Become a test knitter! 

Test knitting is a vital stage in creating great knitting patterns. Test knitters try out the pattern before it's published to make sure that all the instructions are clear, and provide feedback on sizing and yarn usage for the project. 

It's really helpful to have a range of experience levels test patterns. What I need from testers:

• knit to the specified gauge
• work from a pattern in Google Docs that's still being tweaked and may be edited when you're part-way through knitting, and add comments for any queries you may have
• create a project on Ravelry including photos of your finished item
• work to the given deadline for the test knit.

You get early access to the pattern before it's published, and, in return, you receive a free download of the finished pattern and an additional pattern of your choice from my Ravelry Store.  

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Current test knits

Burrington Waistcoat

This is a secret test knit for an upcoming book by Laine, so please don't share any details or photos until the pattern information is shared publicly in Spring 2027.

This unisex waistcoat is worked in herringbone stitch, edged with ribbing for a classic silhouette inspired by tweedy woven garments and modernised in a cosy, squishy knitted layering piece. 

If you'd like to take part in this test knit, please read the information below and apply via this form.

The primary deadline for this test knit is 16th November – I'd like to get as many test knitters as possible for this date but realise it isn't as long as I usually like to give. Therefore, there is a secondary deadline of 30th November, which should allow a bit of extra time for those who need it and hopefully ensure I get enough testers, especially in the larger sizes.

Selections will prioritise test knitters working towards the primary deadline, but if you think only the second is doable for you, please do apply!

Pattern Details

SIZES

1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9)

Recommended ease: 4" / 10 cm of positive ease.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Chest Circumference: 31.25 (36.25, 40, 44.75, 49) (53.75, 57.5, 62.5, 66.5)" / 78.5 (90.5, 100, 112, 122.5) (134.5, 144, 156, 166.5) cm.

Body Length from Underarm: 11" / 27.5 cm.

Armhole Depth: 9.5 (9.5, 10.25, 10.75, 11.25) (11.5, 12, 12.5, 13.25)" / 24 (24, 26, 27, 28.5) (29.5, 30.5, 31.5, 33.5) cm.

Cross-Back Width: 15.25 (15.75, 16.25, 17, 17.25) (17.75, 18.25, 18.5, 19)" / 38.5 (39.5, 41, 43, 43.5) (45, 46.5, 47, 48) cm.

MATERIALS

Yarn: 5 (5, 6, 7, 8) (9, 9, 10, 11) skeins of Mendip DK by Marina Skua (100% British wool, 131 yds / 120 m – 50 g), in the colourway Yew (Cloudy).

Or approx: 580 (655, 750, 855, 950) (1060, 1155, 1265, 1390) yds / 530 (600, 685, 780, 870) (970, 1055, 1155, 1270) m of DK-weight yarn.

Alternative yarn suggestions are, for example, Wool of the Andes Sport by KnitPicks and Gilliatt by De Rerum Natura.

Needles: US 10 / 6 mm 40" / 100 cm circular needles, US 5 / 3.75 mm 40" / 100 cm circular needles, US 3 / 3.25 mm 40" / 100 cm circular needles (longer cables may be required for larger sizes).

Notions: 5 buttons (3/4" / 18 mm in diameter), stitch markers, removable stitch marker, stitch holders or waste yarn, spare needle for three-needle bind-off.

GAUGE

25 sts x 21 rows to 4" / 10 cm on US 10 / 6 mm needles in Herringbone St, after blocking.

CONSTRUCTION

This waistcoat is worked flat from the bottom up. The fronts and back are separated at the underarms; the back is worked first with decreases to shape the armholes while the fronts are left on hold. Once the back is complete, the fronts are worked with decreases for armholes and v-neck shaping. Shoulders are joined with a three-needle bind-off. Stitches are picked up around the back neck, front edges and hem, and worked in 1x1 ribbing with buttonholes along the front and finished with a tubular bind-off. Further stitches are picked up around the armholes and worked in the round with a tubular bind-off to finish. 

Apply to test knit here

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