The Ins & Outs of Pattern Testing

I write many of my own crochet patterns but I LOVE to occasionally test and even purchase patterns from other designers. Normally designers will post a "testing call" on their Facebook business page. The designer will ask you to join a FB or Ravelry group that they've created or they may simply ask you to respond directly to the FB post. Each designer has their own way of choosing testers. Some do a random draw or choose by the alphabet and your last name while others request to see a sample of your work.

Tips for Being Chosen

• Provide a clickable link to your crochet/knitting page. Don't tag your page by using the @ symbol. Instead, type the entire URL of your page into the comment. Doing this will provide a thumbnail image of the profile picture on your business page.
• Be sure that your crochet/knitting business page, especially the profile picture, looks professional. The designers are looking for someone who can provide quality pictures. They don't have to be taken with a professional camera but you don't want to submit cell phone quality pictures.
• Provide your email address, along with the link to your page. Many designers are super busy and they want to get the patterns tested quickly. By providing your email the designer will be able to quickly send the pattern to the testers they have chosen.
• If you've tested before, don't be afraid to say so. Yes that's right....don't be afraid to name drop the previous designers you've tested for.
• If the test has a desired time frame, be sure to state that you can accomplish the test in the time frame provided and be sure to actually commit to it! If you fail to meet the time frame you will, more than likely, be charged for the pattern.
• If you have access to models be sure to list the ages of the models you can provide pictures of using the testing item.
• Bonus- If you are a yarn freak, like me, let the designer know you have the required materials already on hand.
• Example response: I would love to test for you! I have testing experience and have recently tested for *. I can have this item tested in the time frame you require. I can also provide clear pictures and I have a model for sizes * and *. I have all the materials required on hand. My email is * and you can find examples of my work at http://www.facebook.com/craftcreekcrochet.

Tips for Being a Successful Tester

• Choose the yarn colors first. If the designer gives you the choice of color...choose it wisely. It's okay to use unexpected colors but don't go completely crazy.
• Start as soon as you receive the pattern. Also be sure to send a quick little email response stating that you received the pattern and you are excited and ready to begin.
• Print the pattern and read through it entirely, checking for spelling/grammar errors, before you start. Unless the designer prefers a specific editing style, mark and correct all errors directly onto the printed pattern with a red pen.
• Mark any pattern errors as you are testing so that you do not forget.
• After you have completed the test, scan the pattern, with errors marked in red, into your computer. The designer will appreciate you marking directly on the pattern because it's much easier for them to find the errors and correct them.
• Take 2-3 photos of the item in use. If the lighting in your house is dim, take the photos outside in natural light instead. Be mindful of what's in the background of your photo. No designer wants to see what you had for lunch or the dirty dishes you didn't finish the night before because you were up until 3am finishing the testing of their item, lol. For most designers, the photos are just as important as the pattern edits you are submitting to them. Edit the photos using a free online editing tool like ipiccy.com Resize the photos to 800 X 800 or less in case the designer has a picky email server.

Turning in Your Photos & Edits

• Start the email with something positive. If you felt like the pattern was exciting, tell the designer that!
• Attach the photos you took.
• Attach the pattern, with the edits in red, that you scanned in.
• In the body of the email describe the fit or turn out of the item. This is also a good place to offer any suggestions that you may have.
• Thank the designer for the opportunity to test. In most cases the designer has quite a few testers to choose from. So consider yourself lucky if you are chosen.

Additional

• If you were part of a personal group which was created by the designer you tested for, be sure to post your photos in the group. If you finish early this will help other testers who may be struggling on a step, if there is no visual to go by on the pattern draft.
• Post one of the photos on your personal Facebook page, with a nice comment about the pattern and provide a link to the designer's page. This will help promote the pattern and will be greatly appreciated by the designer.
• Be sure to get written permission from the designer before posting the item for sale anywhere online or at local craft fairs. Most designers allow you to sell your finished items as a courtesy of testing the pattern.
• Good luck and HAPPY TESTING!!!!

