If you’re preparing to publish a knitting pattern, you’ve likely come across two important steps: tech editing and test knitting. While they are often mentioned together, they serve very different purposes—and understanding the difference can make a significant impact on the quality of your final pattern.
At My Sunset Way, both are seen as essential parts of a professional design workflow, but they happen at different stages and solve different problems.
What Is Knitting Tech Editing?
Tech editing is a detailed review of your pattern before it is shared with knitters. The focus is on accuracy, structure, and clarity.
A knitting tech editor will check stitch counts and math, verify sizing and grading, ensure instructions are clear and unambiguous, standardise abbreviations and formatting, and confirm charts match written instructions.
In short, tech editing ensures your pattern works on paper.
What Is Test Knitting?
Test knitting happens after tech editing. It involves real knitters following your pattern to create the finished item. They help identify confusing instructions in practice, missing steps or assumptions, fit issues when worn, yarn usage accuracy, overall knitting experience
Test knitting ensures your pattern works in real life.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Tech Editing | Test Knitting |
|---|---|
| Focuses on accuracy and clarity | Focuses on real-world usability |
| Done by a trained editor | Done by knitters |
| Checks math and structure | Knits the actual pattern |
| Happens before testing | Happens after editing |
| Prevents technical errors | Refines user experience |
Why You Need Both
Some designers wonder if they can skip one step—but tech editing and test knitting are not interchangeable.
- Without tech editing, your test knitters may struggle with avoidable errors, leading to confusion and inconsistent feedback.
- Without test knitting, even a technically correct pattern may have usability issues that only appear during knitting.
Using both ensures your pattern is not only correct, but also enjoyable to follow.
Recommended Workflow for Designers
A simple and effective workflow looks like this:
- Complete your pattern draft
- Send it for tech editing
- Revise based on feedback
- Run a test knit
- Make final adjustments
- Publish your pattern
This order helps catch issues early and keeps your process efficient.
Common Misconceptions
“Test knitters will catch everything.”
Test knitters are incredibly valuable—but they are not responsible for fixing math, grading, or structural issues. These are best handled by a tech editor first.
“Tech editing is optional for simple patterns.”
Even simple designs can contain small errors that affect the knitting experience. A second professional review helps ensure consistency and polish.
“Both roles do the same thing.”
While there may be some overlap, the goals are different: one focuses on precision, the other on experience.
Final Thoughts
Tech editing and test knitting work best as a team. One ensures your pattern is technically sound, while the other ensures it performs well in the hands of knitters.
At My Sunset Way, the aim is to support designers at the technical stage—so that when your pattern reaches test knitters, it’s already clear, accurate, and ready to shine.
References
- The Knitting Guild Association – Guidance on professional roles in knitting design and editing
- Craft Yarn Council – Industry standards for pattern writing and terminology
- Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book – Reference for professional knitting pattern structure and best practices
- Editors Canada – Editorial principles relevant to technical and clarity-focused editing