Tricia Gilbert: Knitting Tech Editor

As a knitting tech editor, I work with independent designers, yarn companies and knitting publishers to confirm their patterns will make what they are intended to make.  

Error removal service for knitting patterns 

Whether it’s a straightforward small accessory, multi-faceted toy, complex lace shawl or comfortable woollen jumper, the pattern numbers need to be correct, the sizes should be accurate to fit as expected, and the language must be easily understood by the knitter. 

I have a knack for helping clarify even the fiddliest of toys and other non-traditional projects, while also keeping track of your stitch counts, lace patterns and abbreviations in any type of knitted design.  

The intersection of words, numbers and craft 

Language and systems have always excited me, leading me to get my Masters in Linguistics (Montclair State University, NJ, USA). I worked in a variety of publishing roles in the US and UK before I became a freelance editor.

One of my super-skills is quickly distilling and editing to house style, to maintain consistency and readability for your readers. For all projects, I keep the big picture in mind while accurately manipulating the tiny details. 

Training & Selected Workshops Attended
  • Maddie Harvey: Knitted Necklace (2021) 
  • Rosina Godwin: Knitting Imaginary Creatures (2021) 
  • The Tech Editor Hub: A Masterclass on Grading (2020) 
  • Anna Maltz: Introduction to Marlisle (2018) 
  • Karie Westermann: Knitting the Landscape (2018) 
  • Olive Knits: The Sweater Whisperer (2017) 
  • Anniken Allis: Fair Isle and Steeking (2016) 
  • Joeli Kelly: Learn to Tech Edit I & Tech Edit II (2015-2016)  
  • Woolly Wormhead: Hat Designing (2012) 
  • Fibre-East: Free Range Knitting (2011) 
  • Threads of Life: Professional Finishing Techniques (2011) 

The creative pursuit of fun 

I believe creativity is an essential for everyone, in all its forms, and handcrafts is an oft-overlooked place where adults are still permitted to play and experiment. 

Yet, the business of craft is serious – allowing knitters the time to enjoy their projects is at the heart of my commitment to this work.

When someone has limited time for their hobby, then those minutes and hours shouldn’t be diverted by trying to figure out fundamental mistakes or untangle the meaning of an ambiguous phrase. 

At its core, knitting from a pattern should be relaxing and fun. 

Knitting Q&A

Favourite thing to knit? 

Shawls, or toys for a quick project.

Tight or loose knitter?  

Tight, hard habit to break.

Go-to fibre?  

Natural wool or a wool blend.

Working in the round – circs or DPNs?  

Depends on the project! Though I often use circular needles even working flat (love my interchangeable set!).

Oldest WIP (work in progress)?  

I started a Beekeeper’s Quilt in 2011 and currently have a large glass vase full of hexipuffs. Not sure it will ever be a blanket… I actually haven’t added to the number at all recently.

Most repeated project?  

Not counting blanket motifs, I’ve probably made more Viking Hats than anything else. They are really fun (if historically inaccurate!) and everyone who sees them wants one*. 

*Sorry, I am not taking requests, but you can knit one yourself.  

Where do you knit?  

I usually knit on the sofa in front of the telly, but I’ve knitted in planes, trains, automobiles, ferries, on a beach, in the woods, in the garden, in a museum, at the library, here, there and everywhere 🙂