Elise delMas
Knitting Pattern Technical Editor
Contact Me
Want to work together? Either email me directly at e.g.delmas@gmail.com or fill out the contact form below.
About Me
Thanks for stopping by! I have been knitting for 20 years, started designing my own patterns about 4 years ago, and have been tech editing knitting patterns since July 2025. I have completed the Tech Editor Hub’s course.
My background is in mathematics, and when I started writing knitting patterns I realized many of the elements of a good pattern are the same elements of a good math paper. Some examples:
definitions are clear, used correctly and in the correct order
all algorithms and arithmetic are accurate and flow into each other correctly
instructions and explanations are well-written and appropriate for the intended audience.
While writing patterns I got so much satisfaction from checking the details, when I realized I could do that for other people as a tech editor I had to go for it!
I bring my knitting experience and my academic writing experience to tech editing. I love working with charts, both in knitting and editing. Lace, cables, and color work make me happy!
I’m also very interested in traditional knitting from around the world.
Portfolio
Services
Technical Editing
When I edit your design I will check:
row and stitch counts
abbreviations
all abbreviations defined are used, all abbreviations used are defined
definitions are legible and appropriate for the intended audience
style sheet comparison
chart accuracy
gauge accuracy
instructions are clear
pictures, schematics, written descriptions, written instructions, and charts match
grammar, spelling, & punctuation
This list is not exhaustive, when we work together we will figure out your needs and how to meet them.
I also enjoy offering writing and formatting feedback if desired.
I currently offer flat rate fees per pattern based on the complexity of the pattern. You can find those rates here
Client Reviews
“ “Don’t worry, Elise will help you figure it out”. That is exactly what I have already told someone who is looking to design her first pattern. Elise set up a system for editing the pattern that was amazingly efficient, easy to understand and greatly expedited the entire process and got the pattern released sooner than planned. It’s very important to me to be myself with people even in a professional setting. Elise made it very easy for me to do that with no judgment and generous patience. I was very comfortable to share my ideas and excitement as well as my worries and doubts. I’m so grateful to have found them and look forward to working together in the future. Elise is dedicated to forming relationships with designers, understanding the foundation of knitting and honing their personal knitting skills to ensure they do their job to the fullest and provide the best editing experience possible.”
“Elise was a pleasure to work with, the perfect blend of knitterly experience and mathematical precision. They’re an extremely effective communicator, and brought up issues they saw in clear, conversational ways. I knew my pattern was in safe hands with them. Elise helped me work through my first sweater pattern - ten sizes, two views, maximum chaos, but I felt so much more confident sending it off to test knitters knowing that Elise had meticulously checked every step from cast-on to bind-off. That pattern is clear, concise, and every step checks out. The testers have been flying through it. Elise is an absolute GEM of a tech editor! If you’re looking for a warm, enthusiastic, and meticulous editorial hand, you absolutely could not do better. ”
“It was encouraging to work with Elise. Their attention to detail and the consistency of different parts in my pattern is like none other I’ve seen. I feel confident that the numbers [in my pattern] are correct and that knitters will have a pleasant experience. If you can get on Elise’s calendar, do it. You can trust their attention to detail and the judgement calls they make. If you don’t want to make the change, they won’t shame you for it. They bring another perspective to the table.”
“Elise is a thoughtful and thorough tech editor. All the edits included sound reasoning and were made with thoughtful consideration not only to the future knitter, but with my own style in mind. This was the first pattern I have published and I feel much more confident after the editing process. I will definitely be contacting Elise for my next pattern!”
“I had a very good experience with my tech edit, and I would definitely recommend Trillium Tech Editing. The edit was thorough, helpful, and easy to understand, and Elise is an honest and clear communicator. Five stars.”
Follow me on Instagram
My Original Patterns on Ravelry
