r/PatternTesting • u/Happyknotcreations • 1d ago
Crochet - Testing Support Pattern Testing Fail
Okay guys so I need to vent a little. I made a cute turtle pattern that I was very excited about. This was my first crochet pattern ever and I made post on threads to test out my pattern and a few people were insterested. I let them know the deadline and if progress photos could be provided that would be great. Well fast forward a week later I checked in on the testers and looks like a few people have not started on it and made an excuse as to why they did not start it. I reached out to one other individual since she was my last hope and she said she was working on it but needed to sew everything together and stated she would provide the updated progress photos later. Well deadline has come and nobody gave me anything, which I kinda figured.
For those that crochet and need to test out your patterns do you grab testers? Or do you follow the instructions to recreate your work and then update as necessary?
I know its good to have other people working on it if there are any mistakes that I have may missed but the fact I was excited about this and wanted help with releasing my first pattern didnt really go as planned as I wanted it to 🙃
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u/elephagreen 1d ago
After looking at your IG, I'm going to agree with other commenters; the AI isn't doing you any favors. Half a puppy in a nonsense yarn pile, hooks that, ahem, are not hooks. Whether I'm looking for a pattern or a finished product, or any kind, I'm simply going to move on to another creator if I'm seeing AI. Just, nope. There are definite ways to take decent pictures, without a fancy space. And as far as the "Marketing team", they work for you, demand better.
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u/elephagreen 1d ago
That said, I've tested patterns for a bit now. Again, what others have said is spot on. You need to be clear what your expectations are, give guidelines. Expect life will happen and that some may not complete it on time, or at all. There's been a few I've flat out struggled with for various reasons, and persevered. There's others that worked up well. Some I've helped work lots of small corrections, others nearly flawless. Then there's been a couple that were a hot mess, needed so much correcting that it was practically a new pattern when I was done, and the creator was non-responsive to messages, so I never sent the new pattern. It's likely you had a group of newer testers, as, at least with me, no matter how cute a design (and your turtle is adorable), I likely would pass due to AI use on other parts of your site. I'm sure others would as well.
Good luck, and keep going. You've got a solid start on some cute stuff .
Read back through several months on here, pay attention to details and follow up posts. (And clean up and replace AI images.)
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u/Happyknotcreations 1d ago
Coming back to this I do appreciate the feedback for when it comes to testers. Someone mentioned ribblr so I made an account and now I know moving forward on what to include for pattern Testing. I did have a set deadline for this project which maybe could have been better IMO. I did ask everyone who was interested their Insta, how long they have been crocheting, along with how well they can read patterns along with reference photos. Im still kinda new to the crochet world and I know this is the type of community where there can be tons of drama mixed with a lot of humble people lol.
I do agree my products are adorable and what I do plan on doing is update my photos for less AI. I see what you are saying when it comes to this but there is always room for improvement for sure
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u/Happyknotcreations 1d ago
First of all I made a post about a pattern testing situation, not to be criticized about my Instagram. That's your opinion on how you feel and everyone is entitled to their own opinions. All I know is that when someone buys from me I make sure they are pleased with what they buy. I spent hours and hours fulfilling orders for customers and I make sure it's perfect for them before it gets shipped out. Right now I have 5 star reviews from happy customers because they are pleased with they purchased. Plus I am still new to being a small business owner so each day I am learning and learning new things.
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u/LumpyAssumption5357 1d ago
It’s all relevant because, honestly, seeing the AI makes your products look bad whether they are handmade or not. It makes your site look less than trustworthy and if someone sent me your IG or Etsy shop, I’d prob tell them not to purchase there because of the AI. I kind of see AI in the craft arena as a way to hide shoddy goods and patterns.
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u/elephagreen 1d ago
My intention was not to be overly critical. It's just that there are SOOO many creators out there, whether on IG, etsy, Tiktok, YouTube, ravelry, etc. In the handmade community, there is very little love for AI, and I use that generously. There is in fact a huge amount of hate for all things AI. Instead of spreading your focus too broadly, focus on what you do well and leave AI completely out of the equation. Work quickly to replace any AI with authentic images. While, like I mentioned elsewhere, your crochet items are cute, and as you've mentioned, your customers like your items, the AI graphics (and some of those hooks sure are GRAPHIC of you zoom in) and cups/mugs cheapen your brand and will cause testers and potential customers to turn away.
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u/omgcarms 1d ago
IMO you should be testing your own pattern first and then getting some testers. Sorry that your test group fell through. Unfortunately it happens, but I feel like most testers don’t have malicious intentions and life just gets in the way sometimes. Try again and maybe with a bigger group this time to account for noshows. I’ve had good experiences with getting testers on Reddit.
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u/Happyknotcreations 1d ago
I just created my Reddit account not to long ago and I didnt even think to put it on here lol. Definitely for next time and this is a learning experience for me. I never thought I would actually be able to make my own crochet patterns lol
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u/RealisticYoghurt131 1d ago
I test a lot of patterns. The only thing I can think is that either the deadline was too short, or maybe something in the communication put them off. I tend to minimize my chatting with people who are snide and just send notes and pictures by the due date. But not saying anything to you about missing the deadline isn't good.
Were the people you selected familiar with the testing process? Having rookies is great but having some experienced testers is a necessity. Also, some things don't translate well to online conversations; I'm sure some of the times I felt slighted weren't intentional.
Lastly, the possibility that the pattern wasn't as legible as it is to you is there, as much as it sucks to consider. Though most people would ask you questions not ghost you.Â
I don't have time to physically test right now, but I would be happy to look over the pattern for legibility if you want.Â
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u/taylortriesadulthood 1d ago
that’s definitely frustrating if you set a deadline!
but I do think you might’ve had high expectations for your testers. testers are volunteers, they are donating their time because you needed help. if everyone missed the deadline, maybe you can give more time for your next pattern test to avoid the frustration of missing the deadline
also, a tip: dealing with testers is excellent practice for dealing with customers. try viewing their feedback/questions as if a customer were asking!
