sunstitcher

On Instagram, I saw that one of the accounts I follow was looking for testers! The pattern was one using the mosaic crochet technique (check!) to make a trivet. I didn’t know what a trivet was at the time, but after looking it up, I immediately wanted in! Luckily, I had made some trivets/hot pads/potholders already and had a stash of 100% yarn to use. Otherwise, I would have been screwed.

After I was accepted as a tester, it occurred to me….what does it mean to be a tester? So I have a few pointers for those eager to try:

1. Check your yarn stash
   Before you respond “YES!”, make sure to read all the details provided by the advert. Do you have the right yarn material? Do you have the right yarn weight? Do you have enough yarn to complete the project?
   
   If the advert doesn’t answer these 3 questions, ask the designer for more details. If the answer is “No” to any of the questions, unless there is overnight delivery, chances are you won’t get the yarn needed in time.
   
2. Time
   There’s always a deadline for completing the testing projects. The designer typically will have in mind a date when they want to officially release the pattern. Depending on your extracurriculars and if you have a full-time job or not, this could be extremely stressful to try to complete.
   
   It will be hard to gauge whether you can complete on time if you have never done a similar project before. It is best not to try if you are unsure. Instead, use it as inspiration to find a similar project to do on your own first so you know what is involved.
   
   Only accept if you have the time and are confident you can complete the project on time.
   
3. Report
   As a tester, your duty is to report any inconsistencies, spelling errors, mistakes
   
4. Blocking Materials
   Make sure you have all the materials you need for blocking the project into the final dimensions. They may include:
   • Iron/Steamer (if cotton is used)
   • Scissors
   • Clothing Measuring Tape
   • Blocking board
   • Stitch markers
   • Pins/needles for keeping your project in place on the blocking board
     
5. Needle/Hook
   Do you have the right hook or needle for the project?

Inching to start testing?

Facebook Group where designers post looking for knit/crochet testers: Pattern Testers
Follow them on Instagram: @pattern.testers