NOT A TEST - Question about testing.

Testing zone
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Okay, question for all the pattern makers who do test calls…

I know that test calls are an important part of the development of your pattern. You want to make sure there are no issues before releasing a pattern, whether paid or free.

I also know that having people pattern test can be stressful, especially if some testers ghost you and dont do the test and dont respond to any of your messages. Which isnt very nice. And just disrespectful to your time.

But can I ask something from the other side, I am a tester, can I ask why some pattern makers even get their pattern tested if they are not going to take anything the testers have said and just release the pattern riddled with errors and mistakes?
No one’s time should be wasted, not the creators chasing testers and not the testers time and effort, especially the testers that really go above and beyond to help you find errors and even give you advice or how to change it in the pattern to make it work.
I feel really annoyed seeing a pattern released exactly how it was given to me at the start of testing, when I found so many issues and I even provided all the info I could to help the creator make their pattern the best it can be.

Edit to say - I’m not talking about design choices or personal preferences. I am talking about actual errors and mistakes that make the pattern incorrect and if left like that, people who use your pattern wont have their creation turn out how you say it does. Because the stitch count is wrong. The increases or decreases you used were wrong.

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As someone who has had their own testers I can say it depends what notes I take!

I will always change number counts, stitch issues, assembly notes, or anything that really effects the outcome of the pattern. But there are some notes I choose not to use. The notes I don’t use are usually things I feel are preferences. Like the terminology I use or that i have (sc, inc) x 6 but someone prefers (inc, sc) x 6. Those comments I feel are up to me, but it is nice to see them because if I have 8 testers and they are all saying that, it’s nice to know what the majority perfers and I’ll probably change it!

But I’ve been on the other end too, it can be frustrating to see notes not taken. But in the end they own the pattern so if they want it to be crappy it’s on them :joy:

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I can certainly innerstand your questions.
Im a designer and tester so the balance between pattern edits and down right changing patterns is a fine line. Patterns should be written technically and testers need to leave their personal preference and opinion out. I’ve had some salty testers. I don’t mind creativity with colors or adding certian things but just don’t rewrite the pattern.
Designers really should hire a pattern editor however it’s not always what happens.
When a designer looks at edits or suggestions
One of two things is usually the issue.
Either they aren’t editing at all and are upset at the edits and won’t say a thing or they aren’t aware that it’s important to edit their pattern and do the proper thing.

Designing is hard just like being an author it requires a proper formate

Math needs to be accurate, proper bracket usage, stitch count is a must, gauge, spelling,
Finished size, yarn usage.
Not everyone should be a designer but like everything else it’s a learned skill. Just like testing it’s a learned skill.
So testers should continue to check for errors no matter what and just because one pattern test goes sideways doesn’t mean that designer will always have issues and vice versa. However there’s not always growth either. So I would suggest keeping a open mind but also be aware. Bottom line here there’s issues on both sides unless either side is willing to change behavior’s.
Im certainly learning still after designing for two years.

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So Ive had quite a few patterns tested at this point sometimes there is feedback I take on and other times there is feedback that I choose to not act on. Usually if its an error it will be corrected as testers are going through the pattern. That is what I try to do anyway. Errors should always be edited so that everything goes smoothly with the pattern. Pattern creators should always put in the effort to make things better after testing. As going through testing in itself is a lot of effort. Anyone who has tested for me has been amazing at giving me feedback and sometimes having to rework something with me to make it easier for them and others. At one point I had an issue with a wing because it was hard to understand so I reworded it in the pattern saved it and sent them a screenshot to check if it was better.

I understand the annoyance of that as its something youve put time and effort into. It is the creators responsibility at the end of the day but perhaps they made a mistake or their edits didn’t save. That most likely isnt the case but I hope your next pattern testing experience goes better.

With style choices unless it makes the pattern bad or hard to work with I will keep the original design feature. For example i use a bundle of double crochets instead of a bobble stitches because they feel better to fidget with.

