Finding My Editing Style

Fellow tech editors have discussed their favorite types of knitting patterns to tech edit. Sometimes, this is referred to as a tech editor’s style. In this post, I share about the types of knitting patterns that make me jump with excitement when I open my email inbox for tech editing.

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Hello everyone!

I love tech editing knitting patterns!

From the math in the spreadsheet to the analyzing of cable charts, I can’t think of one part of the tech editing process that I can say I hate.

Tech editing a knitting pattern allows me to get to know each pattern and its designer in a special way! I get to help send patterns into the world for others to knit from and clothe those they love.

Recently, I read a recommendation to state the types of knitting patterns that you enjoy tech editing the most.

In a way, there’s a quest to find your tech editing style as a tech editor.

For some tech editors, it’s accessories covered with lace while others enjoy colorwork sweaters.

When I get a knitting pattern to tech edit in my inbox, currently, it’s the socks and sweaters that make me jump with excitement.

Let me share with you the reasons why!

My Favorite Items to Knit

Well, socks and sweaters are my favorite items to knit as well as tech edit. They are just so practical!

If you are cold, getting your feet warm is a good place to start and socks knit with wool yarn are some of the warmest items I have worn on my feet.

Sweaters, or jumpers for all you European knitters, typically cover a large portion of a body when worn. When I bind off a sweater, part of the feeling of accomplishment is knowing how much clothing is made when a sweater is finished.

When I tech edit a sock or sweater pattern, I get a little of that same warm feeling knowing that the finished items knit from the pattern will be worn to cover and warm another person.

Getting Perfect Fit (Socks Vs. Sweaters)

Socks and sweaters need to fit!

If a sock is too big, it gets bunched up as I walk and may be one of the most annoying feelings I experience. If a sweater is too big, I spend the day pulling the shoulder up to where it should belong as it falls off, adjusting and rolling up the sleeves to complete tasks, and just feel like I’m wearing a sack.

We all know what happens when a sock or sweater is too small. If I’m lucky to get the item on, quickly, I realize what a health hazard wearing this item for long will be.

The challenge and goal of checking that a knitting pattern will be the true size indicated in the pattern drives me.

Adding up the row/ round and stitch counts before dividing by the gauge amounts for the chest, armhole depth, leg, and other important areas of measurement is a task I enjoy.

I didn’t even mention comparing these numbers to the finished sizes listed and schematic measurements.

To sum things up, I enjoy tech editing knitting patterns that need to fit on the body of another person.

Heel Turns & Short Rows

Look over at the person nearest to you and just observe the shape of their feet or upper body. The human arms extend out from the torso. Each person, from their chest to their hips, come in a variety of shapes and proportions. Have you noticed that the human foot turns at 90 degree angle?

There’s no doubt human bodies are amazingly designed!

Often, knitwear is designed to accommodate for the unique shaping in the human body. Short rows are used to turn a heel for a foot, raise the back neck of a sweater, make more room for breasts, and so much more.

All the creative ways designer’s shape a knit in their patterns need an eye to check that they will work out. These mathematical tasks, though some of my hardest tech editing moments, are mountain peak moments in the end.

Blank Canvases for All Stitch Patterns

I have some fellow tech editors who have stitch patterns they enjoy tech editing over others.

For some, they gravitate toward the knitting patterns full of lace. Others may get excited over textured stitch patterns like brioche.

For me, I haven’t yet found a stitch pattern used in knitting that I can say “That’s my favorite!” or “I can’t stand that stitch pattern!”

In my experience, socks and sweaters are great blank canvases.

Even though there’s often shaping or other pieces, there is plenty of room for endless stitch patterns from Fair Isle colorwork to lace.

Conclusion

You may not be a tech editor of knitting patterns, but if you visit my blog, likely, you knit!

You may be a designer of knitting patterns or a passionate knitter of patterns.

Do you have a knitted item you prefer knitting over others? Could you just jump for joy when you cast on a hat?

Do you have a certain stitch pattern that you are partial to? In recent years, I’m drawn to Fair Isle colorwork like a magnet.

Maybe, your jam is top-down, raglan sweaters. You really can’t be bored as a knitter with so many items and techniques, can you?

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Have a blessed day, friends! I will be back with more to share soon.

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