Tech editing services

Knitting supplies with yarn, needles, and a colourwork chart.

Making sure your pattern is clear, correct and inclusive so that people will love to make it. 

A well-written, size-inclusive knitting or crochet pattern is a joy to use. You want your instructions to be understood by beginners as well as seasoned crafters, and you want them to come back to your patterns again and again.

When you're writing a pattern, it's very tricky to put yourself in the maker's shoes. It's easy to miss potential ambiguities or confusing instructions. It can also be difficult to work out how a garment might fit other sizes than your own. 

I’ll work with you to ensure your patterns are clear and correct, and that they fit a wide range of bodies.

Tech editing services

Close-up of hands crocheting with a coral yarn.

Grading

I believe that knitting and crochet patterns should be accessible to anyone who wants to make them, regardless of the size of their body. The great thing about inclusion is that it means more people can appreciate your beautiful work! 

  • I provide grading services from 28–62” chest circumferences, and I focus on making sure that fit is consistent so the maker gets a finished garment that looks the way they expected it to. I can also help you add modification options to your patterns, to support people who don’t exactly fit the standard proportions (and let’s face it, we are legion).

PATTERN GRADING
Person knitting with mustard yarn on a sofa, surrounded by cosy blankets.

Pattern checking

You’ve designed something you’re really proud of, and you want people to be able to make it without getting confused or finding errors. If a maker loves your pattern, they’ll come back to you, because you make their lives easier and let them get on with the thing they love - making. Having your pattern checked significantly reduces the chances that your customers will get into difficulties.

  • I’ll do a thorough check of your pattern to make sure:

    • spelling and grammar are spot on

    • your terminology is clear and consistent

    • instructions are not confusing or ambiguous

    • formatting is consistent and logical

    • stitch counts are accurate

    • fit across sizes is correct and consistent

    • gauge calculations match garment measurements

    • glossary is complete and consistently used

    • needle/hook and yarn information is clear and consistent

REVIEW YOUR PATTERN
Rachael Prest working at a dual-screen setup with books and design software.

Schematics

I’m a bit of a whizz in InDesign and Stitchmastery, and can make knitting and crochet charts, garment schematics and visual pattern aids that will make your patterns stand out from the crowd. 

  • You tell me what you need, whether it’s charts, schematic sketches or other diagrams. I’ll work with you to produce these, including whatever information you wish, and send them to you in the format

    that suits you best (PDF, .jpg, .png, .ai, etc.)

MAKE IT CLEAR

My process

1. Talk to me

Tell me about your project using this simple form. Just pop in a few details so I can get a feel for what you need and the format you prefer  (Word, Google Docs or PDF).

2. Get feedback

Once you return your form, I’ll review it and get back to you with any questions, an estimated timeframe and a quote. Nice and simple.

3. I do the work

I’ll work on your text based on your brief. If anything’s unclear, I’ll check with you. Then I’ll return your files along with an editorial report and style sheet, explaining exactly what’s been done.

4. Review and refine

You review the work and together we can work through any queries you have, or changes you’d like to make. Once you’re happy, we can sign everything off.  

A stylized pink starburst or explosion shape with lines radiating outward from a central circle.

Need technical editing support?

Tell me a bit about your project and I’ll get back to you shortly.

ENQUIRE NOW

 FAQs

  • I usually advise that grading a garment will take approximately an hour for each size. It can work out at less than this, but this is a good way to work out what sort of cost you’re looking at. For example, a garment which needs grading to an extra 8 sizes will probably take around 8 hours of grading time.

  • I’m not perfect – who is? I do my utmost to make sure my work is accurate, but mistakes can happen.  If something that I got wrong comes to light during a test knit or while a garment is being knitted, I will check the pattern and fix errors free of charge. However, if it’s something that has happened as a result of an amendment that I didn’t make, I do charge to fix it. 

  • I’ll give you an estimate of the time I think something will take in advance.  If it looks like it’s going to take longer, I’ll tell you before it gets to that point so you can decide what you want to do.