When Do You Need a Tech Editor?

This is something I found myself thinking about last week. I had a learning experience with getting a pattern tested (more about the pattern in a minute) and I needed some help FAST. Someone recommended I contact a tech editor.

If you’re anything like me, you’re at least passingly familiar with various types of editors for writing, but what kind of editor would you use for a crochet pattern? 

The Short Answer

As it turns out, you need a tech editor. Again, if you’re anything like me, that brings up more questions. Like:

What Is a Tech Editor?

A tech editor goes over your pattern to make sure abbreviations and information are consistent throughout and meet the standards set by the Craft Yarn Council. There are a lot of people who can work with you to make sure your pattern is the best it can be. 

Lorraine Britton of Two Halves of Trouble came to my rescue. Mine was a short pattern and she gave a really fast turn-around. 

I have to tell you, even when I do have patterns tested in the future, I will be using a tech editor. She found things that I hadn’t thought of. For example: Although I am somewhat familiar with Tunisian crochet, I was either unaware or had forgotten (honestly, I probably forgot) that there is an abbreviation “tsc” there. 

In that case, it’s Tunisian single crochet. In my case, it was twisted single crochet. Since my pattern is not Tunisian, we opted to leave the abbreviation as “tsc” for that particular border stitch.

There were some formatting items that I had done that were not consistent with the CYC that she fixed. I don’t expect such a fast turn around next time, but not only will I be using a tech editor again,  I hope to be able to work with Lorraine if she’s not too busy.

Now About That Pattern

I should probably put this in a post of its own (and I have talked about it before), but seeing as I’m here and I’ve already mentioned this pattern a few different times, I thought I would announce it here.

The Twisted Stitches Cowl pattern will go live on Etsy and Ravelry Friday. Yes, this Friday! July 31, 2020.

If you like cowls/infinity scarves and texture, I think you will like this pattern. I had this in mind for a while before I was able to get it worked up the way I liked it. I wanted a yarn that would show good stitch definition and provide structure for the cowl. I tried three different yarns. The first two were almost right.

As the saying goes, “Almost only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades.”

“Almost” wasn’t good enough.

I was looking through some yarn that I bought from an estate sale. There was one ball of this light blue wool blend. It was Rowan Tweed Felted DK weight (#3) in the colorway Scree. I thought I would try it. I wasn’t sure there would be enough for much of anything, but I would go as long as it would let me.

I ended up playing yarn chicken, but I won! And the Twisted Stitches Cowl was no longer just in my head, but it was a real thing. And after counting stitches, writing it all down, and trying it again, it will be even more real on Friday because it will be available for YOU.

The End?

That’s all I have for you today. Now it’s your turn. Please leave a comment and tell me what you look for in a pattern. Do you look for texture? Detailed photos? Or something else? I’d love to hear from you.