The Power of a Well-Edited Pattern
Picture this: a knitter, excited to try out your latest design, follows your pattern diligently, only to find that something’s off. Frustration ensues, and the once-happy knitter is now less likely to try your designs in the future. That’s where I come in, your knitwear design fairy godmother, to help your patterns reach their full potential!
Even if you’re self-published, don’t let that deter you from having high standards. Self-publishing doesn’t mean unprofessional; it means you have full control over your own success. I’m here to help you build confidence in your designs and support you throughout your knitwear designer journey. After all, your success is my success!
What to Expect from a rhyFlower Knits Tech Edit
When I work my magic on your pattern, you can expect me to:
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Ensure that all necessary components are present, accurate, and consistent with industry standards
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Proofread for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and the dreaded typos
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Check for style and language consistency, because nobody likes a pattern that can’t make up its mind
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Verify that all the math adds up (literally)
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Make sure written instructions match any included charts or schematics
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Confirm that the sample photo matches the pattern and gives a clear representation of the design
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Check measurements against industry standards, taking intended ease into account
Rates and Time Estimates
My current rate for tech editing is $30/hour (with a one-hour minimum). For rush jobs (less than 48 hours turnaround), it’s $60/hour (with a one-hour minimum). Here’s a rough idea of how long various types of patterns may take:
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Simple Accessories: 30 min–1 hr
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Complex Accessories or Simple Garments: 1 hr–2 hrs
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Complex Garments: 2–8 hrs (varies on the number of sizes included in the pattern)
Add-On Services
Need extra help? I also offer services such as:
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Developing charts or written directions
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Creating pattern schematics
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Assisting with third-party publication preparations
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Developing a style sheet for brand consistency
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Pattern grading (creating more sizes)
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Low-Visibility and Screen-Reader-Accessibility Formatting
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Pattern Ghostwriting
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Design Consultations
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Drafting the pattern on Ravelry (just hit publish!)
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Managing the test knitting process (adds 4-8 weeks to turnaround time)
The Editing Process
Send your patterns in PDF, Word, or Google Docs format, along with any photos, charts, or files I’ll need. Let me know the sizing standards you used, and I’ll send you a cost estimate and return date.
If you have any specific concerns or questions about your pattern, don’t hesitate to let me know. It’s better to address any uncertainties upfront, so I can help ease your mind and ensure the design is clear.
After my initial review, I’ll return the pattern to you to make any necessary changes, and then we’ll go through a final review. Sometimes, a pattern might go back and forth a few times, but rest assured, I’m committed to working with you until your pattern is error-free and ready to take the world by storm!
Communication
I’m here to help and provide whatever feedback and conversation you need about your design. My office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm MST. Feel free to email me anytime, but please understand you may not hear back from me outside of my office hours until the next business day. I’m happy to email as frequently as you need.
Pre-Edit Pattern Checklist
Want to keep your tech editing costs down? Make sure your pattern is as clean as possible before sending it to me, and provide everything I’ll need for the process. Check out this free prepping your pattern for tech-editing checklist.
Why Choose rhyFlower Knits?
With 15+ years of knitting experience, real-world knitwear design experience, and a passion for fiber arts and the math behind it, I’m confident in my ability to take your pattern to the next level. I continuously learn new techniques, master my skills, and have taken tech editing courses like Joeli Creates Tech Editing: Masterclass. Plus, I have a strong track record with talented repeat designers.
Let me be the fresh pair of eyes that helps you iron out the kinks in your design, whether it’s flow, consistency, math, or wording. As many designers can attest, tech editing your own pattern is nearly impossible.
Please note: I only offer tech editing services for knitting patterns, not crochet patterns.