Crochet pattern testing is a vital step in creating clear, accurate, and enjoyable patterns, but what does it actually involve? To shed light on the process and offer insights for those curious about becoming a pattern tester, I interviewed four of my trusted testers. In this blog, they share their experiences, tips, and the rewarding aspects of pattern testing. Whether you're an avid crocheter looking to try something new or a designer curious about the tester's perspective, this post is packed with valuable advice and inspiration. Let’s dive into their answers!
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Please share a little about yourself and/or your crochet business. How did you learn to crochet? How long have you been crocheting? What inspired your crochet business? What inspires you to crochet?
Molly: I started crocheting in the fall of 2022 and officially launched my business in 2024, though I have been sharing my creations under the same name since early 2023. I began crocheting as a way for me to create and unwind after taking care of my young child all day. My very first project was Fred from The Woobles, and then I created a whole set of custom animals for all my nephews and son as Christmas presents. Creating something that will be cherished and a part of someone's life is what inspires me. When the thing that makes you happy also brings happiness to others, you can't go wrong.
Lindsay: I started crocheting about 8 years ago I think. I was looking at Christmas gifts for my two nieces and came across the popular crocheted mermaid tail blankets and immediately wanted to get one for each of them. When I looked them up on Etsy, the average price was $100-200 each. While I understood the price (now so even more as a crocheter myself), I just couldn’t afford that much at the time. As I kept searching I found a crochet pattern for the mermaid blankets for about $5, so I decided to buy it and see if I could maybe learn to make them myself, since I was a fairly crafty person and I had been a knitter for a short time when I was a kid. So I dragged a girlfriend to a crochet class at Michael’s, and I picked it up really quickly and made a cozy infinity scarf that I still have. I then found a crochet teacher and scheduled a private session with her to help walk me through the mermaid blanket pattern. I decided to try the pattern myself while I was waiting to go to the private session and found it pretty easy and made two fill blankets before I even had the class! After that I started making a few different baby blankets and other random things.
I took a few years off during Covid when I lost my cro-jo, but found it again a couple years ago when I decided to try amigurumi and was hooked (pun intended). When I started making lots of new things and wanting to show them off to my friends and family I decided to start my Instagram account and things sort of took off after that.
Barsha Chowdhury: I started crocheting around spring of 2021 after I saw my friend's mom's crocheted cactus. I picked it up as a hobby and learned it just by watching YouTube tutorials. I've always loved cute little plushies so this was the perfect hobby for me, I can make as many cute plushies as I want! My first amigurumi was in fact a crocheted plant - a little cactus! Then I didn't make plants/flowers because I didn't feel confident enough. I built up the courage one day and applied to test for crocheted roses and since then have made so many flowers and plants - many of them being yours Sam! I don't really have a crochet business but I've sold a few items here and there, mainly to help me buy more yarn with that money hehe I crochet for several reasons - it helps me relax, it makes me smile, it makes everyone around me who sees my creations smile and they make for great decorations and gifts! Plus it challenges me to up my game with new crochet skills.
Nikki: I picked up crocheting, like many people during COVID in 2020. My oldest nephew was born in May and it was getting close to Christmas and I decided that I wanted to make him a blanket. From there it just grew to making a blanket for a coworker, for some friends, for my brother and sister-in law, and now we’re here. I decided to start selling my creations at the recommendation of my husband and mother-in-law. Crocheting started and remains to be a way for me to calm my anxiety and helps me to decompress and destress at the end of the day (or even during the day 🤫)
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How did you first become a crochet pattern tester? Describe your first experience as a crochet pattern tester.
Molly: I first started pattern testing in July 2023 for a friend's very first pattern. After that first test, I just kept putting myself out there and applying to nearly everything I came across. I have been lucky to build some incredible friendships (with designers and other testers), over the last year and a half.
Lindsay: When I got more involved in Instagram and was following more pattern designers I began to see lots of new patterns and their tester calls. I was starting to feel confident about my skills and was hopeful I might be good enough to apply. It took a while and lots of applications without being chosen, but I was finally lucky enough to be chosen by @CroutonsCrochet to test her Egg-Xolotl pattern! It was quite a while ago, so I honestly don’t remember too much about the experience other than being really excited about being chosen. I must have impressed Naomi because shortly after she reached out to ask if I was interested in doing a quick secret pattern test for her Sushi Octopus pattern that was going to be a free release when she hit 40K followers on Instagram.
