Tech Editing

My career and formal education are in Accounting, Finance and Law, but I have a passion for crochet. It is not only a calming, creative outlet, but also speaks to my analytical, number-loving nerdy side. After crocheting for nearly 50 years, I’ve seen my share of good patterns, some great patterns, and some that had potential to be really good but had issues that made them frustrating or difficult to follow. After struggling with a particularly disappointing pattern that I’d purchased based on photos from a pattern tester, I began to look into resources for pattern designers to assist them in turning their creative ideas into well-written, easy-to-follow professional patterns. It was in this journey that I discovered Tech(nical) Editors.

Tech Editing is a process where the pattern is checked to ensure it works. Different from a pattern tester, the Tech Editor counts all the stitches and has the amazing ability to find errors in a pattern while just reading it through. They help the designer ensure that the pattern has no mistakes when it’s released for sale. Wait… Do you mean that there are people out there that do this for a living?? I needed to find out more about this, because it sounded right up my alley! This was an opportunity to blend my natural gifts with numbers and detail, my training and experience, and my love for crochet.

In 2024, I decided to take the leap and become a crochet pattern tech editor. After researching a number of course offerings, I enrolled in the one I felt to be the most comprehensive. After completing all the assignments (which involved tech editing some really tricky patterns) and meeting all the requirements to the satisfaction of an experienced tech editor and pattern designer, I am now qualified as a crochet pattern tech editor, and ready to launch my new business. In addition to crochet pattern tech editing, I can also assist with pattern grading.

If you are a crochet pattern designer looking for tech editing services, or you just want to discuss whether a tech editor could help you, please contact me! And if you want to know more, read the FAQ below!

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS A TECH EDITOR?
A tech editor checks a pattern in detail, line-by-line from top to bottom. They check spelling and grammar as well as formatting, in the same way that a regular editor does for written works. But in addition, the tech editor verifies that the pattern works mathematically, all numbers are correct, and that the pattern will produce the item as shown and in the correct size(s).

WHAT DOES A TECH EDITOR DO?
A tech editor’s role is to go through your pattern with a fine-toothed comb to make sure that everything in your pattern is accurate and complete, and they do it without actually making the item. A good tech editor will be experienced in the craft itself, but also knowledgeable about construction, industry standards, and a variety of mathematical concepts. They will have an analytical mind, good attention to detail, and a strong grasp on grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Some of the things that a tech editor will do include:

Ensure that the pattern will produce the item as shown, in the correct sizes, and based upon the stated tension.
Make sure that the pattern works mathematically, and that all numbers are correct for all sizes. Confirm stitch counts where necessary.
Ensure that repeats are clear and consistent throughout the pattern.
Verify that any charts and/or schematics are correct and that they match the written pattern.
Confirm that increases & decreases are being worked consistently (right vs. left, front vs. back, etc.).
Check that all written text is grammatically correct.
Ensure that all instructions are clearly explained and make sense for the difficulty level of the pattern.
For patterns worked in sections, make sure that all sections are included, and that the order that they are to be worked is clear and makes sense.
Make sure that the pattern style and formatting are consistent throughout and check against a style sheet or previous patterns.
Make sure that all materials and finishing details are listed.
Make sure that nothing is missing and that everything that is there is needed.
Offer advice to make the pattern more concise if needed for publication.

WHY USE A TECH EDITOR?
As a designer, you may already be selling your patterns, and so you’re wondering why you need a tech editor. A tech editor can help you reduce the number of questions you get from pattern testers or those who purchase your patterns, and also reduce the need to republish corrected versions of your patterns. Using a tech editor will help you to ensure that your patterns are consistent and help you build your reputation not just as a creative designer, but one whose patterns are professional, accurate and easy to follow.

I DON’T WANT SOMEONE REWRITING MY PATTERN! I’M THE DESIGNER!
A tech editor’s role is not to rewrite your pattern (although some tech editors can write the pattern for you as an additional service). In your initial consultation, you and your tech editor will discuss a number of things to ensure that you both understand and agree on what is expected. You’ll discuss how you want the pattern to be marked up, and agree on what changes, if any, you want the tech editor to make on their own (such as spelling, punctuation, or formatting). If your pattern needs to be made more concise or converted to a house style sheet for a publisher, a tech editor can work to those requirements. You will talk about how you wish any questions, errors or suggestions to be communicated to you. Ultimately, it is your pattern and it should be in your voice and style. A good tech editor is there to help you put your best foot forward and present that pattern accurately, completely, and professionally.

I ALREADY USE PATTERN TESTERS. ISN’T THAT THE SAME THING?
No, they are not the same at all! While your testers may be experienced crocheters, they are not looking at your pattern with the same level of detail as a tech editor.

A pattern tester is focused on making the item from the pattern as written. Pattern testers are usually a group of volunteers with varying levels of experience who are following the pattern, and they help to ensure that your pattern can be followed by an ‘average’ maker. They are almost always doing it for free, only receiving the pattern itself as compensation, or perhaps a discount on the yarn used if the pattern is being sponsored. If you allow them to, testers may also be sharing their progress or their finished projects on their social media or Ravelry pages, exposing your design to a wider audience. And this also provides you with a number of examples of finished projects when your pattern is published, rather than just the one that you made yourself.

Although a pattern tester is a wonderful asset, they do not fulfill the same roles as a tech editor. I believe that a great pattern will have gone through both tech editing and pattern testing before it is published.