How much does tech editing cost?

The cost of tech editing varies from project to project depending on what the pattern is for and how it is constructed. I charge an hourly rate and will be able to give a better idea of cost once I have seen the pattern. Please get in touch if you would like an estimate.

How long does a knitting pattern tech edit take?

As a general rule accessories usually take me from 30 mins to 2 hours and garments from 1-6 hours. Grading I usually ask for one hour per size, though this is a very rough estimate.

Sometimes I find that the first couple of garment patterns with a client might take me a bit longer while we establish a working relationship and I develop a better understanding of their process. I will always be upfront and will get in touch when I’ve started if it looks like the edit may take longer than I originally guesstimated so there are no nasty surprises!

What is the turn around time for a pattern edit?

I usually need a couple of weeks to book in a client, so if you contact me on the 1st September, I can likely book you in around the 14th. If your pattern isn’t ready when I book you in that’s fine, but I will need it by the 14th so I can get started on it. If it comes in afterwards, I can’t guarantee I’ll have time to work on it that week as I might have someone else booked in.

I normally ask for around a week to complete a knitting pattern tech edit from my start date to allow for any email back and forth time and if we need to iron out any pattern changes.

How can I reduce the cost of tech editing?

A pattern that is well written and has been double-checked for errors will definitely take me less time to tech edit. Simple things like making sure all the abbreviations are there and well described, and the pattern following a logical order will also help to cut down tech editing time. If it’s the first pattern I have checked for you, I might make notes on it that will cut down the time with the next pattern if there is something I think you could do differently.

If you have a style sheet this can help as I will be able to refer to it when going through your pattern. Let me know if this is something you would like me to look at making for you!

Get more information on cutting costs down here.

Can you tech edit size inclusive garments?

I always try and suggest to my clients that they include more sizes in their patterns where necessary. I have standards from a 71-172cm / 28in-68in chest (women) and 86-162cm / 34-64in chest (men) which I refer to when tech editing and grading.

What format do you work in?

I prefer to work in Word, Google Sheets or Indesign when I am tech editing a pattern but I also have access to Pages. I use Excel for my spreadsheets and Stitchmastery and Illustrator for charts.

I can work from a PDF but it can get complicated if I need to make lots of comments, so if I’m checking a first draft then a format that is editable is preferred.

Do you tech edit in metric or imperial measurements?

I work in both centimetres and inches. I use whichever system  the client uses to work out the initial numbers, and then I will convert everything to the other system so we can include everything in the pattern. I find this cuts out any unnecessary number differences that could arise from using different systems.

How do you address spelling differences in British English versus American English?

I am based in the UK, but I respect that my US friends have different spellings and phrases. I won’t make any changes or suggestions unless the style isn’t consistent throughout the pattern, however this usually only happens when English isn’t the designer’s first language.

What is your working style?

I can be flexible with my working style depending on what the client needs. What I prefer to do is work in a Word document and make comments in the margin on any wording or numbers that affect the sizing that I think could be improved. I use tracked changes so I am happy to edit any obvious typo’s or styling errors, but it is up to the designer if they would prefer I just flagged them. I can also work in Google Docs, InDesign or Pages. PDFs aren’t ideal as I can only comment rather than making changes.

How do you accept payment?

I accept bank transfer to my UK bank account or payment through Wise for international clients. I can take Paypal but it isn’t my preference as I usually get stung for fees afterwards!

For overseas clients I work out my cost in GBP and then use Wise to convert and then invoice in their own currency. This cuts down on fees and means they should be able to pay through the invoice link or their bank easily.

How do I contact you?

You can get in touch via my contact form here and I will get back to you asap.