What is knitting tech editing? A complete guide for beginners
Tech editing is a crucial part of the knitting design process, but before you’ve gone through that process yourself, you may have lots of questions. So, I wanted to put together a helpful FAQ-style post to help de-mystify the knitting tech editing process a bit.
Here we go…
What is a knitting tech editor?
Like the name, a tech editor edits your pattern so that it is technically correct. Knitting patterns involve a lot of math and it’s easy for the math to get transferred incorrectly when you go to write the pattern down.
Stitch counts could be off, a row could have a “k2” instead of a “k3,” the listed gauge and stitch/row counts may not result in the listed finished measurements, etc. There is so much room for error.
Getting things technically correct is the most important aspect of my job as that’s the part that will really screw with knitters if it’s wrong in any way, but tech editors also edit the patterns for clarity, grammar, and style to help your pattern look more professional.
Why do I need to get my pattern edited?
Some pattern designers skip tech editing because they feel they can’t afford it, and I get that. Tech editing is a highly skilled job, and the rates reflect that. Designers might instead rely on testers to catch mistakes, and while testers may catch some things, they might miss others. Testers are only knitting one size, and sometimes aren’t following the pattern perfectly either. They may work their way through an error in the pattern as they’re knitting without even realizing the pattern is wrong.
Tech editors have the benefit of looking at the pattern as a whole, which means we can catch any errors that exist within the pattern.
We might also pick up on things that a test knitter didn’t, such as your photo not matching the instructions (maybe the actual scarf has 6 repeats, but your pattern only lists 5) or gauge being off. One of my tech editing checks is calculating finished measurements based on the stitch and row counts in the pattern and the listed gauge, which can uncover issues with gauge or measurements, whereas a test knitter is going to knit their gauge swatch and then just start knitting.
Tech editors also have a lot of specialized knowledge that a tester might not, such as common industry standards for pattern writing or an understanding of garment construction.
Publishing a pattern with an error in it could damage your reputation before you’ve even really begun your career as a knitting pattern designer.
These errors could also cost you a lot of time in pattern support, and when you consider the value of your own time, you may end up spending more in the long run answering pattern support queries than if you’d just paid for the tech editing.
Pattern support questions don’t always stem from errors, either. Sometimes the writing of an instruction is confusing, which could lead to many knitters reaching out for clarification.
Since improving clarity is one aspect of tech editing, going through that process will lead to a more pleasant experience for knitters.
How do I find a tech editor?
There are many options to do so. I actually wrote a blog post earlier this year going into more detail into each path, but here’s a quick list:
Ask other designers
Put in a request through The Tech Editor Hub job board
Google search
Social media
Tech editor databases like Yarn Database or Yarnpond.
How do I start working with an editor once I’ve decided on one?
You’ll want to send them a message to make sure they have room on their calendar. Some editors I know schedule months out because they are so booked up.
A tech editor will probably ask you questions when you reach out to them, such as what types of patterns you’ll be designing, what file type you prefer to have edited, what your timeline is, etc.
This is also a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have about their process or about tech editing/publication.
When do I need to get my pattern tech edited?
If you’re planning to test knit your pattern (which I recommend), you want to get it tech edited before that process. I explained in more detail in this blog post, but essentially this is because you want your testers knitting from an error free pattern so that you can both respect their time and also get the best possible feedback from them.
All editors are different, but for my clients I recommend starting the tech editing process 2-3 weeks before you plan to start test knitting. This is because editing can take multiple rounds and require some back and forth. If a pattern is perfect I can get through the first edit in 1 week and the second edit in 2-3 additional days. But things are rarely perfect, and sometimes I catch an error that impacts the rest of the pattern and have to email the designer to resolve it so that I can ensure I’m working off the correct numbers. 2-3 weeks gives some cushion to account for that back and forth emailing.
What is the tech editing process like?
Typically, you’ll send the editor your pattern and they’ll give you a quote for how much it will cost. Once you approve the pricing, they can start editing. For me, I like to do 2 rounds of editing. I like to look at things twice because I can make sure the designer hasn’t missed any of my comments, and it gives me one last look at the style without a bunch of edits/comments in the way distracting my brain.
Sometimes a third or fourth round is needed if there are still outstanding errors that need fixing.
How much money should I budget for tech editing?
This will vary widely among tech editors. Most tech editors charge hourly, and I’ve seen hourly rates range anywhere from $30-50 per hour. I recently switched to a flat rate pricing structure where I charge $.065/word, and that rate is based on an hourly rate of $35/hour.
This pricing structure makes it easier to expect what you’ll pay, but if you’re paying hourly, you may expect to pay for 1 hours of work for a simple hat to 2-4 hours for a complex lace shawl or a simple sweater pattern.
What if I don’t like my tech editor?
That’s okay! There are plenty of other editors. You don’t have to feel pressure to stick with someone you don’t mesh with.
It’s also common for designers to work with multiple editors, so unless you absolutely, 100% love your first editor, it’s totally okay to work with several until you’ve found “the one.”
Ready to take your knitting patterns to the next level?
As a knitting tech editor, I can work with you to ensure your patterns are clear, accurate, and easy to follow. Visit my Tech Editing Services page to learn more and get started today!
