How to use Ravelry to run pattern tests

I only run my knitting and crochet pattern tests on Ravelry. I have had the realisation that (for me) it is by far the best way to do things.

In this post I will:

Explain how to set up a pattern test in Ravelry, and

Examine the pros and cons of Ravelry as a place to run tests

As well as briefly listing other options. Ravelry isn’t the only place to run tests, and just like in our knitting and crochet designs themselves, one size never actually fits everybody. Options are good!

Why read this post?

This morning I was chatting in one of the designer Facebook groups. When I said I recently started keeping all my tests on Ravelry, I was hit with lots of questions – how? Why? Can you show how that’s done? Walk us through the process of setting up a test on Ravelry? So many questions! I figured the best way to answer them all was to put all the information together in one blog post, then link that back.

You may be reading this because you are a new designer anxiously setting up a first pattern test – Welcome to the world of design!

You may be an experienced designer looking to refine your testing process – do comment below if this is you and you have any tips or tricks I’ve not thought to include.

Or you may be an avid knitter, crocheter or perhaps a pattern tester looking to see what designers themselves say. If so, hi, lovely to see you, you may also be interested in this post about how to become a pattern tester.


Step 1: Log into Ravelry


To get started, head to Ravelry and log in or create an account if you’re new. Ravelry has an extensive array of features. For using it to run pattern tests, the important feature is the communities tab.

Step 2: Navigate to the Testing Pool Forum


To find testers for your pattern, you’ll want to locate the Testing Pool, a popular forum dedicated to connecting designers with testers. Here’s how:
1. Go to the Community Tab: From the top navigation bar, click on “Community” to open the dropdown menu.

2. Select ‘Forum’: In the dropdown, click on “Forums,” and then search for “Testing Pool.” You can also scroll through popular forums until you find it. The Testing Pool is a space for designers to post about pattern tests and for testers to find exciting new projects. The ‘groups’ tab is the one you can use to set up your own personal testers group, but its probably best to run a test or two within the established ‘Testing Pool’ group to get a feel for how to run a pattern test on Ravelry.

Step 3: Create Your Testing Post


Once you’re in the Testing Pool, you’ll be able to start a new post to introduce your pattern and invite testers. Be sure to include:
• Pattern details: Describe the project, including information about the materials required, sizing, skill level, and any special techniques.
• Testing requirements: Specify deadlines, feedback expectations, and any other details testers need to know.
• Incentives: If you’re offering the finished pattern or another incentive for testers, mention that here.


You can use this post to simply recruit testers and invite them to a group elsewhere, such as an instagram group chat, Facebook, email or Discord. For me, the big advantage of running a test on Ravelry however, is that it can potentially keep everything together in one place. If testers are replying to you in your thread, that keeps bumping it back to the top, and in turn helps you recruit even more testers.


Step 4: Set Up a Personal Testing Group

If you are running one pattern test at a time, the Testing Pool is probably the best way to do things. On the other hand, if you have multiple tests running at once, or you are running ‘secret’ tests – perhaps for a magazine, or other publisher and can’t give details of the design in public yet, that’s where having your own testers group on Ravelry can be very useful.
This way, you can keep discussions and feedback organized, especially if you have multiple testers or projects going on at once.
1. Navigate to the Groups Tab: Go back to the main navigation bar, click on “Groups.”
2. Create a New Group: Click on “Start a new group,” and fill out the necessary information. You can make the group public or private, depending on your preference.
3. Invite Testers: Once the group is set up, you can invite your pattern testers directly to the group. This can serve as a dedicated space for each test, allowing testers to share updates, questions, and photos in one organized area—making the testing process much more streamlined.


Pros and Cons of Running a Pattern Test on Ravelry


Running a pattern test on Ravelry has unique advantages, but there may also be drawbacks depending on your needs.

For me, the one overriding benefit is having everything together in one place, even when running multiple tests. Like a lot of designers, I have struggled to recruit testers, and responded by trying to be as flexible as possible. One tester wants to talk on Instagram? Fine, I’ll do that. Another wants to use Facebook? And yet another is most comfortable by email? Anything for testers. Until, suddenly I had a few tests running, and literally lost half my testers. I was trying to manage a complicated spreadsheet in google docs, with details of each tester, what pattern they were testing, and where they were communicating with me. One stressful day I found myself, literally in tears, searching my in box for any sign of testers that I had recorded as signing up by email, and swore to myself I would never do it this way again.

