Knitting Technical Editing

How I help you create the best patterns possible

What is technical editing?

Anyone who publishes any kind of text needs an editor, a fresh set of eyes to catch mistakes. Since knitting is a specialized area, that editor needs to be a person who knows the ins and outs of knitting.

    Technical editing for knitting patterns is the process of checking a pattern to make sure the numbers are correct, the style is consistent throughout, all the necessary instructions are there, and it is ready for publication.

A technical editor does not knit the pattern, but checks it theoretically, with a calculator and/or a spreadsheet. The process, depending on the pattern’s complexity, takes only a few hours compared to the many weeks or even months a test knitter works on a pattern.

Tech editing has great value for pattern designers, since a well edited pattern results in a good experience for the makers.

My qualification

Since 2012, I’ve worked on over 60 novels and short stories as a literary translator, and copyedited more than 20 novels. I’ve also written articles on various topics. I have extensive experience working with various genres and collaborating with translators and editors from diverse backgrounds.

In 2024, I completed the technical editing course offered by The Tech Editor Hub. I’m currently working toward earning my TKGA certification.

I’m also an avid knitter who loves learning new techniques and exploring new designs. Rest assured, if something is unfamiliar to me, I will don my librarian hat and start researching, at no extra cost to you.

Feel free to check out the list of my publications, or my tech editor portfolio to see all the patterns I’ve edited so far. I also have a list of my finished knitting projects that showcase my skills.

My philosophy

I know it can be daunting to entrust someone with something you’ve put so much hard work and dedication into. I feel the same way each time a new editor works on my translations.

This is why I strive to create a safe and friendly environment where you won’t be judged if you make a mistake—instead, mistakes are just problems to be solved. No one has to know about them.

And even though I might highlight errors, and give suggestions on how to correct them, I will always, always leave the final decision to you. We’ll collaborate, but the pattern will always remain yours. In slightly more legal terms: You will retain all the intellectual property rights of the pattern.

I’m here to make your pattern look its best, and to make this process go as painlessly as possible.

My services

These are the services I currently offer to knitwear designers

Knitting tech editing

I currently offer tech editing for accessories, mainly for socks, mittens, hats, shawls, scarfs and other small items.

I will check spelling, grammar, use of style, written instructions (including clarity and accuracy), consistency, abbreviations, stitch counts, stitch patterns and repeats, measurements, conversions, schematics, charts with key.

Techniques I’m especially interested in: stranded colourwork, cable knitting, brioche.

Please see “The Process” below for more details.

Fees for knitting tech editing

My hourly editing fee is €35. It includes three rounds of editing, and a final check. The final check is free if no changes are needed or if they take less than 30 minutes.

For the first two patterns I edit for you, you’ll receive a 25% discount. (This offer is subject to change.)

Small, simple items might need 1-2 hours, while larger, more complicated designs could require 3-4 hours to edit. But I’ll always give you an estimate beforehand.

Payments can be made via Wise or Stripe.

Knitting charts & schematics

I would gladly help you with creating charts and schematics for your knitting pattern. Ideally, I would also tech edit your pattern, but you can hire me just for these two services.

For schematics, I use Affinity Designer, a very similar software to Adobe Illustrator, capable of creating vector graphics.

For knitting charts, I use a charting software, but I can also use Affinity Designer if so desired.

Please see “The Process” below for more details.

Fees for charts & schematics

If I am the tech editor of your knitting pattern, charts and schematics cost a flat fee:

Service	Cost per item
Simple chart	€15
Complicated chart	€25
Schematic	€15

If I am not the tech editor of your knitting pattern, then my hourly editing fee of €35 applies, with a one-hour minimum. I will always provide you with an estimate.

My rate includes three rounds of revisions. Payments can be made via Wise or Stripe.

Are you ready to dive in?

Contact me for a free quote!

The Process

The following outlines the ideal process

Step 1/6

You contact me for availability.

Please include, if possible: (1) your pattern with some photos of the finished item; (2) your deadline; (3) anything else you think would be useful for me to know. (E.g., whether your pattern has been test knitted or not; whether I should pay extra attention to certain parts, etc.)

Step 2/6

I let you know whether I can take on the pattern or project. My response will include my turnaround time (usually 5-7 days), the estimated hours the project will require, my estimated fee, and my contract.

I usually respond within 24–48 hours, except on weekends and holidays, and I have an auto-reply if I’m away longer.

Step 3/6

We sign the agreement through DocuSign.

If you need assistance, I’ll gladly help—or you can check out this article on how to use their free service. (Your scanned signature is not required.)

Step 4/6

I edit the pattern and/or create the necessary charts and schematics. After I’m done, I will send it back to you to make the necessary changes. Then you send it back to me to check it again for anything we missed.

My fee covers three rounds of editing.

I will contact you immediately if I have any questions or concerns, or if the work needs more time than I thought, to discuss the best course of action.

Step 5/6

When your pattern is ready to be sent to test knitters or published, I will invoice you the final amount, payable via Wise or Stripe within 15 days.

My fee will be in euros, or in forints if you’re based in Hungary.

Step 6/6

After test knitting, I will gladly take a look at the pattern again for any additional corrections, in case we missed anything.

This step is free if no changes are needed or if they take less than 30 minutes.

Are you ready to dive in?

Contact me for a free quote!

FAQ

If you have any questions, please start here

Either one is good.

If you send me a PDF, most likely I will create a flattened PDF so we don’t run into any compatibility issues. (A flattened PDF just means that you won’t be able to move or accidentally delete my comments. The quality will be unchanged, you’ll still be able to zoom in, select the text, etc.) I am also familiar with Adobe Reader’s annotation tools.

If you send me a Word or a Pages document, I will use “Track changes”. (This is my preferred method.)

During the editing process, I won’t change or rewrite the text of your pattern without your knowledge. I will give you my notes and suggestions, and you can decide what to incorporate and what not to.

I will keep our every e-mail and file confidential, and I will never send or say anyone anything about our work, unless you instruct me to. In return, I ask you to do the same.

This obviously doesn’t apply to the fact that I edited your pattern: I will proudly share the news of its publication on social media, and will include its photo in my portfolio (with your permission, of course), as well as a link to your website or Ravelry store.

While it’s not necessary to do so, I would be over the moon if you would credit me in the colophon of your pattern. I think it’s generally a nice thing to do, and including my name also gives credibility to your work, showing people that this pattern was professionally tech edited. If you credit me, you will still retain all the intellectual property rights of the pattern.

If you're still unsure about some things, I would be happy to answer your questions.

I have a question

What Others Say About Me

Testimonials from clients and colleagues

Each time Ádám works on one of our books, whether it needs translating or editing, I know it’s in safe hands. He has an outstanding sense of language and style, and it’s great to see the dedication and care he devotes to each project. Additionally, his work on decidedly lengthy novels is always of exceptional quality. I consider him one of the most talented professionals among his younger peers.

Zoltán Velkei

Chief of Publishing

Agave Könyvek

When I am designing, my brain is all over the place. I am thinking about dozens of design elements, stitch patterns, knitting techniques and how they affect each other, so their combination becomes a unique design piece and they eventually form a knitting pattern that is easy to follow but exciting to knit at the same time. It is such a relief to know that I can wander freely in all this creative chaos and I do not have to worry about spelling, wording or punctuation because I have Ádám to create perfect order at the end!

Mici Harangozó

TKGA Certified Knitwear Designer

Gynka Knitwear

Ádám was my colleague in the Hungarian Central Statistical Office Library, and we stayed friends even after we eventually moved on to work in separate (but related) creative fields. I often turn to him for advice, as he always provides excellent insights. He is thorough, willing to double-check everything. Remarkably patient and generous. He even made this website from scratch - I’m always impressed by his versatility!

Balázs Farkas

Writer

Official website

When it comes to accuracy and literary style, Ádám is an exceptionally meticulous and precise translator, who reliably meets his commitments and deadlines. He is an expert at his craft, and his linguistic ingenuity and creativity are combined with remarkable organisational skills. He puts all his heart into his work while remaining flexible and collaborative during the publishing process. It’s a pleasure working with him. He is consistent in his editing work, always striving to reach consensus, and is more than happy to help the development of colleagues who are open to his guidance.

Erika Barsiné Gál

Writer, editor, literary translator

Delta Vision