Mario). Is 3 too many? Wow I just realized how many 3s there are…
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I think it’s fine bc u probally won’t make it into all of them but if you get accepted to all you could always back it of one if u think it’s to much work- but also school is a lot so rly your choice
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The most I had at one point was 4, maybe 5? It was hard because I was in school, so I wasn’t able to crochet a lot in my free time.
If I already have 2 in my testing library, I probably won’t apply for a new one until I finish one. It’s just going to depend on your vibe. Testing isn’t just about getting a free pattern; you’re helping the pattern owner make sure their pattern is ready. That means giving notes and feedback, which takes time. Rushing to finish the test and not leaving any feedback or notes—that’s not testing the right way.
So for me, 3 active testers is about my max.
oh and btw, applying to a tester call doesn’t always mean you’ll get accepted :p
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This is a really great question.
It will vary from person to person based on their lifestyle and other commitments.
Some things to keep in mind are:
- Due dates: I like to have due dates spread out over a period of time. For example: a test might be due every 5 days. You don’t want them all to be due on the same day.
- Your other life commitments plus testing. Can you allocate say an hour or 2 each day to test/crochet?
- Use a calendar to write out the due dates of your pattern tests so you don’t forget and they are visible at a glance.
If you applied for 3 tests and get accepted, if they’re all due within a week, you might struggle to get them completed. Whereas, if one is due each week for the next 3 weeks, it’s going to be easier to manage.
Do you have the yarn etc you need for the tests, or, do you have to go and buy it before you can start? This will add more time and delays to getting a start on testing.
Don’t forget, it’s not just about crocheting/making the item. You’ll also need time to provide any relevant feedback.
How big are the patterns? If they’re just small items that only require a couple of hours to make then 3 in a week might be easier than if they are larger items that require colour changes and multiple components that need to be sewn together.
Ultimately, only you know what is going to be realistic for you to complete.
I would recommend that, if at any stage in the testing process, you find yourself struggling to complete a test, please reach out to the pattern designer to let them know and to ask them if a small extension is possible. It is always better to reach out and admit you’re struggling, than to ignore/ghost the designer.
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the most i’ve had at a time is eight, and I would definitely not recommend doing that, it was infintely stressful. I think three is a good amount!
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It depends on how much a person can handle.
Look at testing due dates, duration, pattern complexity (easy to hard) and materials.
Over commiting can slowly break a person down mentally and then cause resentment. Towards yourself and others. Plus only you can determine how many is too much.
So my advice is tryout a few and figure out your own strategy.
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I think that should be okay!
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