Barsha: I had wanted to be a pattern tester for a while but did not know if I would be able to commit any time to it as I was still doing my medical training. But one day one of my favourite crocheters on Instagram, @crochetcutiesbylily, posted a tester call for a piece of toast. It was so adorable that I couldn't resist. I knew I'd be able to finish it in time so I applied and I got it! It was such an exciting moment when I saw I got accepted - I still remember where I was at the time - at the birth unit at the hospital doing an evening shift. As soon as I got home I started the pattern test because I couldn't wait. Ever since then I have regularly been testing patterns, and have been lucky and very fortunate to have been picked by so many amazing crochet artists, like you!!
Nikki: I saw a post on Instagram from Sweet Bee Crochet looking for testers for one of her patterns. It was really fun in so many ways because it gave me a chance to make something I wouldn’t have thought of and have the chance to get insight into the pattern writing process. From there, I kept my eyes open for other tester calls.
What do you like most about being a crochet pattern tester?
Molly: I love that pattern testing combines two of my favorite things - crocheting and editing (yes, I completely nerd out over typos). Plus, I love helping such talented designers put their absolute best work out there. This community is always there for me, so this is my way to be there for all of you!
Lindsay: I think the part I love the most is being a part of a group of talented crocheters who come together to work through a new pattern together. I’ve met some of the nicest crocheters through pattern tests who have become really great friends. I also love learning new techniques and talking through any confusing parts with the designer and other testers. And it does make you feel really great to be recognized by the designer when you help with something that needed to be edited in the pattern to be easier to understand and seeing your project makes in the tester appreciation posts.
Barsha: I love reading patterns. I can put my attention-to-detail in good use in pattern testing. I love doing the math behind the stitches and fixing mistakes, even grammatical ones. What I love most about pattern testing though, is the fact that it challenges me to make complex creations - things I may not try on my own because I'm not confident enough or because I'm feeling lazy. I feel so proud at the end to see the finished piece. I get to contribute to the crochet community by pattern testing, a nice way of giving back to this amazing community. I also love that I get to be a part of a pattern and work with fellow crocheters - through pattern testing I've made so many good crochet friends - I owe this to pattern testing!
Nikki: I just love being able to create things that I may not have thought of making myself, or do it as a way to put my crocheting skills to the test and elevate my skill set. I also like being able to help a designer bring their creation to life and into the hands of their followers/customers.
Where are the best places to apply for pattern tests? For example: Instagram, designer’s website, Facebook group, Ravelry, etc.
Molly: I pretty much only apply on Instagram. Sometimes a designer will post there and request a form fill elsewhere, but the primary place I look and apply is on Instagram.
Lindsay: I’m only active on Instagram, so that is the only way I’ve applied for pattern tests.
Barsha: Instagram is definitely the best place to apply for pattern testing. Most designers have a strong platform on Instagram and I've seen that they use Insta for their tester calls. The other place to look for tester calls in Ribblr, but I don't use it often for this purpose. Designers can easily see your work on Insta when choosing testers so it really is a convenient place for applying to tester calls.
Nikki: I like using Instagram. I think there are more consistent and varied opportunities without having to follow a specific person on their website or group.
What are some of your favorite patterns you have tested? Name your top 3 and explain why they are your favorites. Attach photos of your creations from these pattern tests if you would like.
Molly: It is literally impossible to pick just a couple favorites. But up there are the Mossy Mushrooms from Squibble’s Crochet Corner, Stegos'moreus from Crouton's Crochet, and Rosalina the Ballerina from Pocket Full O' Poseys. These are some of my favorite designers and content creators, and it was such an honor to help test these patterns.
Lindsay: I’ve been lucky enough to be chosen for so many different pattern tests that it’s really hard to narrow it down to just a few favorites, but I’ll try. First favorite test would be Atlas Dragon by @Crochet_Crochey – mostly because I am still so proud of my dragon. It took ages to make and I’m not sure I would make another because it was so much work, but I am so in love with the final project. Second favorite test was Christmas Critters by @pawgysplace partially because they are adorable and Kelly’s tester groups are so much fun. But mostly because it started my friendship with the designer Kelly who has become one of my best friends in and out of the crochet world. Third favorite test would be a tie between the 2-in-1 Baby Elephant pattern by @AQCrochets and Melodie the Mini Elephant by @brandon_and_rae just because elephants are my favorite animals and I love both of these patterns.
Barsha: Oh gosh this is a very hard question. I have kept a list of all my pattern tests and I'm currently on my 97th pattern test! So many of them are so meaningful to me because either they were one where I learned a new stitch, or made a new friend through, or they were for famous crocheters whose videos I used to watch and learn from and was a huge fan of. But I'll try to pick a few.
