My First Pattern Testing Experience
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Earlier in the year I was asked to pattern test a reversible baby hat by the very talented pattern designer Katie of Sunshine Crochet Gifts. We got chatting through Instagram and I was immediately struck with how easy going, kind and helpful Katie was.
I would call myself an intermediate crocheter who has LOTS to still learn about this craft. I favour crochet amigurumi, which is essentially 3D crochet, such as soft animals or toy, decorations etc. I hadn’t made much clothing prior to this.
The pattern was easy to follow, and like many documents that require proof reading there’ll always be typos to correct. However, the thing I really struggled with was the photographs in the pattern. Why? Well, they were for right-handed crocheters.
There is a difference between left and right-handed crochet, as in left-handed crocheters work from left to right and right-handed crocheters work from right to left. This means that some patterns must be worked back to front for left-handed crocheters, and the photographs can be difficult when they are essentially in reverse.
I discussed this with Katie, as I was struggling on a colour change stitch because I couldn’t decipher the photograph which was in reserve for me. This was something new for Katie to consider, which she would openly admit to you now.
Like a true professional she went away and adjusted the pattern and added the ‘left-handed’ photographs in, by simply reversing her right-handed photographs.
This change immediately had an impact of my understanding of the pattern, and I was able to complete the hat quite confidently.
Katie then designed a reversible cardigan to go with the hat, which was more of a challenge for me as I’d never made a cardigan before. Katie took on board my comments about left-handed crocheters and ensured that she included photographs and instructions for both. During this pattern test, I joined a community of other pattern testers who were also testing the cardigan. It was great to be able to share ideas, solve problems and learn lots from other crocheters around the world. I was really pleased with my cardigan and so grateful to have had the help from not only Katie but the other pattern testers who have now become my ‘go to’ group for any crochet issues I need help with.
I am currently pattern testing a beautiful shawl for Sunshine Crochet and I can’t wait to share the finished result with you.
You can follow Katie on instagram: @sunshine_crochet_gifts
You can follow Needle & Fred on instagram: @needles_and_Fred