It’s with much excitement that I present to you a new opportunity with Jen Hayes Creations, pattern testing! I’m so excited about the prospect of working together to bring even more quality patterns into the world!
For starters, I’ll address a few questions about pattern testers and why they are needed for those less familiar with pattern testing. Then, at the very bottom of the post you’ll find the link to apply to be a tester if this is something that you’re interested in!
Already familiar with pattern testing? Click here apply!
You’ll find my specific pattern testing requirements and expectations within the application itself. As you read through them feel free to reach out to me if you have any further questions. Thanks!
What is a Pattern Tester?
By the simplest definition a pattern tester is an individual who collaborates with a designer to help make quality, error free patterns.
Why Are Pattern Testers Needed?
As a skilled designer you do your very best to make sure that each of the patterns you design are easy to understand and error free. However, it is not uncommon for a designer to be so wrapped up in a design, reworking and writing parts of the pattern over and over, that it becomes easy to occasionally overlook things.
Just like in school when you had somebody read over your paper before handing it in, pattern testers add an extra set of eyes to the designer’s work to find mistakes they may have missed. It’s taking that extra step to make sure that the pattern is going to be the best that it can be.
Now, the collaboration between a designer and a pattern tester looks somewhat different from designer to designer, but typically involves two parts. One is reviewing the pattern for errors, and two is physically working through the design to create the finished product. During the entire process the designer and the tester(s) communicate about what is working and what isn’t with the pattern.
The pattern tester(s) then provides feedback to the designer about their experience. This includes giving constructive feedback on mistakes in grammar, punctuation, spelling, clearness of directions, mathematical errors, formatting issues, etc. found in the written pattern. They will also provide feedback on the final project such as fit, drape, construction, etc. as it relates to the design.
Based on the feedback received the designer makes necessary changes to the original rough draft of the pattern. I’m sure that you can already see why the designer-tester relationship is so imperative to producing a better product. This feedback is an invaluable part of creating a quality, error free pattern.
Who Should Pattern Test?
If you’re interested in increasing your crochet skills, learning new techniques, and gaining more experience in reading a variety of patterns, being a pattern tester is a great way to do this.
There is also the added bonus of working with other individuals in the testing group and directly with the designer. New friends, new collaborations, so much fun!
Many designers often make testing calls for a wide variety of skill levels, however, it is important that you read through the requirements before agreeing to test to make sure that it is a good fit for your personal skill set. While it’s important to stretch your skills now and then to learn, you want to make sure that you can finish the agreed upon project within the given time frame.
There is nothing more frustrating for everyone involved than to have someone say that they will do something and then not follow through. As a tester, try to always be honest in your communication with the designer and other testers within the testing group. Reach out to the designer if you find yourself unable to fulfill your responsibilities.
As far as Jen Hayes Creations is concerned, I will continue to create a wide variety of patterns ranging from beginner to advanced. I want to make sure that my patterns are approachable to everyone, so I am always searching for testers with a wide variety of skill levels.
That said, please be honest about your skill level when applying. Once accepted to the testing group, if you want to try testing a pattern that is possibly outside your skill level please note this when you apply for that specific pattern test.
Okay. It seems like I’m getting into telling you all about my requirements and expectations for testing so it’s probably best that you click through to my Google Forms Application, read through the information (reach out if you have any questions), and apply if you feel that our working together would make a great fit!
Apply to be a Pattern Tester for Jen Hayes Creations!
Click here to learn more and fill out the Pattern Tester Application!
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