I am passionate about helping independent designers produce professional quality patterns that knitters will love to knit.
My Philosophy
Your work reflects on you, and your reputation is important. I can help you feel confident that you are providing the best possible product to your customers. They will learn to love and trust the quality of your patterns and it will help you grow your reputation and your business more quickly.
Self-published doesn’t have to mean unprofessional. I can help you put yourself on a level playing field with designers who publish professionally through 3rd party publications. Independent designs can be just as good (and just as successful!) as professionally-published ones.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to effectively edit one’s own work. Pattern writing is no exception. I work with you to make your patterns perfect. I point out errors and make suggestions about style and consistency. YOU have the final say.
First impressions are the most lasting. New designers who start off professionally will be viewed as professional. Why not start now?
Your patterns are unique. I can help you hone your pattern-writing style and produce consistent patterns that will be recognizable as yours.
My Qualifications
I am an experienced knitter, knitting designer, and technical editor with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science. Before moving into the fibre arts industry full time, I worked as a software developer, tester, and writer for 10 years in a career that helped me develop all the skills required of a technical editor.
In addition to the obvious problem-solving and math skills that follow from my technical background, I am a detail-oriented perfectionist with a keen eye for consistency.
I have also completed Joeli Kelly’s Learn to Tech Edit course, which has given me a lot of skills specific to editing knitting patterns.
My Services
General Technical Editing Services
- Check all text and numbers for errors and inconsistencies
- Proofread for grammar, punctuation, and typos
- Ensure wording and style is consistent throughout
- Verify the pattern against your stylesheet, if you have one
- Ensure any charts match the written instructions
- Ensure any schematics match the finished size and shape of the item
- Verify that the pattern is complete and isn’t missing any necessary information
- Check that all calculations are correct (sizing, stitch counts, etc.)
- Identify any layout issues
- Make suggestions about style and clarity
- Ensure all instructions and descriptions are as clear as possible
- Suggest alternate wordings where improvements could be made
- Recommend style and layout changes to make the pattern clearer and easier to follow
Additional Services
- Generate charts from written instructions (using Stitchmastery Knitting Chart Editor)
- Create schematics based on finished measurements (using Inkscape)
- Provide rush service based on availability (see my Express rates below)
Please note that I am accepting knitting patterns only; I am unable to accommodate crochet designs at this time.
My Rates
I offer both hourly rates and flat fees, depending on the preference of the designer. Firm, flat fee quotes are based on the complexity of the pattern and an hourly rate.
I provide two tiers of technical editing services, Standard and Express. Both tiers receive the same quality of service and differ only in turnaround time and price.
Standard
- Turnaround time for first edit: One week or less
- Turnaround time for second edit and final look: 48 hours or less (for each)
- Rate: $25/hour** (or agreed upon flat fee based on this rate and the complexity of the pattern)
Express
- Turnaround time for first edit: 24 hours or less
- Turnaround time for second edit and final look: 24 hours or less (for each)
- Rate: $40/hour** (or agreed upon flat fee based on this rate and the complexity of the pattern)
Turnaround time refers to the time it takes for me to provide the edit to you upon confirmation of availability/receipt of pattern. Firm quotes are based on the above hourly rates (billed in 15 minute increments) and I will always confirm the rate with you before beginning the edit if you select the flat fee option.
For an idea of what the rate would be for your pattern, please refer to the following estimates:
- Simple accessories such as scarves, cowls, and hats: One hour or less
- Complex accessories such as socks, mittens, gloves, and shawls: 1-2 hours
- Simple garments: 2-3 hours
- Complex garments: 3+ hours
- Charts and schematics: Depends on the complexity of the item, but generally less than one hour per chart or schematic.
These time estimates are based on patterns of standard complexity. For a firm quote, please contact me using the form below.
**All prices in USD, payable via PayPal only
My Workflow
I am currently accepting new clients!
To get started, please fill out the contact form below so that I can confirm my availability and fee (see My Rates above). If the fee is acceptable, you can then email me the pattern in PDF* format.
Upon receiving your pattern, I will return an annotated PDF to you within the time frame promised, containing my corrections and suggestions. You can then incorporate the changes and send me an updated PDF to review. I will then do a second edit, ensuring all changes were incorporated and that no new errors were introduced, and return a second annotated PDF to you. Once the pattern has been finalized, I will also take one last look over the final version.
I take pride in my work and offer a guarantee that if any additional errors are discovered after the job is complete, I will provide technical editing services on any required errata as part of the initial agreement and fee. I will also provide a “final look” post-test knitting if any changes have been made, free of charge.
*Please note that I work from PDF files only.
Get Started
If you’re ready to take your independent knitting patterns to the next level, get started by filling out this contact form. I’ll get back to you within 24 hours. I look forward to working with you!
