Hello and welcome to CRAFTROVE BY T! We’re thrilled that you’re interested in joining our team of pattern testers. Before we share our patterns with the world, we rely on passionate testers like you to ensure that every design is polished to perfection. If you’re excited about this opportunity, please read through our testing process and responsibilities below, and then fill out the application form at the end of this page.
Why Participate in Pattern Testing?
Becoming a pattern tester comes with a range of benefits, and here’s why you might want to get involved:
- Enhance the Pattern: Help us refine our designs to make them truly outstanding.
- Broaden Your Skills: Learn new techniques and experiment with different stitches.
- Connect with Others: Join a vibrant community of crafters and forge new friendships.
- Early Access: Be among the first to crochet our latest patterns.
- Influence Design: Contribute to the design process and see your feedback in action.
- Collaborate and Share: Engage in discussions about yarn choices and design elements with fellow testers.
- Showcase Your Work: Get featured on our blog and social media platforms.
If this sounds like your kind of fun, read on to discover more about the pattern testing process!
How Pattern Testing Works
Pattern testing is a collaborative volunteer effort where a dedicated group of crafters receive a pattern before it’s released. Your job is to crochet the item, provide feedback on aspects like yarn usage, measurements, and fit, and submit your observations through a feedback form at the end of the test. We also ask for photos of your finished project, including some shots of the item worn on a model, to assess the fit.
You’ll have access to a shared online PDF via Google Drive where you can comment on the pattern, report issues, and see updates. Most communication will happen in our Instagram group chat, where you can ask questions, share ideas, and discuss yarn and color options.
We aim to keep deadlines manageable so you can work at a comfortable pace. Here’s a general timeline for testing periods:
- Accessories and Small Items: 2-3 weeks
- Sleeveless Sweaters: 6-7 weeks
- Sweaters with Sleeves: 7-10 weeks
- Larger Projects (e.g., Dresses, Blankets): 10-14 weeks
We understand that life happens, and if you encounter any issues or delays, just let us know as soon as possible. Timely communication is crucial to help us keep our release schedule on track.
What We Ask of You
- Follow the Pattern: Use the specified yarn weight and requirements. Check gauge before and during your project. Avoid making changes to the pattern unless discussed with us.
- Submit Photos: Provide at least one progress photo, one finished item photo, and, for wearables, a photo of the item worn. For toddler sizes, staged flat lays are fine. Ensure your photos are clear, high-resolution, and well-lit. Only submit unedited images.
- Grant Photo Permissions: Allow us to use your photos on our blog, pattern listings, and social media, with credit to you. Tag us @CRAFTROVE_BY_T and use the design-specific hashtag when posting about the pattern.
- Respect Copyright: Do not share or publish the pattern in any form.
Optional Extras
- Create a Ravelry project for the pattern and share your photos and details there to help spread the word.
Our Commitment to You
- Support: We’ll respond to pattern-related questions promptly, usually within 24 hours.
- Feedback: We’ll listen to your feedback and incorporate necessary changes to improve the pattern.
- Updates: You’ll have access to an updated document with all changes made during the test.
- Thank You Gift: At the end of the test, you’ll receive the final version of the pattern and an additional free pattern of your choice from our current collection.
If you’re ready to join our testing team, please fill out the form below. This application is a step toward becoming a pattern tester, but doesn’t guarantee selection. If chosen, you’ll receive tester calls via email.
Note: If you’re unable to complete the test on time and haven’t communicated with us, you may be removed from our tester pool.