Join the team
Become a pattern tester
Every Artsy Maki pattern is made by real makers before it ever goes on sale. If you love being the first to try something new, I would love to have you on the team.
What is pattern testing?
When a new design is finished, I send it to a small group of makers before it is published. Testers work through the pattern from start to finish, in their own size and their own yarn, and tell me what they find: a stitch count that does not add up, a row that reads confusingly, a photo that would help.
It is the step that turns a pattern I understand into a pattern anyone can follow, and it is the reason you can trust an Artsy Maki pattern from the first chain to the final weave-in. You do not need to be an expert. Fresh eyes are exactly what makes testing work.
How it works
One
Join the tester list below. You will only ever get tester calls from it, nothing else.
Two
When a new pattern is ready, I email the call with photos, sizes, yarn and the timeline. If it suits you, you apply with a short form.
Three
Selected testers get the pattern for free, make it at their own pace within the deadline, and send feedback and a photo at the end.
What you get
- The pattern for free, before anyone else can buy it
- A say in the finished design, your notes really do change it
- A discount code on the shop as a thank you
- Your finished piece shared and credited, if you would like that
What I ask of you
- Finish the piece within the testing window, usually 2 to 4 weeks
- Use your own yarn and hooks or needles
- Send honest feedback, including the parts that did not work
- Keep the pattern to yourself until release day
Tester questions
Do I need to be an experienced maker?
No. Every call lists the skill level of the pattern, and for beginner-friendly designs I actively look for beginner testers. If a pattern is meant to welcome new makers, it needs new makers to try it.
Do I get the yarn for free?
The pattern is free, but testers use their own yarn. Each call tells you the yarn weight and roughly how much you will need, so you can check your stash before applying.
How much time does it take?
Most tests run 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the size of the project. A bow takes an evening, a cardigan takes a few weeks. The deadline is always in the call, so you can decide before you say yes.
What if I sign up and never get picked?
Spots are limited and I try to pick a mix of sizes and skill levels, so it is normal not to be selected every time. It says nothing about you as a maker, and there is usually a thank-you discount code for everyone who applied.
What if life happens and I cannot finish?
Just message me. It happens to everyone and it is completely fine. All I ask is that you tell me instead of going quiet, so I know what feedback to expect.
Is this the same as the regular newsletter?
No, it is a separate list. The tester list only ever sends tester calls. If you also want new releases, tutorials and free patterns, sign up for the newsletter as well.
Still not sure whether testing is for you? Write to me at ArtsyMaki@gmail.com and ask me anything.