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An interview with crochet pattern designer, Nicole Chase, about crochet pattern testing.
I am so extremely excited to be interviewing fellow crochet lover and pattern designer, Nicole Chase, all about pattern testing. If you’re interested in getting to know a fellow crochet lover, or are considering pattern testing for the first time, this is the blog post to read for some serious insights. But first, I’d like to introduce you all to Nicole.
Nicole is a working mum of two, wife, blogger, crafter, and photographer. She lives in a small town in Western Pennsylvania, USA. If Nicole isn’t crocheting, you can find her chasing around her two young kiddos, or behind her camera.
Nicole’s grandma taught her some crochet basics when she was a kid, but they never stuck. Instead she picked up crocheting again during her college years, and when she discovered amigurumi, she was hooked!
Her favourite crochet project is forever changing (who can relate to this? I know I can!), but right now, her favourite project is the Rainbow Gardens Throw. Nicole crocheted this beautiful throw using only scrap yarn. It took her so long, but it’s now one of the projects that she’s most proud of.
Nicole is very much so a ‘dive right in’ kind of person. She started tweaking crochet patterns right away to suit what she wanted them to turn out like. Her first official crochet pattern design came about when she wanted to crochet herself a market bag. She wasn’t a fan of any of the patterns she found, so she just decided to design one herself.
Nicole started publishing her crochet patterns in 2016, and I’d highly recommend checking out her blog here to get your mitts on some of her amazing designs. Her personal favourite designs to-date (if she had to choose!) are her Walter the Wolf amigurumi design, and the Adaleigh Beanie she designed.
On a completely different topic, I was curious to find out that Nicole loves suspense thrillers! I think that makes a few of us fellow crochet-lovers who are also fans of the crime and suspense genre. She also listens to two podcasts regularly, the WeCrochet Podcast (about all things yarn and crochet), and the Bokeh Podcast (about photography and business). I’ll be going off once I finish this blog post to check both of these out!
Now, let’s get down to the details of crochet pattern testing. I’ve only pattern tested twice so far, for two different designers including testing this adorable Hug Me Bunny Lovey for Nicole.
Since I’ve had a few fellow crocheters ask me about pattern testing on Insta, I thought, why not find out more about crochet pattern testing from someone way more experienced than me. More specifically, a designer.
Nicole, a crochet pattern designer who works with testers regularly, was very open to being interviewed, and I was so delighted! Thank you again, Nicole!
So here it goes. Keep reading to find out all of those nitty gritty details you’ve wanted to know about pattern testing, but were maybe too afraid to ask.
Nicole, as far as you know, do pattern testers ever get paid?
“In my experience, it isn’t common practice in the industry to pay pattern testers, at least on the level of testing for independent designers. There are of course opportunities out there to work with yarn companies who employ testers, and tech editors, etc. Generally speaking however, a tester is usually paid in-kind by being given a final PDF version of the crochet pattern for free.”
That is one question I know so many crocheters were keen to know the answer to. Thank you so much, Nicole.
Next one that I’ve been asked a few times is, as far as you know, do pattern testers get given yarn to test crochet patterns with?
“Generally, no. Of course there is the exception I mentioned about working with, for example large yarn companies. But generally crochet pattern testers not employed are required to supply their own yarn for testing.”
In that case, why should someone want to pattern test for a designer? What’s in it for them? Other than the free pattern at the end, of course.
“My testers have expressed to me that they just simply enjoy testing. They like to help out small designers like me, and it gives them an opportunity to work behind the scenes to see patterns that are coming out before anyone else does.
I communicate with my testers via a group chat. We’ve all learned things about each other, and our families. I like to think that they also gain some friendships in the process. They also get my eternal gratitude, of course!”
I love that response, and I couldn’t agree more. From my perspective, having only pattern-tested twice now, I firstly wanted to try it out for curiosity’s sake, and I ended up just really enjoying it. I loved being able to give meaningful feedback to help a designer finalise their pattern before it was released to the public. I also love a challenge, and crocheting different types of patterns. I’ve found pattern testing to be a great way to do that whilst also helping someone else out. Two birds, one stone.
In saying all of that though, there is a real commitment involved in pattern testing, and it does take some serious consideration before jumping in the deep end.
Nicole, what do you think? Is there anything in particular people should be aware of before they give pattern testing a try for the first time?
“The designer is counting on you to complete the project, and provide notes and photos by a deadline, so that they can finalise the pattern and release it. If that isn’t something you know you can follow through on, don’t commit to it. You also must be detail-oriented. It’s not just about finishing the project. You’ll also need to provide notes on the clarity of the pattern, wording, accuracy, and so on.”
For those people that still like the sound of pattern testing, what top three tips would you give to someone who is actively pattern testing for the first time?
“1. Follow through. Complete the project by the given deadline, and if life happens and you can’t, then communicate that. Don’t just take the pattern and run.
2. Don’t make changes to the pattern. If you don’t like the way something is written, or you’d prefer it a different way, make those changes on your next project.
3. Communicate even the most minor errors. If you see something in the pattern that could be written more clearly, a stitch count is off, etc., make sure you communicate it. While an experienced crocheter may be able to figure out what the pattern is supposed to say, a beginner may not be able to figure that out.”
As a designer, Nicole, I’m sure many crocheters are wondering how you select your pattern testers. Are there any particular qualities you look for when choosing your pattern testers?
“Most importantly, I want to make sure that the tester is compatible with my brand, and my style. Also, I consider my testers friends, and I want any new testers to fit in to the group. It’s also important that they can take nice photos of their finished work. This doesn’t mean you have to be a professional photographer; just that you can provide well-lit, uncluttered photos of your work. An active and positive social media account is also a plus, as many of my testers help in promoting my pattern when it has been released.”
If someone feels that they do tick those qualities, and are interested in testing one of your patterns, how should they reach you?
“When I’m looking for testers, I will generally make a post in my Facebook group, Crochet Community by Nicole Chase, or in other various crochet Facebook groups, and ask for applicants. If you’re interested in becoming a tester, send me a message with your social media accounts, Ravelry ID, and a little bit about you and your crochet experience.”
Thank you so much, Nicole – last question, promise! If someone would like to explore their options for opportunities to pattern test, where would you recommend they look?
“Facebook groups are a great place to start. Just search “tester” in your favourite crochet group. There are also various groups and forums on Ravelry where designers may post.”
Thank you again, Nicole, for being so open and honest about pattern testing from a designer’s perspective. It’s been lovely to get to know you a little bit more, and I’m sure there are many crocheters who will really appreciate your answers on pattern testing. I know I do!
As for my awesome readers, I hope you’ve found this blog post helpful. Remember, if there’s anything crochet related that you would like explored or answered, please do get in touch with me here. If I don’t have the experience or answers for you, I’ll do my best to track someone down that does.
Until next time, take care, and happy crocheting!
Cilla x
