What is a tech editor?

Hand knitted cosy cabled hat

A Tech Editor checks your pattern line by line to ensure it is clear to read, free from mathematical and grammatical errors and has consistency throughout.

Why do I need a Tech Editor?

  • No matter how great you are at writing, you will never spot your own errors.

  • A Tech Editor will check the pattern line by line, word by word to ensure it is accurate both mathematically, grammatically and matches the photographs shown.

  • It protects your reputation by ensuring you are releasing excellent quality patterns that are accurate and easy to follow, which will reduce any complaints or queries from customers.

  • To streamline your test knitting process by providing testers with a pattern that has already been checked from a technical perspective.

  • We can often provide additional services such as creating style sheets, grading, creating charts and schematic drawings.

A folded up hand knitted sweater on a table with a cup of coffee, notebook, pair of sewing scissors and notes for pattern writing

What is the difference between a Tech Editor and a Test Knitter?

Tech Editor

  • Technical review

  • Gets paid

  • Has professional training

  • Edits pattern to ensure it is clear, consistent and free of errors

  • Doesn’t knit the pattern

  • Ensures consistency in tone of voice across portfolio of patterns

  • Ensures text matches photographs

Test knitter

  • Less technical review

  • Works for free - usually compensated with pattern upon release

  • Have a range of knitting experience

  • Knits the pattern

  • Shares pictures on social media and projects on Ravelry

  • Ensures text matches photographs

Frequently Asked Questions

A piece of brown hand knitting laying on a table with a small bundle of yarn wound into the shape of a heart
  • Yes! We do different jobs and it is good practice to have both.

  • It often looks something like this:

    1. The Designer will write up the pattern.

    2. The Designer will find a Tech Editor and send them pattern and Style Sheet (if you have one)

    3. Tech Editor does first review and sends back comments to the Designer

    4. Designer makes suggested updates and sends back to Tech Editor for second check

    5. Tech Editor does second check and sends any comments back to the Designer

    6. The Designer can then run the test knit

    7. Designer sends Tech Editor any suggested changes from Test Knitters

    8. Tech Editor does final review

    9. Designer and Tech Editor agree the edit is completed and pattern is ready for release!

  • No, we do not knit up a sample as the work we do relies upon us reviewing the numbers of the pattern in alignment with images to ensure the pattern as written reflects the finished garment.

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