I also have tested a bit and had some issues with that. Including someone basically saying to work it out myself when it came to working something out. That was only my 4th test or there about. Also it can be upsetting to get feedback at times especially when its huge edits or it changes your whole design. Before now ive completely restarted patterns at the end of a test.

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I have had testers ghost me. I do the test respond with mistakes or questions and never hear from them. Had this happen 2 or 3 times so frustrating especially not sure what is going on and cant figure the pattern so sitting with a WIP waiting on the designer to get back with you.

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unless its a stylistic choice ([inc, sc] instead of [sc,inc] or something similar) i almost always take testers feedback

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I’ve tested many patterns, and I know that many other testers get annoyed when the pattern writer doesn’t take their advice. However, I personally think of testers advice as suggestions. The designer doesn’t have to take any of it, although it would be weird if they had their pattern tested and didn’t take any suggestions, but that’s on them in my opinion. I have my suggestions that I can apply myself if I choose to make the pattern again, whether or not the designer changes anything.

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I feel you. One time I wrote a whole paragraph of feedback because the pattern was confusing and not particularly well written. They responded saying that “it’s going to be a free pattern so it doesn’t need to be professional” and i was kinda like bamboozled.

I totally understand not always doing exactly what your testers tell you, sometimes I haven’t done what’s been suggested because it would involve changing my entire design. But when it comes to the written quality, I think it’s important to listen. Their pattern was honestly quite poorly written and bits I struggled to understand, so I suggested they word it better (with examples on how to make it more readable!!) and they discarded it. No hate to them, but ??? don’t you want to make your pattern more legible??

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“its going to be a free pattern it doesnt need to be professional” APDHWKEBD9WN WHAT-
that is so disrespectful to both your testers and the people who are going to take time out of their lives to make their patterns
whoever said that… im concerned

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What someone said that? Honestly thats like buying a craft kit and the instructions are half missing. Or the supplies are half gone.

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literally like :melting_face::melting_face:

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frrr!!

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As a pattern tester,thakfully i havnet experienced anything negative. I mean I have had a few people who didn’t fix the errors even though a few other testers told them about the issue. I’ve made a note not to test for them again. I also post tester calls and their feedback is really important to me so I try to respond within a couple of hours.

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From my view as a designer, I don’t use EVERY suggestion I get. Things like st counts and misspellings, that gets fixed as soon as I’m alerted to those.

When it comes to things like: how to word something, how to order things/notes that make the most sense, and even extra notes to make sure that crafters dont get confused, I try to remain open minded and go to that part of the pattern to understand where they are coming from. I don’t always take these suggestions and use them, but I always try to write back and explain why.

I also try to take into account what level I have the pattern set to, like I understand that I will have to do more in-depth explaining on a beginner pattern than I would on other patterns. But if I have something labeled as intermediate, or even advanced, I expect certain skills to be acquired (like know the difference between a bbl and PC st, or know how to color change, even close the piece). That doesn’t mean I won’t give tips and tricks and explain the harder parts, but I expect a little intuition.

However, I will say I’ve had times where I’m completely unwilling to change certain things. Example: in my sitting zoo pattern, I have a “base” pattern that is used and many extra pieces and modified rounds to make the many different animals. The way I had it structured was that I had important notes at the top, all the extra pieces that need to be made (by animal), the base pattern with the modified rounds, and finally and assembly/embroidery needed (by animal). I had some testers give feedback saying that I should have the base pattern at the top, something I was frankly unwilling to do. In order for me to keep things no/low sew, many of the extra pieces were attached in the round and if you started with the base pattern without these pieces already, they wouldn’t be no/low sew. I had notes at the very being explaining as how to read the pattern and things that pop up multiple times throughout the pattern, but it sometimes feels like testers don’t read these starting notes and that can get annoying. However I did have other suggestions as to how to help negate this issue without having to basically rewrite the entire pattern, and those I took and implemented.

