The more prepared your pattern is, the more time and money you will save with your tech editor. Bookmark this page for later or you can download a digital version.
If you don't double check your pattern for simple and obvious mistakes, then your tech editor will be spending more time making comments. To help cut down on your editing costs, go through this tech edit checklist of common errors and make sure your pattern is complete before sending the pattern off to your editor.
Pattern Details
Pattern name is listed with designer name/business name
Yarn Information
Yarn weight, fiber content, yarn brand, yardage/meters required per size
Notions
All notions are accounted for and have correct quantities needed
Gauge
Stitches and rounds listed, flat or in the round, measured before or after blocking,
Abbreviations
All abbreviations used in the pattern and listed in alphabetical order
All abbreviations in this section are used in the pattern
Pattern Instructions
Cast on/bind off instructions with correct needle size are given
If knit in the round make sure to say 'join in the round'
RS/WS are labelled correctly
Rows/Rounds properly used and numbering is correct
Stitch counts are given when necessary
All elements are listed - body, sleeves, heels, toes, thumbs, necklines, etc.
Phrasing is consistent: "Knit across" vs "Knit to end of row"
Finishing and blocking instructions are present and complete
Charts and Schematics
Charts match written instructions and vice versa
Chart has a key and is complete
Chart stitches/rows can be repeated as necessary
Chart is noted correctly for working in the round or flat
Schematic represents final garment accurately in shape
Schematic measurements are listed and are accurate to what pattern says
Miscellaneous
Fonts in the pattern, charts, and schematic all match
All links provided work and are linked to correct web pages
Photos are clear and show finished item well
Pages are numbered, copyright and contact info is listed
Style is consistent in phrasing, spelling, punctuation and grammar.
'RS:' vs '(RS)'
'k1' vs 'knit 1' vs 'knit one'
'Using 3mm needles cast on 10 sts' vs 'Cast on 10 sts using 3mm needles'
This list is just half of what's in my own professional tech editing list, so it's not completely in-depth and detailed as it could possibly be, but this will give you a great start and catch most of the obvious errors in your pattern.
Click below to download a digital copy of this list: