Technical Editing
Are you a knitwear or crochet designer looking for a technical editor? This page is full of information to help you understand my services and why I can help you.
Please see my FAQ or email me to get started.
Services I offer to designers:
- Grade patterns to multiple sizes.
- Produce a pattern template for you to create great-looking published patterns.
- Produce written instructions from charts, or create charts from written instructions.
- Creating, or helping to refine and develop your very own style guide.
Full technical editing of knitting and crochet patterns includes:
- Check all maths.
- Check sizing and gauge.
- Check stitch counts for accuracy.
- Check the dimensions of the finished garment against the gauge given.
- Check schematics and/or charts for accuracy.
- Check any tutorials or special instructions to make sure they're easy to read.
I will also:
- Make sure supplies are clearly listed
- Check for consistency within the pattern from beginning to end.
- Check for grammatical errors.
- Make sure the style guide is consistent throughout.
- Make sure rows and/ or rounds are noted correctly.
- Make sure abbreviations are used correctly and consistently.
Pricing:
I charge the same hourly rate for all the above services: £16 an hour, billed in completed 15-minute blocks.
As a rough guide, I expect a full tech edit of a fairly well-written pattern to take around:
- Schematic for a garment - 45 minutes.
- Tech edit on a basic one-size accessory - 1.5 hours.
- Tech edit on a complex/ Multi-size accessory - 2-2.5 hours.
- Grading and tech edit on a multi-size adult garment - 3+ hours.
These times are only a guide and will vary from designer to designer, and even pattern to pattern.
There are a few things that can add to the time taken:
- Not having a style guide or at least a clear idea of what you want your style to be.
- Charts as well as written instructions that need to be checked over.
- The stage where I am sent the pattern, an early draft is going to take longer than a pattern in its 'final' format.
I will ALWAYS give you an estimate of how long I expect a pattern to take before I start work, and will always keep you updated if I think the work is going to take longer than originally expected.
For new clients, I like to have a quick chat, either via Zoom or on the phone before I start, just to gain a little bit of an understanding about what it is you are looking for and to make sure that I am doing everything I can to create the best patterns for you.
Once the process is done, but before I send your shiny finished pattern back to you I like to print out the pattern and do a final proofread to make sure everything is perfect - this is free of charge and I'll get it done ASAP!
I have experience working with both independent designers as well as publishers and yarn companies. If you think I may be of help to you, please email me with any questions, or to get the ball rolling.