What is knitting tech editing? A complete guide for pattern designers
Tech editing is a crucial part of the knitting design process, but it’s not a part of the process that you hear much about unless you’re working in the industry. In fact, it was several years into my knitting journey before I had even heard the words “test knitting” or “tech editor,” so if you’re unfamiliar with the concept of tech editing, you’re not alone.
To help you understand what it’s like to work with an editor, I’ve put together a comprehensive list of answers to some commonly asked questions.
What is a knitting tech editor?
When you hear the word “editor,” copyediting and proofreading are probably the first things that come to mind, and while those are definitely a component of tech editing, they’re actually a pretty small part of the process.
As the name implies, a tech editor makes sure that your pattern is technically correct, in other words making sure “the math is mathing.” Knitting patterns involve a lot of math and one small mistake can have cascading effects. For example, a “k2” instead of a k3” could mean the entire lace repeat doesn’t work.
Here is generally what a tech editor checks:
Numbers: Do your stitch counts add up? Do your measurements make sense based on the gauge and stitch/row counts? Are stitches missing?
Instructions: Does the pattern produce the item pictured? Did you forget to include bind-off instructions? Is the ribbing pictured in your sample 2x2, but the instructions list 1x1?
Information: Do you have the proper needles, yarn, and notions listed?
Consistency: Do you capitalize “K” in some places and lowercase it in others? Does your abbreviations section match what’s used in the pattern? Does your style match the style of your previous patterns?
Clarity: Are there any confusing bits that could trip a knitter up?
Graphics: Do you have the right information in your schematics, charts, etc?
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.
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 several 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 stop editing and wait for the designer to resolve it before I can proceed. 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 so that I can make sure the designer hasn’t missed any of my comments.
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.
The exact cost will vary based on the type of pattern, complexity, length, and number of errors, but here are some general ranges for how long different items take me:
Hats = 1-2 hours
Socks = 2-4 hours
Shawls = 3-5 hours
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.
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