What does Thymely Knits do?

As a tech editor, I do more than proofread a pattern. I carefully review the details that help transform your pattern into a clear and consistent experience for knitters, including calculations, sizing, charts, special terminology, grammar, punctuation and overall pattern flow. My goal is to give you thoughtful feedback and a careful review so you can publish with confidence. Whether you are an experienced designer or just starting out, we’ll work together to create a pattern that is easy to follow while preserving your creative voice, style, and preferences. After all, it’s YOUR pattern!

A tech editor can also create a style sheet so you can maintain a consistent style from pattern to pattern. Knitters appreciate knowing what to expect in the way your patterns are styled—how you arrange sections, the abbreviations you use, and the way you communicate your repeats. This will also save your tech editor time—and you money.

What patterns do you edit?

I edit a wide range of designs, with a primary specialization in:

• Baby Items: Garments, blankets and toys

• Accessories: Hats, mitts, shawls, cowls

• Socks: Toe up or cuff down

That being said, I am happy to review other types of patterns—contact me! If a pattern falls outside of my area of expertise, or if my current schedule cannot accommodate your timeline, I will let you know right away and gladly share resources to help you find another editor.

What is the tech editing process?

• Initial consultation: Send me your pattern with photos, charts, schematics and style sheet (if you have one). You can send a Word Document, PDF, or Google Docs. We then discuss your pattern, timeline and specific needs—via email, phone chat or zoom.

• Estimate: You receive a cost and timeline estimate based on our discussion and pattern complexity.

• Agreement: If you’d like to hire me, I’ll provide an agreement for you to review and sign.

• Edit: I review the pattern, charts and schematics.

• Detailed feedback: You receive a marked-up document with clear comments and suggested changes; I won’t make any changes to your pattern.

• Designer revision: You make the corrections and send back to me

• Final review: I review one last time after you have made the suggested revisions to ensure everything is publication-ready.

• Payment: I email you an invoice. PayPal and Venmo are my preferred payment methods.

How much does tech editing cost?

• I charge $32 USD an hour with a one hour minimum; additional work is charged to the minute.

• I give a discount in exchange for first time clients.

• Rough estimates:

  Simple pattern: 1-2 hours

  Intermediate pattern: 2-3 hours

  Complex pattern: 3+ hours

• Turnaround time and cost vary depending on the complexity of the design and degree of correction needed. Patterns with intricate shaping, multiple sizes or numerous revisions may require additional time so that I can review carefully and therefore, may cost more to edit.

• Booking ahead helps ensure I can meet your timeline or specific release date and give your design the focus and attention it deserves.