Pattern Testing Fail

[u/Happyknotcreations]

Okay guys so I need to vent a little. I made a cute turtle pattern that I was very excited about. This was my first crochet pattern ever and I made post on threads to test out my pattern and a few people were insterested. I let them know the deadline and if progress photos could be provided that would be great. Well fast forward a week later I checked in on the testers and looks like a few people have not started on it and made an excuse as to why they did not start it. I reached out to one other individual since she was my last hope and she said she was working on it but needed to sew everything together and stated she would provide the updated progress photos later. Well deadline has come and nobody gave me anything, which I kinda figured.

For those that crochet and need to test out your patterns do you grab testers? Or do you follow the instructions to recreate your work and then update as necessary?

I know its good to have other people working on it if there are any mistakes that I have may missed but the fact I was excited about this and wanted help with releasing my first pattern didnt really go as planned as I wanted it to 🙃

[u/elephagreen]

After looking at your IG, I'm going to agree with other commenters; the AI isn't doing you any favors. Half a puppy in a nonsense yarn pile, hooks that, ahem, are not hooks. Whether I'm looking for a pattern or a finished product, or any kind, I'm simply going to move on to another creator if I'm seeing AI. Just, nope. There are definite ways to take decent pictures, without a fancy space. And as far as the "Marketing team", they work for you, demand better.

[u/elephagreen → u/elephagreen]

That said, I've tested patterns for a bit now. Again, what others have said is spot on. You need to be clear what your expectations are, give guidelines. Expect life will happen and that some may not complete it on time, or at all. There's been a few I've flat out struggled with for various reasons, and persevered. There's others that worked up well. Some I've helped work lots of small corrections, others nearly flawless. Then there's been a couple that were a hot mess, needed so much correcting that it was practically a new pattern when I was done, and the creator was non-responsive to messages, so I never sent the new pattern. It's likely you had a group of newer testers, as, at least with me, no matter how cute a design (and your turtle is adorable), I likely would pass due to AI use on other parts of your site. I'm sure others would as well.

Good luck, and keep going. You've got a solid start on some cute stuff .

Read back through several months on here, pay attention to details and follow up posts. (And clean up and replace AI images.)

[u/Happyknotcreations → u/elephagreen]

Coming back to this I do appreciate the feedback for when it comes to testers. Someone mentioned ribblr so I made an account and now I know moving forward on what to include for pattern Testing. I did have a set deadline for this project which maybe could have been better IMO. I did ask everyone who was interested their Insta, how long they have been crocheting, along with how well they can read patterns along with reference photos. Im still kinda new to the crochet world and I know this is the type of community where there can be tons of drama mixed with a lot of humble people lol.

I do agree my products are adorable and what I do plan on doing is update my photos for less AI. I see what you are saying when it comes to this but there is always room for improvement for sure

[u/Happyknotcreations → u/elephagreen]

First of all I made a post about a pattern testing situation, not to be criticized about my Instagram. That's your opinion on how you feel and everyone is entitled to their own opinions. All I know is that when someone buys from me I make sure they are pleased with what they buy. I spent hours and hours fulfilling orders for customers and I make sure it's perfect for them before it gets shipped out. Right now I have 5 star reviews from happy customers because they are pleased with they purchased. Plus I am still new to being a small business owner so each day I am learning and learning new things.

[u/Sraedi → u/Happyknotcreations]

Your Instagram is relevant to the conversation, your AI use is relevant to testers, and this is a public space, you know you're opening yourself up to whatever feedback people feel like providing, when you post anything on the internet.

[u/LumpyAssumption5357 → u/Happyknotcreations]

It’s all relevant because, honestly, seeing the AI makes your products look bad whether they are handmade or not. It makes your site look less than trustworthy and if someone sent me your IG or Etsy shop, I’d prob tell them not to purchase there because of the AI. I kind of see AI in the craft arena as a way to hide shoddy goods and patterns.

[u/elephagreen → u/Happyknotcreations]

My intention was not to be overly critical. It's just that there are SOOO many creators out there, whether on IG, etsy, Tiktok, YouTube, ravelry, etc. In the handmade community, there is very little love for AI, and I use that generously. There is in fact a huge amount of hate for all things AI. Instead of spreading your focus too broadly, focus on what you do well and leave AI completely out of the equation. Work quickly to replace any AI with authentic images. While, like I mentioned elsewhere, your crochet items are cute, and as you've mentioned, your customers like your items, the AI graphics (and some of those hooks sure are GRAPHIC of you zoom in) and cups/mugs cheapen your brand and will cause testers and potential customers to turn away.