oliphant kat Tech editing

let's work together to make your pattern shine

As pattern designers, we often work in little solo bubbles, knitting and designing our latest creations. But a great pattern always has a great team behind it - from your testers and your models or photographers to your friends and family cheering you on.

Adding a tech editor to that team does wonders for your patterns. By having a second pair of eyes double checking your instructions and your maths, you make sure that your pattern is accurate, clear and a joy to knit.

the oliphant kat difference

At Oliphant Kat tech editing, I believe that working on your team is just that - team work. I work with your pattern writing style and conventions, and I work together with you at every step of the way. I truly believe the editing process should be a collaboration between the two of us.

I have been designing since 2016 and have published patterns in a breadth of categories, both independently and through publications such as Knit Picks, Purl Soho and Knitty. As such, I bring a wealth of knowledge about the pattern writing and publishing process to the table as well as experience with different pattern styles. In 2021 I decided to use that knowledge to help other designers, and started tech editing. I’ve since worked with over 20 designers of all experience levels on a range of different patterns.

If you need a straightforward check of your work, I’m happy to provide that for you. But if you’re a newer designer or someone who needs a sounding board to work through a tricky pattern, I love taking on more of a mentorship/collaborative role. I’ll check through your pattern but I’m also happy to help you problem solve and rewrite parts you’re stuck on.

the basics: what i’ll take care of for you

I provide unlimited edits and revisions - we can go back and forth and collaborate on the pattern as much as you need. I also provide a complimentary review of the final PDF before publishing.

I’ll check that:

  • Details about yarn, needles and notions are present and correct.

  • Needle size, gauge and sizing/dimensions all line up.

  • Abbreviations are listed and stitches are explained clearly.

  • Stitch counts are accurate.

  • Any conversions between metric and imperial are correct.

  • Your style is consistent throughout the pattern, and matches any style sheet you provide.

  • The overall pattern makes sense and flows well.

  • Basic spelling and grammar is correct.

  • Charts are accurate and match any written instructions.

optional extras

Billed in 15 mins blocks

  • Adding metric/imperial measurements.

  • Drawing charts or generating written instructions from your chart(s).

  • Drawing schematics.

  • Generating a style sheet/template from your pattern.

  • 1-1 video call to go through feedback.

PRICING

I charge 50AUD/hr for Australian customers, and 35USD/hr for international customers. There is a minimum charge of 1 hour and then I bill in 15 min blocks after that.

You can estimate the prices in your currency at OFX.

If you’d like to get a feel for how much your project will cost, the following are estimates for how long projects will take based on my recent work, and include thorough checks of everything listed under The Basics. The price will vary depending on the details of your project, and I’m happy to do partial checks. Please get in touch before booking at kat@oliphantkat.com if you have any questions or want a more specific estimate.

SMALL ACCESSORIES: scarves, cowls etc. 1 size. 2 - 3 hours

LARGE ACCESSORIES: shawls, blankets. 1 size. 3 - 6 hours

FITTED ACCESSORIES: beanies, mittens, socks etc. 1 - 3 sizes. 2 - 4 hours

SIMPLE GARMENTS: basic knit and purl stitch patterns. 9 sizes. 3 - 6 hours

COMPLEX GARMENTS: lace, cable, colourwork stitches. 9 sizes. 4 - 8 hours

 

Don’t just take my word for it!

“There are a couple of things I really appreciate about working with Kat. Firstly, she’s always open to learning new things, or new ways of doing old things. Secondly, she communicates clearly about expectations when you are working with her - when she’ll have edits back to you, how much it is expected to cost - and if any of that changes along the way she’s always up front about that too.” - Leela, Leela Mary Knits

“Kat was very thorough in checking my pieces... it felt like a collaboration on the pattern. Can't wait to work together again!” - Phoebe, Friday Knits

“Kat is very thorough and has a keen eye for detail (large and small). Her work helped clarify my pattern writing skills.” - Emma, The New York Year

“Working with Kat has been easy and stress-free. She made sure to communicate about expectations, what she will do for me, and expected timing and prices were clearly explained from the beginning. She kept the integrity of my design voice whilst checking for any errors or inconsistencies, and gave me easy and clear ways to improve my design. The final design is exactly what I want for it to be - thank you Kat!” - Astrid, Wattle & Wool