why tech edit?

Writing a pattern is no walk in the park. In addition to making the item, you’re tracking gauge, stitch counts, sizing and measurements… after a while it can feel like you’ve been staring at the computer screen forever! Numbers all melt together, and your brain hurts from mathing. Maybe you’ve cut and pasted a few times and forgot to make the small changes that patterns often have with repeating instructions. A fresh set of eyes can often spot details that you’ve overlooked simply because you’ve looked at it so many times.

Maybe you’ve written the perfect pattern, but you just can’t seem to get your document to look the way you want it to. That’s ok! People have expertise and skill in different areas, and no one expects you to do it all. Plus, there are so many different ways to format a document, and just as many options for laying it out to ensure it flows well. It all depends on the overall look you’re going for.

A technical editor (like me!) will look over your pattern and make sure everything makes sense. They should also catch spelling and grammatical errors, point out awkward or confusing wording and if required, suggest formatting and layout adjustments. These small things may not seem like game changers on their own, but believe me, the difference in overall quality between a non-edited and an edited pattern can be huge.

I wrote a post for The Skeiniac’s blog discussing pattern testing vs. tech editing. Read it HERE for a breakdown of the differences and a discussion about why both are beneficial to the design process. If you have questions, I’m happy to chat with you!

when to tech edit

Tech editing will ensure that your pattern is understandable, the numbers are correct, spelling and grammar are top notch, and the content is laid out in a way that makes the pattern easy to follow (and looks good, too!). You can choose to have this done before you send it to your testers, or afterwards. It all depends on what specific points you want help with. If your pattern is relatively simple, or you’ve already verified the math, you can probably benefit from having a tech editor look over the final version just before you release it. If you’ve written the pattern for one size, but aren’t really sure how to grade it properly or are not confident in your spelling or layout, it’s probably best to have a tech editor go over it before you send it out for testing. If your pattern is simple enough, you may not even need a tech editor… ultimately, it’s up to you!

my services

I have been testing patterns since 2017, and have tested hundreds of patterns for some of the most popular designers in our community. Designers were impressed with my attention to detail and appreciated my recommendations and suggestions. I am often told that my notes are among the best they’ve ever received! There are so many excellent testers out there who can make the items and provide beautiful pictures, but my strength is in the details. In January of 2020, I made the leap into technical editing. I still do test patterns on occasion, but I have built a solid client base in tech editing.

fee

My fee is $25/hour CDN. Most patterns will need between 45-90 minutes, depending on the complexity and the edits required. Grading a full, size-inclusive garment pattern usually requires 2-3 hours. I will keep track of the time I spend on your pattern(s) each month, and I will bill you at the end of the month. Payment will be required within two weeks of the invoice date. There is no contract to sign, and no minimums or maximums. If you have 4 patterns one month and then none the next month, that’s just fine with me! Also, there’s no obligation to keep using my services.

process

I am currently limiting my workload to ensure that I don’t get overwhelmed, and my clients get my best quality work. Once you have completed a short registration form, I will reach out for a short discussion to see if we’re a good fit. If so, I will send you a confirmation email welcoming you to my client list. After you receive this, you are welcome to start sending your patterns at any time.

You can send your patterns in your preferred format. I can edit in google docs, canva or via a pdf file or word/powerpoint document.

Charting, basic diagrams/schematics and grading services are available upon request. If you need these things done, please mention them specifically and I will let you know if I require additional information.

turnaround

My current turnaround time is 5-7 business days (Monday to Friday). If you need something done in a shorter time frame, please contact me prior to sending the pattern to ensure this is possible.

I reserve the right to change my turnaround time based on workload and personal schedule. I will keep my current turnaround times updated on this site.

additional information

I reserve the right to change my fee at any time. You will receive ample notice of any changes, and the new rate will not apply to any work already completed.

I am pleased to offer tech editing services for all crochet and Tunisian crochet patterns, and I am happy to edit knitting patterns rated as Beginner or Easy. I am working towards becoming more familiar with knitting techniques so that I have a better understanding and am able to edit more complex patterns with confidence.