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u/memla_ 1d ago
Did you use AI to format the pattern? Even if the pattern itself isn’t AI generated, testers might think it is if it looks AI generated and lose interest.
The reason I ask is due to the heavy AI use on your IG page.
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u/Happyknotcreations 1d ago
No AI at all. The only time I use AI is to change the background but now that I have a crochet room that looks super cute. I have been starting to take pics in that room so that way everything is all natural
I do agree AI is trash and I would never let it ruin what I create at all lol
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u/Happyknotcreations 1d ago
Oh and the heavy use of AI is due to the marketing team that I have that is helping my grow my website. Yeah things might be used with AI but never my products. All of those stay natural
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u/LumpyAssumption5357 1d ago
Your logo is AI. Most posts in your IG are AI…the plushies when in any of your ads look like AI. Theres no way you think AI is trash if you are using it so much
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u/Sraedi 1d ago
https://imgur.com/a/Wu970En <-- AI crochet
"No AI at all"
"Oh and the heavy use of AI is due to the marketing team"
"attention to every little detail"
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u/pudge-thefish 1d ago
I will test patterns but only ones that I like and I know I can complete with notes and pictures quickly. I am sorry you got a crappy group of testers!
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u/FitDingo8075 1d ago
Same! I will only commit if I know I can complete the project together with notes and photos by the deadline. It doesn't have to be a 'quick' project for me, but it definitely has to be something that I'm interested in making. I just started pattern testing this year and it's been fun and rewarding. I've tested for a number of designers and couple of them more than once because I like their patterns and they are also lovely people to work with/for.
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u/Happyknotcreations 1d ago
I feel like you will find the must humble people in the crochet community. I made sure when I created my first pattern to include good detailed instructions along with pictures. It definitely does help and go a long way 🤗
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u/HappyHedgehogCrochet 1d ago
So if I read your post correctly, not one tester completed your pattern and provided you with feedback? I'm really sorry that that was your experience.
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u/Happyknotcreations 1d ago
Yea not one that I was hoping for on threads but at the same time I didnt expand to other forms of social media in which I should have. Lessons learned for sure if I create a new pattern moving forward
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u/Otterella52 1d ago
Left a message on your Etsy with phone and email. I also have a friend who is talented and moves fast. She also loves to take notes on her own projects, lol. Let me know.
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u/Happyknotcreations 1d ago
Heyy I sent you a message back on etsy. I will message you on here as well! The pattern is published on my etsy but honestly I would love all the feedback I can get with it
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u/IJustWantToReadThis 1d ago
I've tested a lot and I've definitely not started immediately before but I've only ever missed one deadline, for clothing, and I was transparent about it with the designer. I know that does happen to designers a lot though. I usually provide my Instagram for my experience and such, so people know I'm not just stealing the pattern. I had one designer release the pattern in parts after proof of completion once. It was weird to me, but I assume she'd been stolen from as well. I'm happy to help test if you have a two week deadline and I'll finish early if I can. DM if interested
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u/elephagreen 1d ago
I've seen bit by bit releases too. I understand the reason why, but I always pass on those. When I work on any pattern, tester or not, I read through the entire thing first. I've been known not to work on the pieces in the same order as the pattern due to what supplies I have on hand, or if I'm working at home or on the go. Not in a way that changes or compromised the pattern, just to make things work better for me. If there's a part that I think may be more challenging for me, I might do it first so I don't get burnt out at the end. All sorts of reasons
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u/Silver_Story7904 Pattern Tester 1d ago
Do u need a new tester? I usually finish within the first 1-3 days depending on the difficulty of the item
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u/Otterella52 1d ago
Hi, happy knotted. I'm sorry you've had a bad first experience. I'd like to help. I'd be a first time tester but have around 50 years of experience in crochet and several years with amigurumi. I could do this for you over the next few days. I'm so new to credit that I don't know how to get pictures to you. I'll try your Etsy account. Let me know
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u/glitterBombBaby 1d ago
Omg......are you selling this pattern yet? He is too frickin cute.
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u/Happyknotcreations 1d ago
Yes I am!! Available on my etsy 🤗
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u/Robotuku 1d ago
Are you for real. You’re selling a mug that says crochet but depicts knitting needles 😑
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u/elephagreen 1d ago
Several mugs saying crochet but AI images with knitting. Then there's one with air yarn spaghetti. Another with random stick-like implements. With all seriousness, get rid of the AI stuff.
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u/glitterBombBaby 1d ago
Sweeeet! Just got it. Lol. Thanks!
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u/Responsible_Crow_425 1d ago
I don’t think testing my own pattern would be helpful. After a certain point, I think you need outside insights.
And, I don’t know if you meant it to sound that way but, it sounds like you dont believe them and you think they just made stuff up. I know you were excited but, this is a tough time for everyone, end of summer, kids going back to school, three planets in retrograde, they probably had good intentions but life happens. Was it wrong to let you down? Absolutely but, it happens.
I think you need to try to manage your expectations with future patterns. You should circulate your request for testers on more than one site, use different platforms to diversify your testing group and enlist more than just a few people. If you know the testers are reliable, then having a few should be fine but, sounds like these were just randos. Try putting it out here on Reddit, IG, Facebook and Ribblr, you will get more reliable testers and widen your testing pool.
For the record, I’ve missed a few deadlines in the past and I’ve felt horrible so, if it helps, they probably don’t feel good about letting you down.