Below are a few of the items I have tested.
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Polka Dot Cowl (Pattern by Tricia Dodge of Cuddlepie Crochet)

You or your child will look amazing in this one of a kind cowl. Its innovative design features 3-d  polka dots in a contrasting color which really sets it apart. This design is awaiting its debut. I'll update the post when its released. For now you can browse other Cuddlepie Crochet creations at https://www.etsy.com/shop/CuddlepieCrochet 

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Chevron Dog Sweater (Pattern by Sara Sach Posh Pooch Designs)

This was such a fun pattern! This pattern is designed to fit a dog between 2-20lbs. The color combinations are endless. You can find the pattern here https://www.etsy.com/listing/121393883/instant-download-crochet-pattern-chevron?utm_source=OpenGraph&utm_medium=ConnectedShop&utm_campaign=Share

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Halter Dress w/ Flirty Ruffle Skirt (Pattern by Sara Sach of Posh Pooch Designs)

 

I loved this pattern for my little pooch because it was something different that I had never seen before. Can you imagine walking your dog in this at the park during spring/summer? ADORABLE! You can find the pattern here https://www.etsy.com/listing/121607556/instant-download-crochet-pattern-halter?ref=shop_home_active

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Midsummer Wrap (Pattern by Salena Baca of Baca Creations)

 

Sadly I didn't have a model for this wrap but you can imagine how pretty this would be draped around your shoulders on a cool summer evening. This can be done in many colors and made to match any outfit. The pattern is clear and simple to read. The wrap can be made in different sizes to fit all ages. You can find the pattern here https://www.etsy.com/listing/152821115/pdf-pattern-midsummer-wrap-design-wars-3

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Princess Hat (Pattern by Teena Sutton Murphy of Flushed with Rosy Colour)

 

This sweet little hat is made with 100% cotton so it would be perfect during any season. The design of the brim adds a little extra flare and the flower attachment completes the look. You can find the pattern here in 6 different sizes. http://www.ravelry.com/designers/teena-sutton-murphy/patterns

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Z is for Zebra

I love the way this hat turned out. The zebra mane really sets it off. I used Vanna's Choice yarn in black and white for the hat. I used Lion Brand Fun Fur yarn in black for the mane.

The finished hat can be purchased at Craft Creek.

Y is for Yarn

I've used many types of yarn over the last few years. Below I have listed my favorites and why.

#1 Vanna's Choice (100% Acrylic)- This yarn is affordable, soft yet durable, & perfect for baby hats.

#2 Caron Simply Soft (100% Acrylic)- This yarn is bad for having knots but it's my favorite for afghans. It makes a heavier afghan with a shiny and polished look.

#3 Lily Sugar 'n Cream (100% Cotton)- This yarn is soft and generally flawless. It's my favorite cotton yarn because of it's price and the available color options. It's perfect for kitchen items like dishcloths, and also great for hair accessories.

#4 Patons Stretch Sock (Cotton 41%, Wool 39%, Nylon 13%, 7% Elastic)- The color selection isn't massive with this yarn. The way this yarn works up makes up for that. It's soft and lightweight and offers just the right amount of stretch. It's great for socks and wrist warmers.

#5 Red Heart with Love (100% Acrylic)- This yarn has a super soft texture but is still very affordable. It would be great to make stuffed animals/amigurumi.

#6 Red Heart Sashay (97% Acrylic, 3% Metallic Polyester)- This yarn is used for ruffle scarfs. The color selection is gorgeous. It's generally flawless. It has just the right amount of metallic sparkle on the bottom, where the ruffle is. The price is a touch high but you only need one skein to make a scarf.

S is for Security Blanket

Every baby needs a cute little blanket to pack around. Security blankets come in many sizes, colors, and styles. I  made this sweet little Big Bird blanket for my niece on her 1st birthday.

The free pattern for the blanket base can be found here. You must be a member of Ravelry to view the pattern. Registration is free and there are thousands of other great patterns on the Ravelry site to keep those fingers busy!

I crocheted the Big Bird attachment as I went. I did not write a pattern because I was so pressed for time. I may go back and crochet another one and write a pattern for him since he looks so cute on the blanket. :)

The blanket, without the Big Bird attachment, can be found for sale at Craft Creek.

