Pattern Testing

Hi there!

Thanks so much for your interest in becoming a pattern tester for me! You can find any active applications by hovering over “Pattern Testing” in the Crochet menu at the top of your screen. But before you check that out, here’s a bit about what you can expect from me and from the process!

Tester Calls

When I’ve got a first draft ready for testing, I look to my email subscribers first. Since doing this, I have only had to seek outside testers from other locations a few times. So if you’re interested in testing for me, your best chance at doing so is subscribing to my newsletter and selecting ‘crochet’ as one of your interests.

Find out more about my newsletter, what’s included, how often I email, etc. and sign up at the button below. Plus, I’ll send you a welcome freebie! 🙂

When you see an email for a tester call, you’ll be sent a link to the test details page where you’ll be able to view all the relevant details about the pattern and test expectations. If all of the info there sounds agreeable, there is a link at the bottom of the page to fill out Google Form tester application.

If you are selected, you’ll receive an email from me to confirm your ability to test, because let’s face it, life happens sometimes and what you were able to do yesterday may not fit into your schedule today. I get it! If it’s all good, then I’ll add you to the Slack channel (group chat), where you’ll find the PDF and other people working the pattern!

What I’m Looking For

I am looking for several things when considering test applicants, including:

• Reliability– people who are able to meet the due date set out, who communicate with any issuesI am looking for detail-oriented crocheters of varying levels of experience (beginners welcome!) to help me make my patterns the best they can be. I try not to be too needy, but do require the following:
• Detail-oriented crocheters – people who follow directions well and have a keen eye for pesky mistakes or inconsistencies. I stare at the patterns so much that I become blind to the little things.
• Varying levels of experience – beginners and novice testers welcome!
• Good with a camera – you don’t have to be a pro photographer, but good pictures make a huge difference in showing off all your hard work. I’m looking for clean, well-lit, uncluttered photos where the work is the focus.

What I’m Looking For

I try not to be too needy, but do require the following:

• Participate in Group Chat: I run pattern tests on Slack, a free app for phone, tablet, and desktop that can be found in most app stores. It functions similarly to a Facebook Group. You can create your free account at Slack.com.
• Provide Feedback: I will provide a link to a Google Form in the Slack channel to submit your feedback for the test. I will need you to be on the lookout for
  • any errors in grammar, punctuation, technical aspects, etc. Be detailed, you won’t hurt my feelings :o)
  • other requested information pertaining to the technical aspects of the test, ie measurements, yardage by color, height of a pattern repeat, etc.
• Provide a Photo of Your Work: Please send at least one finished (modeled, if pattern is for a wearable) photo, submitted to me with your notes.
  • Please ensure they are clean and well-lit, using natural light where possible.
    • Avoid direct sunlight, which creates a hard contrast between the harsh light and shadows.
  • Try to keep your work as the main focus, keeping the photo uncluttered
    • Props to complement the item are fine but try to keep random unrelated items clear of the photo
  • I will be sharing your work on my social media as well via Stories or main feed, and anywhere else I promote the pattern. Agreeing to test grants me your permission to do so, with proper credit to you of course!
• Deadlines: Adhering to due dates is ESSENTIAL. Please ensure that you have submitted all feedback and photos to me by that time. If you feel you may not be able to adhere to the given due date, please apply at another time.
• Copyright: By applying to test, you assert your promise to protect my intellectual property by not copying, reproducing, or distributing my pattern.

If You Feel Inclined

The next few things are not required, but if you feel like doing it, I would sure appreciate it!

• Add your project to Ravelry – a tester code will be provided for the test.
• Promote on social media – use the hashtag(s) found in the pattern and tagging me @hooksbookswanderlust
  • Post WIP / progress photos
  • Post Finished photos
  • Promote the pattern on its release day
• Tell your maker buddies – only if you love it!

That’s it! Testing can be a lot of fun and it’s a great way to meet new yarn-minded people from all over the world! Not to mention, it’s always fun to work on a pattern with friends!

Thanks for your interest!

Want first dibs on being a pattern tester? Join my email newsletter! Not only will you get the earliest notice for tester calls, but you’ll also receive monthly recaps of what’s been happening on the blog (think new stitch tutorials and patterns that month, books reviewed, travel inspo, etc), exclusive content and discounts, special notice of other content-related news (special events like blog hops, Books, WIPs, + Sips Book Club discussions, etc), and the occasional freebie! You can choose the content you want to see, and you can unsubscribe at any time.