I have designed a few crochet patterns and offered them for free. Did I have them tech edited? No! Am I horribly embarassed that I didn’t? Yes! Because mistakes were made, and found, and had to be fixed. Simple mistakes that I could not believe I would ever make but made the pattern unusable to the crocheter! Ugh!
I’m not even going to tell you where to find them.
I understand that hiring a tech editor can seem daunting, nerve-wracking and frankly, a pain in the butt. But it doesn’t have to be! We are nice people, I promise. And you really DO need us, even if you think you don’t. Making a small investment in editing services now can pay you back in dividends in the future.
If you are not convinced yet, read below to find 10 reasons why crochet tech editors are essential to designers. And I have to note that this is not an exhaustive list by any means.
1. Spelling and grammatical errors
We WILL find errors in your pattern that you missed. Not because you’re blind or not too smart, but because you have probably become so familiar with your pattern, you can’t even see the spelling and grammatical errors. Not to mention missed punctuation, whether bolding is used consistently, use of capitals……..you get the point.
2. Readability
We will make sure that your pattern is easily understandable to a crocheter. You understand your instructions just fine! But will a maker who has 5 less years of experience than you understand it as well?
3. Industry Standards
Your pattern should meet some industry standards and a tech editor will make sure it does. Are your abbreviations in the proper style? Do you have enough information included in your materials list? Are your repeats set out correctly? Do you have a project level listed?
4. The Numbers
The MATH. Dun dun dun…..a tech editor will check that your grading calculations are correct, your stitch counts match up and that anything that requires measurements is accurate. Something wearable really does need to fit properly! Some tech editors will offer grading services as well.
5. Photos, Charts and Schematics
Tech editors can ensure that your written pattern matches up with any photos, charts and schematics that you include. Some editors will also offer chart and schematic creation.
6. Completeness
Does your pattern have all the essential parts to it? Do you have a gauge calculation? Complete instructions? Stitch counts? A tech editor will make sure it does!
7. Consistency
A tech editor will keep you consistent. For example, if you capitalize something in one section, we will make sure you do it everywhere else too!
8. Style
If you have a stylesheet, your tech editor will make sure your pattern matches it. Some tech editors will create a stylesheet for you if you don’t have one. If you have worked with a tech editor for multiple projects, chances are they will know your style and will keep you consistent.
9. Reputation
Using a tech editor will ensure that your pattern is top quality. Whether you will be selling your pattern or offering it for free, it has your name on it and you need to be proud of it. Your reputation as a designer is at stake every time you release a pattern. You want your customers or followers coming back to you again and again. It is way less likely that will happen if you release an unedited pattern.
Nine is my favourite number so I am stopping here but I could make this list way longer!
Your crochet editor wants to help you succeed by making sure your patterns are top-quality and meet all the expectations a crocheter will have.
You probably have testers for your pattern and they are fantastic and can find and advise you of many issues during the stitching of it. However, they do not take the place of a tech editor. Each plays a significantly different role in the production of your design.
I hope I have convinced you that a crochet tech editor is an essential service in pattern design.
If you need further convincing, drop me a line and have me edit a pattern for you. I am confident you will be swayed.
If you have any questions or want to know more, contact me. You can also follow me on Instagram and Facebook.
Happy designing!
