Why I Like to Pattern Test
You may have noticed that I do a lot of pattern tests. I did a quick check, and of the 12 patterns I’ve posted about on my Instagram account since I started it in June, 5 have been pattern tests. I was actually surprised that number wasn’t higher. I have even done 2 tests at once if you go back in time on my personal, less knitting-related Instagram account, having finished 12 with the 13th on my needles right now.
The first time I ever pattern tested I was asked to. I felt so honoured! It was Chantal of Knitatude’s 2nd ever pattern and I’d only met her about a month before! It went really well, even though I learned to cable while doing it (not something I typically recommend with pattern tests), and I think we were both learning what it meant to have a pattern tested, and to test a pattern.
The main reasons I test patterns are to:
- Feel like I’m helping out a Maker, helping them be the best designer with the best pattern possible
- Have a deadline so that multiple wips aren’t being cast on all the time and then taking forever to complete because I get distracted by something else
- Get a free pattern – definitely the least noble, but I am super cheap, and yes I do realize the pattern is the cheapest part of knitting…
I do have a 4th sort-of reason – exposure. I seriously doubt this actually works, and it’s not a main reason AT ALL, but it sometimes crosses my mind, if I’m being honest.
Every time I finish testing something I have these grand plans of all the other patterns I’m going to make that have been sitting and waiting for me while I tested, but I’m always looking out for something else to apply for!
Coming in the somewhat-near future: how I decide whether to apply to test a pattern.