R is for Ruffle Scarf

I thought I had mastered every style and technique of crochet. A few months ago a good friend of mine mentioned ruffle scarfs. Now in my head I assumed this was like any other crochet scarf, worked across in rows either vertically or horizontally. So I ordered 7 skeins of Red Heart Sashay yarn and was so excited when it finally came in the mail. I opened it, pulled out a strand of yarn to check the texture, and had no idea how anyone could possibly make a scarf from it.

I searched tons of patterns and could not figure it out. Finally I came across a how to video on the ruffle scarf. After watching the video, I found the ruffle scarf to be one of the simplest things I had ever crocheted. The video can be found here. Even if you are new to crochet, these are so easy to make. I will be adding these to my shop this week, if you prefer to buy one already made. You will find them for sale at Craft Creek toward the end of this week.

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P is for Purse

In all honesty I'm really not a purse type of girl. I normally carry an oversized bag, if you can call it that. I take a yarn project with me everywhere I go, hence the large bag I carry. But for those girls who do love cute little purses, or even for those like my self, who pack a  purse/clutch on special occasions, this purse is such an adorable spring option.

The pattern is free and can be found here on the Tangled Happy blog. The yarn I chose for this project was Caron Simply Soft. I crocheted the purse in the colors of grey heather and sunshine. I crocheted the flower in Red Heart Classics yarn in the color parakeet. I did add a quick and simple liner to my purse. The spaces left between each group of stitches would have allowed smaller items to fall through which is why I chose to add a liner.

The best part about this free crochet pattern is it offers 3 different handle styles and a few different flower styles to attach to the bag.

If crocheting isn't for you, the finished purse can be found for sale at Craft Creek.

O is for Owl

Owls seem to be all the craze lately. From babies and toddlers to teenagers and adults, I have seen owls floating around everywhere. So today I'm sharing two super easy and super awesome crochet owl patterns. The best part is... both patterns are completely free!

Owl Amigurumi/Stuffed Animal
This little guy is so adorable. I used my favorite yarn, Vanna's Choice, in the colors charcoal gray and aqua. The original pattern can be found here on Lion Brand's website. You must be a member of LionBrand.com to view this pattern. Registration is free. I chose to do a normal owl instead of the graduation styled owl, as the pattern called for. I also chose to sew the wings on the side of the body instead of around the neck area. That allowed the wings to lay in more of a flat and natural way. I encourage all of you "hookers" out there to add this to your project list. It's one of the cutest projects I've personally made. LionBrand.com gives you the rights to sell your finished products using their patterns which is a great plus. For all you "non hookers," out there, I do sell this in my shop. You can purchase it from me at Craft Creek.

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Owl Hat
I cannot say enough about these owl hats. This is such a great gift idea for all the little ones in your life. The color options are endless. I've made many different color combinations and they always turn out gorgeous. My rule of thumb is to stick with Vanna's Choice yarn. All of the yarn color options in this brand seem to go together, so you can't go wrong. This pattern is free and can be found here at the Repeat Crafter Me blog. This pattern includes every size from newborn through adult. In the pictures below, I used the colors barley and rose mist for the girl hat and barley and colonial blue for the boy hat. Again, if you crochet, this is a must for your project list. If you do not crochet but would love to gift an owl hat, you can purchase one from my shop Craft Creek.

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M is for Monkey

Monkeys were never a part of my vocabulary until...my best friend gave birth to her first baby boy. The theme she chose for his nursery was monkeys. I made this hat as a special request for her little boy.



You can purchase my monkey hat at Craft Creek
If you would like to crochet your own monkey hat, the pattern can be purchased here Monkey Pattern

H is for Hexagons

Below I have written instructions for crocheting a hexagon. When these hexagons are joined together, they make gorgeous afghans.

Supplies:
Yarn
Scissors

Hexagon Pattern

Special Stitches- You will be using a bobble stitch which will be worked as follows: yarn over, insert hook into space, yarn over, pull back through the space (3 loops on hook), yarn over & pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook). Yarn over and insert hook into same space, yarn over, pull through space (4 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. You have created a bobble stitch, which is basically a few half way finished dc’s.