That’s when I set up my own tester group inside Ravelry, and the next test, for the Brandon Peak Mittens was an absolute joy. There was no stress, and no searching for missing testers. Just a lovely bunch of testers, and an enjoyable teamwork experience. It was testing should be.

But then again, everyone is different. It’s no secret that I have the executive function of a masticated amoeba. So for me, a simple streamlines process is the big win. There are other advantages, depending on your unique needs


Pros


• Large Pool of Testers: Ravelry’s Testing Pool forum is highly active, so you’ll find many knitters and crocheters looking to test new patterns.
• Organized Groups: The option to create private groups allows you to keep feedback and discussions for each test separate and organized.
• Community Support: Testers on Ravelry are generally experienced and familiar with the feedback process, which can improve the quality of feedback you receive.
• Built-in Fiber Arts Platform: Because Ravelry is a platform exclusively for fiber arts, the tools, resources, and community are all aligned with knitting and crochet pattern testing needs.


Cons


• Some people won’t use Ravelry: A couple of years ago, there was the Great Ravelry Disaster. After the launch of a new website design, many people left, and refuse to use the site. Some claim it is not a disability friendly place. I could say much about that. But this post isn’t the place. I will just say here that, as a very disabled designer myself, I view Ravelry as not perfect, but better than anywhere else. There are those who won’t use Ravelry. They are not my testers.

• No Direct Messaging Notifications: Testers might not receive instant notifications for new messages or comments, which can delay communication. They will see if they have a response after they log in.
• No Direct File sending: I send my testers a google docs link with the pattern. This works about half the time. Some testers can’t/won’t use a google docs link and ask me to send the pattern via email. After the experience mentioned above, I can feel a bit allergic to leaving Ravelry for any part of my testing process. One thing I wish is that it was easier for me to send a file inside Ravelry.

• Learning Curve for New Users: Ravelry has a unique structure and design, which can be challenging for new users to navigate. lets me honest. Its not always the most intuitive, easy to navigate site.


Alternatives to Running a Pattern Test on Ravelry


If Ravelry doesn’t work for you, there are several alternatives for running pattern tests. Depending on your needs, you may want to explore other options like:
• Yarnpond: Specifically designed for pattern testing, Yarnpond offers a streamlined system for managing multiple tests. It provides feedback tracking and other useful features for test management. My experience of yarn-one however, is of lots of testers signing up, grabbing the pattern and disappearing. I also found there was little if any chat within the tests I ran there. it lacked the community feel of Ravelry.
• Ribblr: A newer platform that allows designers to upload interactive patterns for crochet and knitting. It has a testing option built-in, making it a good choice if you want your testers to have a unique experience.

Unlike Yarnpond, I’ve found that Ribblr can very much have a community feel to it, and active testers who stay in touch. It’s very geared towards younger users, and more crochet centred than knit centred. Crochet cuddly toys make up most of the patterns that get interest. The point of Ribblr is an app that protects the copyright of designers, which is fantastic. It’s also the great drawback as a testing venue. If I write my pattern directly in Ribblr and run the test there, it is difficult to download to send to a tech editor, and needs totally reformatted before I can upload it anywhere else.

It’s a great place to start if you haven’t written a pattern before, as it provides a structured form to fill in, and direct access to testers when you have the pattern written. But if you are planning on selling your pattern on Ravelry, Etsy oe elsewhere, it has problems as a testing venue.
• Facebook Groups: Many designers create private Facebook groups for pattern testing. Facebook offers easy-to-use group features, including file uploads, live updates, and real-time notifications. it can be difficult to recruit testers to a Facebook testing group in the first place. I also experienced an issue running a test on Facebook, that the posts don’t show sequentially, which made it rather difficult to follow a test.
• Instagram: Some designers recruit testers directly on Instagram by posting testing calls. This can be effective if you have an engaged following. It’s possible to send everyone the file in messenger, and keep the conversation in one place. Recruiting testers can involve excessive singing and dancing however, a step most designers would happily skip.
• Email: While not a platform, email testing is straightforward and personal. You can keep everything organized in your inbox, though it may be harder to manage multiple testers and feedback.


Final Thoughts on How to Run a Pattern Test on Ravelry

I have tried many systems for running pattern tests, and currently I find I get the least stressful tests, with most ease of recruiting testers on Ravelry. I don’t force myself trying any other way of running tests at any point.