For me, (as I tend not to have many issues regarding st counts or even placement) I find that there is a fine line between being to wordy and not enough explanation. Some people refuse to read larger sections… I am more than happy to hear testers out and even better if you have very specific suggestions (like better way of wording). However I do sometimes feel like my notes/tips and tricks are not being read, because there are times were I get a question in the groupchat, and if they just read the notes like a line or two above/below, they wouldn’t have had to ask the question in the first place… that’s what can really get to me

At times it can feel like I’m a teacher and not a designer… like I try my best to give photos and videos on things that I have no doubt will be confusing word wise… but they sometimes get ignored

Now as a tester: I try to read through the whole pattern before I even start. I’ve had a couple of tests were I basically rewrote the entire pattern, some use it, other don’t. Those who don’t use them, it will reflect in my journal, I will explain why I might not recommend (and I mean the pattern being unusable, not minor stuff).

I also feel like I have a bit of intuition so that when I have questions, I can for the most part figure it out on my own. And when I go to give feedback, I try to order them as “fixes”, “suggestions”, and “personal changes”

Fixes: st counts, misspellings, wrong st used (inc vs dec, MR vs MC), rows in the round order, etc
Suggestions: rewordings, when to stuff, order of making, maybe a photo for step x, etc.
Personal changes: changed to make things no/low sew, part of the pattern juat wasn’t working for me and I freehanded some of it, changed safety eye placement, etc.

I always give a reason why, I don’t want the designer to think I just did whatever because I could; I’m testing their pattern, not making one of my own. I think that’s one of the things that matter most to me, I like reasons as to why, because if I can’t understand why there was/needs to be a change, I’m less likely to make the necessary changes (not on obvious things of course).

…wow… that was a lot… I hope this gives some insight for someone :sweat_smile:

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Greetings,

After becoming a tester, over time, I learned what a tester’s purpose is within the pattern creating domain. When testing I tend to leave Suggested Feedback. My preference is to read through the pattern, work the pattern, reread the pattern with the edit suggestions, and then give an overall review/feedback after completion of the pattern. The feedback gives the designer a chance to review their pattern again in order to correct grammatical errors, math calculations, and overall design of pattern.
We all may miss somethings from time to time or make a mistake in the pattern making/testing/publishing process, however we all can make it an enjoyable experience and for the end user.

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I love your explanations! You are on point with this post! I also like to explain my reasons if I make a suggestion but I dont get too concerned about if they choose to do it. Like you said: I am making it according to their pattern, testing for errors. There are many time I would adjust the way I would prefer to do it on my own notes if I decided to make it again for myself. I still get the satisfaction of my own amigurumi turning out the way I like with out disrespecting the creator’s personal choices. I look at each test as an opportunity to learn someone new. I did a dragonfly test and the wing started out like the bulb I wanted to create a lightning bug. So I learned a shape that I could take away and make something I was imaging. (By the way @Scarletskies I love all your patterns and testing for you​:grin:) I also appreciate and respect your feedback on the tests I have done with you as a tester also! I get great inspiration from you on both side!

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Thank you! You’re definitely one of my top teir testers! You always give great feedback, which is greatly appreciated :heart_hands::heart_hands::heart_hands:

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Yes I agree

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Aww that’s was my test I’m so glad to hear that :slight_smile:

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I’ve had a ghost for every one of my pattern tests so far, which is really frustrating. I always take the testers feedback into consideration, but if it’s about how I should place the inc, sc, ect in the row I usually keep mine because that’s more personal preference. Luckily I have not had a straight up mean tester yet, but I have been a tester and seen that happen. As a tester and a designer, tester feedback is very important, and I always try to be as active on answering questions on my calls as possible, and it’s awesome when fellow designers do the same. However I have seen patterns go into testing and come out with stitch count mistakes and so on, which beats the whole purpose of testing.

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