Tech editing is a crucial step in the design process as it provides the opportunity for an expert outsider to review your pattern and check it for errors, style issues, and unclear instructions.
With over 2 years experience as a tech editor, and a decade of knitting under my belt, I have the expertise needed to guide you through the pattern publishing process.
What I check when editing your pattern
These are the common things I'll review:
Check measurements and conversions across measurement systems
Yarn information (fiber type, yardage, company name, etc.)
Charts match written instructions
Abbreviations
Stitch counts ‘
Row numbering and RS/WS flow
Grammatical errors
Depending on the pattern, there may be more things to check as well, and I will adjust my workflow accordingly. In addition, I provide suggestions to improve clarity and will check your pattern against your style guide, if provided.
If there are any specific areas in your pattern that you have concerns about, let me know at the start and we can work through those together.
What I edit
I’ve been tech editing since 2021, and in that time I’ve edited 100+ patterns. Over the years I’ve really figured out what my editing style is and what I like to edit most. As a result, in 2023 I decided to stop editing garments and shift my focus to accessories. I love checking lace charts, matching up tricky pattern detailing to sample photos, and checking stitch counts when rows have lots of increases/decreases and other weird things going on.
Got a complicated chart? Send it my way. I grew up doing Highlights Magazine Spot the Difference puzzles, and I use those same skills I’ve been honing since childhood to ensure your pattern is free of inconsistencies.
My process
When you send me an inquiry, I will take a look at your pattern and provide you with a quote. I’m also happy to offer a free 15 minute Zoom call before we get started to discuss what you’re looking for, the style of editing you prefer, and any areas you feel you need extra instruction on, so that I can better tailor my process to your wants and needs.
Typically, a pattern will go through at least two rounds of editing with me. Most of my comments will be made in round 1, but I like to get a final look at the pattern to ensure everything was updated correctly and also to ensure that I get to look at it on a separate day with a “fresh set of eyes” to catch any additional mistakes.
Assuming no major issues are discovered that require back and forth, my turnaround time for the first round of editing is one week, and the second edit will take up to three business days. I recommend booking your edit on my calendar at least two weeks in advance of when you need it completed by.
Pricing
I offer both hourly and flat rate pricing. By default I will give quotes using an hourly rate, but if you prefer the predictability of a flat rate, I’m happy to do that for you.
Factors that contribute to editing time are the number of errors present, stitch pattern complexity, and the number of sizes/yarn weight options available.
My editing philosophy
I think the tech editing process is most beneficial when viewed as a collaboration. When I make suggestions, I’m coming from the place of wanting to improve the pattern, not from a place of wanting to point out all the areas that are wrong. I also try to explain to the best of my ability why I am making each suggestion, so that you know where the recommendation is coming from. I have a lot of opinions on how patterns should be written, but also recognize that at the end of the day, this is your pattern and you can choose whether or not to take my advice, and I’m not offended when a particular suggestion doesn’t get incorporated.
Because I view this process as a collaboration, I also am conscious of the fact that you are entrusting me with finding all the errors in your pattern, and that the quality of my work reflects on your work. I do my best to be as thorough as possible in my edits.
I encourage designers to develop their own style, and as we work together more I will learn what you do and don’t like to do in your patterns, and as time goes on my edits will reflect that understanding.