Everything You Need to Know About Pattern Testing

Pattern Testing 1… 2… 3…

If you are a knit or crochet designer looking to sell a pattern, testing your pattern is a must! Pattern testing is a critical part of the design process because it helps you find and remediate any issues with your pattern BEFORE you release it. If you’re going to sell a product, it should be top-notch and pattern testing is a wonderful way to make sure you’re putting out quality designs.

This post is part three out of my four-part series about patterns. Before you start testing your pattern, make sure your pattern idea is original and then check out my top 10 tips for pattern writing.

 

Before Your Pattern Test

Where to Find Testers

There are Facebook groups and even groups on Ravelry to find pattern testers, and then there’s Instagram. Instagram is my absolute number one recommendation for looking for testers. Why? Because there is no better tester than someone who is already invested in you. Your Instagram followers invested in you the moment they hit the “Follow” button. By working with testers who already follow you, they’re familiar with you, your work, and your style already so they know what they’re signing up for… and they’re probably really excited about it!

Start with a Survey

Start by sending a survey to those interested in testing for you. It doesn’t matter what format your survey is in (email, PDF, online form), but it DOES matter what questions you ask. Make sure your questions are intentional. Find testers who feel like the kind of person you’d want to grab a coffee with. Ask questions that help you figure out who fits your pattern the best. Is it a beginner pattern? Then make sure you’re using beginner testers.

Set the Tone

You want your testers to take this seriously, right? Make sure you set that tone up front. Until I have chosen my testers, all my communications to them are in email. Email allows you to set a more professional tone upfront and it gives something for both you and your testers to have as a reference throughout the testing process, versus a DM that you’ll forget about the next day.

Set Expectations

Make sure you include all of your expectations for your testers in an email to your testers. Where should they reach out to you for questions? Can they post their photos of the pattern test on social media? Can they substitute the recommended yarn for something else? State all of your expectations clearly in email so that you know everyone is on the same page.

Set a Schedule

This is the most important aspect of your pattern test. Set a clear schedule, with deadlines not only for your testers, but also for you. You want to be crystal clear on when you will be sending what, and when they owe something back to you. Also, make sure your schedule is reasonable. Make sure you allow your testers enough time to get the yarn, make the pattern, and send you their notes. And don’t forget to give yourself enough time to go through all the feedback and make adjustments to your pattern.

 

During Your Pattern Test

Build Relationships

Now that you’ve established that this is serious, lighten up a bit and get to know them!! I always put together an Instagram group chat for my testers. This creates a super easy way for your testers to ask you questions and see if anyone else has asked the same thing already. It’s so helpful to be able to read and respond to this feedback in real time. Not only do I use these group chats for pattern questions, but we chat about ANYTHING in the group – from yarn sales, to our pets, to who’s getting engaged. It creates an amazing little space for everyone to get to know each other and build friendships.

Ask Questions

The Instagram group chat is a great place to ask a quick question to your testers. If someone has just finished their project, it’s the perfect time to ask a question while it’s fresh on their mind. Now, I have my testers complete a final survey at the end of each pattern test that is pretty thorough, so that I don’t bombard them with too many questions in the chat. Either way, questions are a great way to get feedback especially if your testers aren’t sure what kind of notes you’re looking for.

Show Up

Show up for your testers! Be supportive. Prop out their work. Be there. Let them know you appreciate them. Make sure you are there for them the way they are for you. Even just saying “thank you” can go a long way.

 

After Your Pattern Test

Listen to the Feedback

These people took time out of their lives to give you feedback (which is gift by the way) for FREE. Take the time to go through all of their notes and listen to what they have to say. Ask follow up questions if you need to and put yourself in their shoes. Understand their perspective and where they were coming from when they provided that feedback.

Take it with a grain of salt.

It’s your design. No one else’s. Make the right decision for you and for your pattern. As the designer, it’s your job to make the call on the final product. Take ALL the feedback into account and then decide what to do with it.

Using the Same Testers – Do I need new testers every time?

That’s completely up to you. It’s fun to mix it up, get fresh eyes, and rotate in some new testers. At the same time, there’s nothing wrong with using the same testers. I adore my testers and love working with the same core group of testers again and again. Why? Because we’ve built up a relationship and who wouldn’t want to work with their best friends? It’s amazing.  I love that my testers are honest, open, and real with me. I know I can trust them with just about anything and to me, that’s the most valuable asset I could ever ask for in a tester.

 

Join me next week to talk about how to market and release your pattern!