Finding good crochet or knit pattern testers can be hard, but Yarnpond can help both the designer and the tester with the whole process.
Yarnpond is a service that brings designers and testers together on one platform and puts all the tools in one place.
I have been using Yarnpond exclusively to find testers for my crochet patterns and I have been impressed with the program and with the new features rolling out as designers and testers make suggestions.
Yarnpond is, for now, a one-woman show! You can read all about Yarnpond and its founder, Tineke, on the website. She has done a great job and continues to add new features to Yarnpond all the time.
So, let’s get started with Yarnpond!
Who Is Yarnpond For?
Yarnpond has two types of users – knit and crochet designers, and knit and crochet testers.
Designers can set up tests and find and communicate with testers.
Testers can see available tests and communicate with the designers about the test.
How do I create a Yarnpond test as a designer?
I have created this series of videos of how you set up a test as a designer. This walks you through how easy it is to set up a test in Yarnpond.
The first video is the basic setup of the test.
Then we look at finishing the test setup.
Now, it is time to start your test!
How do I sign up and complete a Yarnpond test as a tester?
Here is a quick video on how to sign up as a tester and how to apply for specific tests.
Yarnpond tips for success for both designers and testers:
Set up notifications.
Notifications let you know what is happening in the test…chat room, DM, pattern updates. Stay in the loop with notifications!
Respond and communicate.
Communication is key to a good test and try to respond in a timely manner and try to be clear and helpful. Use that chat room!
Be patient.
Many designers are designing on the side or have busy family lives….the same is true for most testers. A little patience and flexibility on both sides goes a long way for a successful test.
Ask for help if something goes wonky!
Technology happens! If something doesn’t work right on the site, report it and get help. The support is great and it makes it better for everyone if issues get fixed right away.
Spread the word!
Use your following to recruit more testers and designers! The more we have on the platform, the more it will grow.
I enjoy knitting and crocheting. Would love to be a tester as I have found that some patterns are not clear and need additional info on some of the stitch patterns.
This is why designer love our testers! We write the patterns as clearly as we can, but of course they make sense to us since we wrote it. Testers always help me write a clearer pattern and I appreciate their feedback so much! I hope you will sign up for Yarnpond and give it a try!