Test Knitting

Are you interested in test knitting for Museum Knits? Fill out my contact form to let me know! 

If you're new to test knitting and not sure if it's for you, have a browse through the Q&A section below ...

What's a test knitting call?
A test knitting call is triggered once the designer has finished the design, sample knit, grading and technical editing process and is ready for others to try out the pattern. The edit process hopefully uncovers as many errors as possible, but the test knitting process can reveal issues such as unclear instructions and other errata. Before you apply to be a knitter, you'll be able to access the pattern's details so you can decide if it's for you or not (eg, rough photography, sizes, yarns, deadlines etc).

Do I need to be an expert knitter?
Definitely not, ideally the instructions should be clear enough for all levels and it's up to you to decide whether you want to take some of the specific techniques (colourwork/stitch patterns etc) and are comfortable with the deadline. Having said that, a little knitting experience would be useful (ideally this wouldn't be you first time casting on), and there is a certain amount of discipline and diligence required to carry out the process and reach the deadline.

What are the deadlines?
Usually I'll ask for a 6-8 weeks turnaround for a jumper/sweater, or 4-6 weeks for smaller accessories. I'm happy to talk about an extension if you're struggling (life happens right?) The most important thing is that you communicate with me along the way if you're struggling, and please do get back to me if I get in touch with you to see how you're getting on.

Do I need to use the yarn and colours specified in the pattern?
Not at all, the only absolute requirement is that you use the same yarn weight as that specified in the pattern and that the yarn matches the tension/gauge. If in doubt, I'm happy to advise alternatives.

What kind of input do I need to provide?
The test knitting process is all about experience and feedback so I'm completely open to any comments you may have about the pattern instructions - if you discover any errors/grammatical issues/unclear instructions, I need to hear about it so that I can make the final pattern as clear as possible. I'll also need to know the yarn quantity once you've finished so I can make sure that's as accurate as possible. You can either provide feedback as you go, or wait until you've finished and send it in one go.

How do I provide feedback?
At the moment I'm working purely through email.

Do I need to provide photography?
A big yes please. Photos of the finished garment give me a really good idea of how the different sizes have worked out in real life, plus drape, stitch definition etc. Ideally photos of the garment being worn, although I know not everyone's comfortable with that (me included) - natural light is best so the images are as clear as possible, although your photos do not have to be to a pro standard, phone cameras are great nowadays.

Your photography will not be used without your permission, although I may ask you if I can share via the Museum Knits social media channels ... and if you're happy to share via your own Instagram channels (including in-progress pics) that would also be great, tagging in @museumknits and/or #museumknits.

How do I apply for a test knit?
When a pattern's ready, I'll put out a call via my social media channels and newsletter and on this website, with a deadline on the selection process. If you're interested, you can fill out my contact form to let me know or email me directly.

If you're selected I'll send you an email to confirm that you're still happy to go ahead, plus give you access to a webpage where you can see pattern details, photos and schematics/charts of the designs that we're looking to test. Then I'll send you the full pattern.

Why test knit for Museum Knits?
Once you've carried out a successful test knit, you'll be able to select two free Museum Knits patterns, plus a 10% discount on future patterns. Plus the knowledge that you've contributed to a project intent on helping the arts and heritage sector (if that's your thing) ... once a pattern is published, 10% of all sales either go to specific organisations that inspired the pattern, or to the Museums Association, a UK-based, non-profit membership organisation for museum, gallery, and heritage professionals (donations help fund financial hardship assistance for museum workers, free event places, and inclusion programs).