Technical Editing for Knitting

Hi, there! I’m Kim, a knitting technical editor ready to help polish your new pattern.
As a designer, you’ve been dreaming, sketching, calculating, grading, writing… it can feel endless. So let’s work together to put the final touches on your pattern and make it shine. 

What is a knitting tech editor?
A knitting tech editor combs through your pattern to make sure all the math adds up, there are no grammatical or punctuation errors, the style is consistent, and the instructions are clear. A good tech editor also uses industry standards to review your garment sizing and guide you through any questions. There can be tens of thousands of stitches in a knit design. Your tech editor (hopefully me!) will triple-check each one of those and help you publish with confidence.

What’s it like to work with me? 
I believe that my job as a tech editor is to make your pattern the best version of itself. That means no errors, accurate math, and a cohesive style. But what’s just as important to me is that your pattern retains your voice and personality as a designer. I’ll help you be more confident in your strengths and give you tips on where to focus or improve on your next design. 

Why choose me?
I’m a detail-oriented editor who will listen, ask questions, and communicate well. And you can have confidence in my skills knowing that I’ve completed the comprehensive Learn to Tech Edit course from The Tech Editor Hub and have a Poynter ACES Certificate in Editing with a background in copy editing for news, websites, and fundraising. Whether we work together one time or 10, I want to make this a positive editing experience for both of us.

What do you get when you work with me?
At the end of our tech edit, you’ll have a pattern that is:

  • Error-free (correct grammar and punctuation),
  • Complete (all industry-standard elements are included),
  • Accurate (the math adds up for all stitch counts and final measurements),
  • Consistent in style (font, abbreviations, and style choices match),
  • Clear (instructions make sense),
  • STILL YOURS (edits honor your voice and personality as the writer).

Plus two bonus elements:

  • Pre-edit checklist to help cut down on billable editing time
  • Video walk-through of your pattern edits available to replay any time
  • Complimentary final proofread before publishing

What’s the schedule when working with me? 
Once we chat and enter an agreement, I can return your edit in 3 to 7 days. Any additional agreed-upon rounds require 2 days. When it’s time to give your pattern one last look before publishing, I ask for at least 24 hours for the proofread. I’ll send an invoice upon returning the final edit. Payment is due within 14 days via Paypal or Venmo (US only). 

What’s not included?
I do not offer schematics or grading services. Your pattern should be complete with all sizes you intend to publish when you send me the pattern for the initial edit. I also do not ghostwrite patterns. Please note that a tech edit is not a test knit. I do not knit your pattern, nor should your test knitters be expected to fill the place of a tech editor. These are both important people on your journey to publishing but are very different skills.

What do you need to begin? 

  • PDF of your pattern
  • Basic photo of your sample knit (don’t worry if you haven’t had those official photos taken yet!)

Ready? Let’s get to work. 
My rate is $30 per hour (1 hour minimum with an agreed-upon maximum). If you’re not sure how long your pattern might take, here’s a brief guide:

  • Simple accessories: 1 hour
  • Complex accessories and simple garments: 1-3 hours
  • Complex garments: 2-6 hours

Remember, these are guidelines. I can give you a tailored estimate when you send me your initial pattern or a detailed outline (construction, size range, general stitch pattern, etc.). And, as always, we’ll agree on a maximum before we begin.

Mistake and Privacy Policy
Even the best can make mistakes. So if you ever discover an error after I have done a final edit and proofread, please let me know immediately so I can work to make it right. However, if you publish without my final proofread I can’t guarantee that your pattern is free of errors. I also agree to keep your pattern documents, information, and communication confidential.

Send me a message here to inquire about my availability and to talk further!

Tech Editing Client Registration Form 

(filling out this form does not behold you to any services)