- Toast by crochetcutiesbylily - because I loved her work and couldn't believe she picked me to test for her - and it was my VERY FIRST pattern test.
- Henry the Mallard duck by edgar_the_octopus - because I made a very good crochet friend with the designer and have since learned so much from her
- Valentine's Pink Anthurium by squibblescrochetcorner - because I still can't believe I made that, it is the most beautiful and my favourite crochet plant/flower I've crocheted so far - plus I've had the privilege to watch the designer grow - testing for her from her very first pattern, I'm so proud of her! <3 ;)
- Santa by aqcrochets - because this is the largest and most detailed plushie I've made with plush yarn, and I absolutely adore this designer and her patterns.
- Doctor doll by meow.amigurumi - because when I made this it was quite challenging for me - and it was the largest plushie I made with acrylic yarn - still is!
There's so many more of my favorites, it's just too many to list.
Nikki: Well, I love testing any and all of your patterns. My favorite so far is the holiday plant buddies. They’re just so cute.
Second would have to be the Coalescing Shawl I tested for The Crafty Crochetier. It was a beautiful Tunisian wing shawl pattern that was so much fun to work up. The colors I used were just heavenly and it wear it so much when it’s cooler.
Third would be the Lily Frog Pop from Cable & Canvas. This little froggy friend is just darling in her little flower and continues to be one of my staples in my market inventory and is always a top seller.
Do you have any pattern test horror stories/ a bad experience with testing a pattern?
Molly: I haven't really had any bad experiences with pattern testing. I have had a handful of designers/tests that "ghosted" the testers. One or two that never released the pattern, but in all, nothing negative enough to impact my desire to apply in the future.
Lindsay: I don’t think I would say I’ve had horror stories exactly, but I think of a couple situations. I’ve been in a couple tests that don’t do Instagram chat groups so it feels really isolated with no one to bounce questions or feedback off of. The designer is available for any questions, but it just feels a little weird and awkward. The other situation is if the pattern designer doesn’t seem to take any suggestions or possible edits that you send in or discuss in the chat. Some seem almost defensive if you suggest wording something a different way or they just ignore all your suggestions for the final copy. It makes you feel like your feedback wasn’t appreciated or valid. Obviously the designers are not obligated to take all feedback/suggestions, but when every single suggestion is ignored it’s hard not to take it personally.
Barsha: Luckily no horror stories. It's sometimes difficult to test patterns for someone completely new to writing patterns as there can be lots of mistakes or not enough descriptions - but hey, everyone has to start somewhere! At the end, the pattern is much better and the experience is worth it.
Nikki: I actually can’t think of any. All the tests I have done have been amazing and any issues I had were usually because I don’t know how to count.
What do you look for when applying to test a crochet pattern? Is it a specific designer? How the pattern test is conducted? Specific crochet styles? Yarn type?
Molly: When it comes to applying for a pattern test, I really try to apply to designs that intrigue me, or that I find exceptionally well done, or that might have a new technique to challenge myself with. There are a number of designers that I will always apply for (unless time, family, health, etc. won't let me), while I also always keep an eye out for new designers, too!
Lindsay: The biggest thing I look for in a pattern test is just a pattern that I love! It has to be a pattern I would buy when it’s released even if I don’t get chosen for the pattern test. I also prefer low sew or no sew patterns ideally in blanket yarn. I’m a pretty slow crocheter with really tight tension so I struggle to work with worsted weight, but I will apply to some if I just love the pattern that much. There are also some designers I just love testing for because I know their patterns are well-written and their tester groups are a lot of fun.
Barsha: There's a few things. If it's adorable, I think no further. Then I also look for new styles of crochet, so I can enhance my skills and challenge myself. Lately, I've been trying out a lot of plush yarn so I look for those sometimes, but I still apply to a lot of acrylic worsted yarn typos too. No-sew patterns are always attractive to me as well. And then lastly but most importantly, designers - yes I do look for certain designers sometimes - there's some that I will always love their patterns so I tend to apply to theirs more hehe
How the pattern test is conducted doesn't matter to me normally. I find most designers use similar methods.
Nikki: I look for a few things, one is the timeframe and if I’m comfortable getting it done in time. Another is the pattern itself and if I like the end result.
What advice would you give to a crocheter looking to test crochet patterns for the first time? What makes a good crochet pattern tester?
Molly: For new-to-testing crocheters, I would say to put yourself out there. Apply and don't get discouraged. Once you start testing, be authentic to yourself when it comes to interactions with the designer and other testers. That said, don't try to re-design. Your job is to make the designer's work shine! So take care, take your time, and put your best foot forward every time.
