Free tech editing checklist to use before getting your pattern tech edited

Tech editing is a process in which knitting patterns are combed through for errors, and while you can rely on your tech editor to catch your mistakes before you publish your pattern, you still want to give them as error-free of a pattern as possible from the start. The more I have to stop and write comments, the longer it will take me to edit a pattern, and therefore, the more expensive that edit becomes.

So, to help cut down on your tech editing costs, I’ve created a list of common errors or missing items to address before sending the pattern to be edited. This list is by no means exhaustive, but I think if you have at least these items covered, your pattern will be in a pretty good place for editing.

• Pattern name / designer name listed on the pattern

• Needles

  • Size

  • Type: DPNs, circulars, or straight needles? If circulars, what cable length is needed?

• Yarn

  • Weight

  • Fiber content

  • Brand and line of yarn if you have a suggested yarn

  • Colorway your sample is knitted in

• Notions

  • Generally this includes things like a darning needle, stitch markers, or blocking materials

• Finished sizes and measurements (if applicable)

  • Inches and cm both included

    • Make sure when you’re converting from inches to cm you multiply by 2.5, not 2.54, unless the measurement isn’t based on gauge, like the length of a tail of yarn

  • Suggestions on how to pick a size

• Gauge

  • Your gauge section should specify what stitch pattern gauge is in, if it’s knit flat or in the round, and if measurements are taken pre- or post-blocking

• Abbreviations

  • All abbreviations used in pattern are listed in an abbreviations section

  • All abbreviations in the abbreviations section are used in pattern

• Pattern instructions

  • Cast on / bind off instructions included (don’t forget to join in the round if applicable!)

    • Needles, yarn, and cast on style noted in cast on sentence

  • Follow the same wording for every row (IE don’t switch between “Knit across row” and “Knit to end of row”)

  • RS/WS are labelled properly

  • RS/WS flow into each other correctly

  • Rows/rounds properly used

  • Row/round numbering is correct

  • If using multiple yarns and needles, the instructions of where to switch are there

• Finishing details

  • Notes on weaving in loose ends

  • Specify if the item needs to be blocked and how

• Schematics

  • Labels line up with what’s in pattern

  • Font matches pattern font

• Charts

  • Chart key and abbreviations section don’t conflict

  • Charts flow into each other

  • If pattern specifies that you can follow either chart or written instructions, make sure there aren’t things in the written instructions that didn’t make their way into the chart (ex. placing markers)

  • Chart repeat border is correctly placed

• Miscellaneous

  • All links work

  • References to specific page numbers are correct

And of course, give it a read for any style inconsistencies that pop out, like swapping between the inches symbol and word, space/no space with punctuation, capitalization, etc.

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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!