ROUND 1- Chain 4, join to first chain with slip stitch

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  ROUND 2- Chain 3, 11dc into center of ring, join to third chain from beginning of round to join.

For color change- Tie off. Tie back on with new color in a space between 2 of the dc’s.

For continuing with same color- Slip stitch into next space between 2 of the dc’s.

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  ROUND 3- Chain 2, 1dc into same space, chain 1. *Bobble stitch in next space, chain 1* repeat from *to* 10 times. Slip stitch into second chain from beginning of round to join.

For color change- Tie off. Tie back on with new color in a space between 2 of the bobble stitches.

For continuing with same color- Slip stitch into next stitch. Slip stitch again into space between 2 of the bobble stitches.

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  ROUND 4- Chain 3, 2dc into same space, chain 1. *3dc into next space between bobbles, chain 1* repeat from *to* 10 times. Slip stitch into third chain from beginning of round to join.

For color change- Tie off. Tie back on with new color in a space between 2 of the 3dc groups.

For continuing with same color- Slip stitch twice into next two stitches. Slip stitch into next space between 2 of the 3dc groups.

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ROUND 5- *Chain 3, slip stitch into next space between 2 sets of the 3dc groups* repeat from *to* 10 times. Chain 3, slip stitch into first chain from beginning round to join.

Do not change color. Continue with same color.



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ROUND 6- Slip stitch into the next chain 3 space (under loop) you made from previous round. Chain 3, 2dc, Chain 2, 3dc into same space. 3dc into next chain 3 loop. *3dc, chain 2, 3dc into next space. 3dc into next chain 3 loop* repeat from *to* 4 times. Slip stitch to third chain from beginning round to join.



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G is for Granny Square

Granny squares can be used for so many different crochet projects. Below are the steps used for making a basic granny square. Enjoy!

Supplies:
Yarn
Scissors

Granny Square Pattern
ROUND 1- Chain 4, slip stitch to first chain to form a small loop



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ROUND 2- Chain 4, *(3dc into center of loop, chain 1) 3 times*; 2dc in center of loop, slip stitch to 3rd chain from beginning of round to join.

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ROUND 3- Slip stitch until you reach the first corner space created from previous round. Chain 3 (2dc, chain 1, 3dc) into space. *Chain 1, skip 3 dc, (3dc, chain 1, 3dc) into next space* Repeat from *to* 2 more times, chain 1, slip stitch to third chain from beginning of round.

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ROUND 4- Slip stitch until you reach the first corner space created from previous round. Chain 3 (2dc, chain 1, 3dc) into space. *Chain 1, 3dc into side space, Chain 1, (3dc, chain 1, 3dc) for corner* repeat from *to* 2 more time. Chain 1, 3dc into last side space, chain 1. Slip stitch to third chain from beginning of round.

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ROUND 5- Slip stitch until you reach the first corner space created from previous round. Chain 3 (2dc, chain 1, 3dc) into space. *Chain 1, 3dc into side space, Chain 1, 3dc into next side space, chain1 (3dc, chain 1, 3dc) for corner* repeat from *to* 2 more time. (Chain 1, 3dc into side space, chain 1, two times) Slip stitch to third chain from beginning of round.

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You may continue on to make the square as big as you like. Just remember to add (3dc) into every side space, with 1sc in between every side space. Always work corners as (Chain 3, 2dc, chain 1, 3dc) in your beginning corner and (3dc, chain 1, 3dc) in each of the 3 remaining corners.

C is for Coaster (Includes Free Pattern)

This crochet pattern is to celebrate us moving into our new home. These coasters would make the perfect housewarming gift!

Supplies:
Yarn- Peaches & Crème- I used Burgundy (A), Dark Taupe (B) & White (C)
Crochet hook size G 4.25MM
Small Piece of Thin Cardboard
Craft Felt
Fabric Fusion Glue
scissors

NOTE: This pattern is worked in a round so it may be helpful to use a stitch marker.
 
