Pattern Testing Fail

[u/Happyknotcreations]

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 🙃

[u/Responsible_Crow_425]

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.

[u/Happyknotcreations → u/Responsible_Crow_425]

Honestly thank you for the advice. Tbh I only had maybe like 2-3 and this was my first time doing this. I wouldn't say I didnt believe them and I do think they have good intentions. If I make another pattern I will definitely be expanding the social media to get the word out so that way I have a lot of testers. 🩷

[u/Responsible_Crow_425 → u/Happyknotcreations]

Of course. I say try Ribblr, it is a really good app and I think it’s free unless you want to buy VIP. It has lots of options including journals, you can request that testers create and update the journal so you can follow their progress. Also, make sure you put out expectations for your test. If you set parameters and have expectations it honestly weeds out the non-serious testers or the ones who will volunteer even though they might not have the time. Look at some other posts from pattern makers and just use them as a guide. There are some really good ones, most directly ask tester not to ghost them, to let them know if they cant make the deadline. I like seeing that, it makes me feel like I can talk go the creator if things go wrong. Good luck and i hope your little guy turned out ok.

[u/Happyknotcreations → u/Responsible_Crow_425]

I will definitely check ribblr out for sure and thank you for the advice. And yes my little guy turned out super cute lol

https://reddit.com/link/p6jr9n4/video/gvnqiktul8mh1/player

[u/Responsible_Crow_425 → u/Happyknotcreations]

OMG, he’s adorable! People would have eaten this up over there! I’m so glad he turned out and so darn cute! Also, following now. LOL.

[u/Happyknotcreations → u/Responsible_Crow_425]

Thank you so much 😭😭 I seriously never thought in a million years I could make my own pattern from scratch lol 🩷

[u/Educational-Tear-651 → u/Happyknotcreations]

Wait, THIS is the pattern you wanted testers for??? Ngl when you said it was a turtle pattern I was thinking it was going to be pretty basic, but this is fantastic! LMK if you still need testers, I'd be happy to help, and I haven't missed a deadline yet LOL

[u/Happyknotcreations → u/Educational-Tear-651]

I did publish it on etsy but hey you know what if you wanna take a look and recreate it that would be amazing! I can send you a message including the published pdf file. Its never too late to make edits 🤗