Designing is creative magic.
Technical editing is what makes that magic clear, accurate, and ready for knitters.
I provide professional technical editing for knitting designers who want their patterns to be polished, consistent, and easy to follow — without losing their voice or creativity.
Whether you’re preparing your first self-published pattern or your tenth collection, I help ensure your instructions are accurate, consistent, and publication-ready.
What Is Technical Editing?
Technical editing focuses on the clarity, structure, and mathematical accuracy of your pattern.
It is different from test knitting and sample knitting. While test knitters check real-world knittability, a technical editor works through the pattern line-by-line before it goes out for testing (or before publication) to ensure:
- Stitch counts are accurate and consistent
- Grading across sizes works correctly
- Instructions are clear and logically sequenced
- Terminology and abbreviations are consistent
- Formatting follows industry standards
- Charts and written instructions match
- Yardage and measurements are reasonable and clearly stated
My goal is to help knitters succeed with your design — and to help you feel confident hitting “publish.”
What I Edit
At this time, I offer technical editing for:
- Hats
- Cowls
- Scarves & shawls
- Mittens & gloves
- Socks
- Headbands & ear warmers
- Blankets & afghans
- Other small accessory or home projects (inquire!)
If you’re unsure whether your project qualifies, just reach out — I’m happy to chat.
What I Don’t Provide
To ensure clarity of service:
- I do not provide sample knitting.
- I do not replace test knitting.
- I do not provide full graphic layout/design services (unless otherwise agreed).
- I do not rewrite your voice.
My Technical Editing Process
1. Initial Review & Quote
You’ll send:
- Your draft pattern (Word, Google Doc, or similar editable format)
- Charts (if applicable)
- Schematic (if available)
- Any style guide you use
- Your target timeline
I’ll review the materials and provide a quote and estimated turnaround time.
2. Line-by-Line Technical Edit
During the edit, I will:
- Verify all stitch counts and shaping math
- Check grading for consistency across sizes
- Confirm that charts and written instructions align
- Flag unclear or ambiguous wording
- Review layout and structure for logical flow
- Suggest improvements for clarity and knitter usability
- Ensure consistency in terminology and abbreviations
- Check measurements against gauge
- Review yardage estimates for reasonableness
Edits are made using tracked changes so you can review every suggestion.
3. Editor Notes & Questions
Along with the marked document, you’ll receive:
- A summary of major issues identified
- Questions that require designer decisions
- Suggestions for clarity or improvement
- Notes about areas that may benefit from test knitter focus
I aim to be thorough but collaborative — you always make the final decisions.
After you revise based on the edit, I’m happy to:
- Review responses to major changes
- Check updated grading sections
- Re-verify corrected stitch counts
- Provide a light final pass before publication
(Additional rounds may be quoted separately.)
Why Work With Me?
As both an instructor and detail-oriented systems thinker, I bring:
- A strong understanding of how knitters interpret instructions.
- A structured, analytical approach to pattern math
- Clear, professional communication
- Respect for your design voice
- A commmitment to helping your pattern shine
My goal is not just to “fix errors” – it’s to elevate your pattern so knitters can focus on enjoying your design.
Ready to Work Together?
If you’d like to discuss a project, please reach out with:
- Pattern type (garment, accessory, etc.)
- Number of sizes
- Approximate word count (if known)
- Target timeline
- Whether charts are included
I look forward to supporting your next design!