Coaster Pattern
ROUND 1- With color A, Crochet a Magic Ring, ch 1, 6sc inside magic ring (6sc)
ROUND 2- *2sc in each stitch* repeat around (12sc)
~Color Change~
ROUND 3- With color B, *2sc in next stitch, 1sc in next stitch* repeat around (18sc)
ROUND 4- *2sc in next stitch, 1sc in next 2 stitches* repeat around (24sc)
~Color Change~
ROUND 5- With color C, *2sc in next stitch, 1sc in next 2 stitches* repeat around (32sc)
~Color Change~
ROUND 6- With Color A, *2sc in next stitch, 1sc in next 3 stitches* repeat around (40sc)
ROUND 7- *2sc in next stitch, 1sc in next 4 stitches* repeat around (48sc)
~Color Change~
ROUND 8- With color C, *1 sc in next stitch, chain 2, skip next stitch, sc in next stitch* repeat around (23sc & 23 chain 2’s)
Tie off and weave in ends
 
Construction
Cut a small circle of craft felt that is a touch smaller than your coaster.
Cut a small circle of thin cardboard (soda pop box) that is a touch smaller than your circle of craft felt.
Glue the cardboard to the back center of your coaster.
Glue the felt to the back center of the cardboard.
Set a flat heavy object over coaster and allow coaster to dry for 24 hours.
This backing will help cover any weaved in yarn ends and provide a more stable coaster.

 
Please do not copy or distribute this pattern. You are welcome to make this item, using my pattern, for both personal and business use. If you sell items made using this pattern, please provide a link back to this post. Thank you!

B is for Button (Includes Free Pattern)

I wrote this cute little pattern incorporating a button because…who doesn’t love buttons?!?!

Supplies:
Yarn- Peaches & Crème (I used hot orange and white)
Crochet hook size F 3.75MM
Button of your choice
Metal Single Prong Hair Clip
Hot glue

Flower Pattern

ROUND 1- Crochet a Magic Ring, ch 1, 9sc inside magic ring, Slip Stitch to first sc
ROUND 2- Ch 4, slip stitch into next sc *ch 4, skip 1, slip stitch into next sc * Repeat from * to * around
ROUND 3- Change color. *(sc, dc, ch 1, tr, ch 1,dc, sc) in ch 4 space from previous round* Repeat from * to * around, slip stitch into top of first sc from beginning of round
Tie off and weave in ends.

Construction

Sew button onto center of flower. I used Peaches and Crème yarn in white to sew my button to the center of the flower. You may use sewing thread if you prefer. Glue flower onto hair clip.

Please do not copy or distribute this pattern. You are welcome to make this item, using my pattern, for both personal and business use. If you sell items made using this pattern, please provide a link back to this post. Thank you! J

A is for Amigurumi

Amigurumi - The Japanese art form of crocheting or knitting small stuffed animals. Crocheting is worked with single crochet stitches and all stitches are worked in a round.

The crochet world has so many different styles and techniques. Amigurumi is just one of those techniques. When I first learned to crochet one of the first projects I worked on was worked using this technique. All stitches are worked in a round. So instead of slip stitching at the end of each round, you just keep going. This creates a nice seamless look on all your crochet stuffed animals. Below is a gorgeous crochet elephant that I just recently added to my shop.

You can find it for sale at Craft Creek You can find the pattern for sale at Elephant Pattern

Easter Crochet Items Coming Soon

I'm working on some new crochet items for my shop. This upcoming weekend will be full of colorful yarn and lots of tiny bunny ears. Stay tuned for my Easter album to make it's appearance on my Facebook page. http://facebook.com/craftcreekcrochet

Owl Hat ... Hoot Hoot!

So I ran across this gorgeous owl pattern. It uses Vanna's Choice yarn which makes for a really soft hat. You can buy my finished product here... http://facebook.com/craftcreekcrochet Don't forget to like my page!

You can find the pattern here... http://www.repeatcrafterme.com/2012/04/crochet-owl-hat-pattern.html