Are you an independent knit or crochet designer? As a tech editor, I’ll work with you to ensure that your patterns are consistent, accurate, and polished before you release your work into the wild. Using my superpower of telepathy (the ability to read a designer’s mind), I work the pattern in my head without actually picking up the needles or hook. My x-ray vision catches any mistakes so your customers can focus on their stitches.
My goal is to paint you in the best light possible so your customers will have a positive experience and come back for more. And if you’re new to the whole design process, I’m happy to share some best practices for pattern writing to get you started on the right foot.
What supervillains are hiding in your pattern? I’ll fight them off so your pattern will shine.
- Mechanics & Style: If your pattern is riddled with everyday typos, the instructions themselves may be questioned. Are there any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors? Are capitalization, line spacing, abbreviations, and notation of pattern repeats consistent throughout the pattern? You’ll look like you aced English class when I’m done.
- Accuracy: Does the pattern produce what you say it will? Are the stitch counts correct? Do your imperial and metric measurements jibe? Can the finished measurements for all sizes be achieved with the stated gauge? You’ll look like a math whiz, too.
- Feasibility: Do the instructions say to work 24 stitches when there are only 20? Can 6 sets of short rows actually fit into 20 stitches? You say to bind off on the wrong side, but you don’t give instructions for the previous right side row. You say to attach arms to the body of the toy, but the arms haven’t even been made yet. I’ll scratch my head so your customers won’t have to.
- Readability & Flow: Does it make sense? Is there a better way to word this? Does one section logically lead into the next? I’ll suggest new wording that will minimize the need for pattern support down the road.
- Charts: Does the pattern repeat fit into the number of stitches available? Are there too many increases or decreases to actually fit into the row? Do your chart and written instructions match? Do you even have a chart? I’ll check it all. If you need a knitting chart, I can create one for you with Stitchmastery.
Tech editing can be a very humbling process. Even when you think you have a clean pattern, a second pair of eyes will catch things you can’t. But trust me—there’s no judgment on my end. Would you rather have one person see your dirty laundry or thousands?
Still think you don’t need a tech editor? Take this little quiz.
Current rates
Tech editing: $35/hour (See below for average edit times.)
Chart creation: $35/hour (Most charts take less than an hour to create.)
Romance copywriting: $30 flat fee (Every superhero has time for a love interest.)
For straight-up copyediting/proofreading of blog posts, product descriptions, etc., check out my other services here.
Typical editing times
These times are estimates. The final cost of editing your pattern will be determined by the complexity of the shaping and charts as well as the general readiness of the pattern for publication. (Pro tip: When you think you’re ready to send it to me, read through it one more time!)
- Simple: 1-2 hours
- Moderate: 2-3 hours
- Complex: 3-4+ hours
My superpowers are strongest when I’m editing accessories and toys. My Kryptonite? I’m just not crazy about sweaters. I can edit them, but they’re not my jam. Anything else? Bring it on!
All rates are shown in USD, but I work with English-speaking designers from all over the world. Use this currency converter to see what this means for your own wallet. Please keep in mind that calculations may vary slightly. Rates are subject to change.
New to the whole process? Here‘s a breakdown of how it all plays out.