Lindsay: I would tell first time pattern testers to make sure they have a number of pictures posted of their crochet projects using a simple background with good lighting so it really shows off their work well. Make sure to read the tester call carefully and follow all the directions and only apply if they know they can complete the test within the time allowed and they have the experience level necessary to complete the test. They can tag me if they don’t have many crochet friends yet! And most importantly apply to a ton of tests and don’t get discouraged if it takes a while to get chosen for your first test. When you do get chosen, make sure to follow the pattern as written (don’t stray or try modifications) and give feedback or suggestions in a respectful way. Finish the test on time and take clear pictures for the designer and your promotion post.
Barsha: Definitely make a public crochet account first. Don't apply right away - build your profile and post your makes. Do put a lot of effort into taking photos because that really matters a lot, and makes your page stand out. Once you've posted a few creations, start applying! And don't be afraid of rejection, just apply! I will admit I was very careful with applying to tester calls before, because of fear of not being chosen. But after that happened a few times I don't worry about that anymore - and I'm glad, otherwise I would've missed out on so many pattern tests! A good pattern tester is one that gives proper feedback. The point isn't just to see if the pattern works (because 99% of the time it works already), but to see if a reader can follow it properly and replicate it exactly. Are the aesthetics of the document nice? Is the language flowing nicely? Is it too cluttered with unnecessary sentences or not have enough descriptors/images? These matter a lot when making a good pattern. Give timely feedback, follow the rules set out by the designer and you'll be a good pattern tester and get picked again by the same designer because now they trust you! Attention to detail is very important as well - I even check page numbers when I'm pattern testing.
Nikki: Just go for it. Find a pattern call or designer that you like and just go for it. Being able to pay attention to detail, not just the pattern writing itself, but also if there are any other adjustments that need to be done. Checking pictures, checking links, etc. Also being able to give your suggestion and not necessarily have it be accepted by the designer.
What advice would you give to a crochet pattern designer when running their first pattern test?
Molly: I would recommend to someone running their first pattern test to equally be authentic when it comes to interacting with your testers. And don't feel obligated to take every single edit or note. The pattern is 100% yours, so make it how you want!
Lindsay: I don’t have any advice for designers running their first test because my only one so far was a collaboration and I didn’t do too much myself. I just followed along with the expert.
Barsha: Be nice to your testers - they are super excited to be doing this for you. Try to keep up with the comments/suggestions on a daily basis, if possible, otherwise all the feedback can become very overwhelming. Canva is truly the best platform to use, then you can correct things as you go!
Nikki: I think not taking anything personally. Testing a pattern is crucial and the feedback a designer might receive isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it can just be something that was missed because you can only look at something so many times and still miss something.
Name one thing you wish crochet designers would do more of when conducting a pattern test.
Molly: The only thing that I wish would happen more often is for designers to include multiple photos of their make in the tester call. I am such a visual person. I love to see the entire make (front and back!).
Lindsay: I do wish that some pattern designers would give chances to new testers more often or switch up their testers for each pattern test. I totally understand having a main group that they love to work with and are close friends who they trust their feedback and work. I would definitely be the same if I was a designer, and I am lucky enough to have a few designers that I love who are friends and appreciate my work so they do regularly choose me for their tests and I am so appreciative. But I know these designers also save a couple spots on each test for a few new testers and I love that they are willing to give them a chance. I remember how excited I was to be chosen the first time.
Barsha: If there have been many corrections made already in the first few days of testing the pattern, send an updated copy midway through so the testers who join in at the end don't have to look through the old copy again. Plus, it's new eyes on a newly corrected pattern and an extra proofreading chance! (or use Canva haha)
Nikki: I can’t think of anything actually. All the designers I have tested for have been amazing!
Any other insights on pattern testing, please share!
Molly: I think that one of the most important things about being a pattern tester is to have fun and to treat this responsibility as if it were for your own design. Designers put so much of themselves into designing their patterns. It is important as a pattern tester to do your best work when testing. The designer-tester relationship is symbiotic and should be respected. The designer is giving you their creation for free, but fully expecting your honest feedback and help in return. So treat it respectfully, and always have fun!
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of the talented crocheters and dedicated pattern testers who have generously shared their insights and expertise. Their contributions have greatly enriched this project! If you're interested in their incredible work, you can follow each of them on Instagram, where they showcase their creativity and passion for crochet. You’ll find their profiles linked below.
Lindsay: Instagram @orangedawncrochet
Barsha: Instagram @your.crochet.doc
Nikki: Instagram @royalbeecrochet
