How to Run Pattern Testing Using GoSadi's Make-Along Feature
While GoSadi continues to build a dedicated Testing Suite, you can run pattern tests in the interim using the current Make-Along setup! This works similar to a private Make-Along in that it lets you invite testers to review and test your pattern before launching it.
Access Testing from Your Designer Account
Navigate to the Community Feature
Testing is built within our Community Feature, which is within the Maker App.
1. Log into your GoSadi Designer Account
2. Look at the bottom left navigation
3. Click Maker App
4. Once there, click Community from the left-hand side panel
5. You’ll be on the Make-Along page, which is where the Testing feature is until we build out an independent Testing Suite.
NOTE: Testing is part of the community platform because testing is about building community as much as design development.
Create Your Test
1. Click Create a New Makealong
2. Fill in these required fields:
a. Name - Include the word "test" in your test name
Examples: "Bayside Tank Test", "Test - Krave Caravan Wrap"
b. Visibility - Select Test
This makes it invitation-only
Testers cannot discover it through the Discover tab in the Community Portal
Only people with your link can join
c. Start Date - When does testing begin?
d. Duration - How many weeks is your test period?
e. Last Date to Join (optional) - When should testers stop joining?
f. Pattern Name - LEAVE THIS BLANK
Don't enter a pattern name yet
We'll show you why this matters when your pattern publishes
3. Upload a Cover Image
Create a new graphic or photo that will help testers know what they’re testing
4. Add Test Details and Links in the description section
Yarn links (use affiliate links if you have them)
Test flow information
Feedback timeline
Milestones you want testers to hit
Any other important details
EXAMPLE: "Bayside Tank Test - We're testing fit, stitch clarity, and pattern flow. Timeline: Week 1 yarn review, Week 2 swatch, Week 3-4 garment construction. Submit feedback by [date]. Recommended yarn: [affiliate link]"
5. Click Create
6. GoSadi generates your Test Group and an Invite Link
Share Your Test with Testers
1. Get Your Invite Link
From the popup that appears when you create the test
Or by going to Host Tools → Copy Invite Link
2. Share with Your Testers through
Email
Direct message
Discord or Slack
Your newsletter
Private messaging
What Testers See When They Join
If they have a GoSadi account:
They see "You're invited to a Make-Along"
It's labeled as a Test Group
They click to join immediately
If they don't have a GoSadi account:
They're asked to create a free GoSadi account
After creating it, they see the popup to join your Test Group
Free accounts work perfectly for testing
Guide Testers Through Testing
Encourage Project Creation
Ask your testers to start a project when testing begins.
1. Testers should navigate to the Test Group
2. Then click Start Project
3. Fill out Project Details
a. Project Name - They can use any name (e.g., "Testing - Sally's Bayside Tank")
b. Pattern Name and Designer - LEAVE BLANK (these should not be filled-in)
c. Yarn - Type the yarn name (Ravelry's database will auto-populate suggestions)
d. Yarn Color (optional)
e. Yards per Skein - How much yarn they need
f. Needle Size - What you called for in the test
g. Gauge - If you've provided this
h. Yarn Photo (optional) - Photo of their yarn
i. Public Notes - Shared with you and the test group
j. Private Notes - Only visible to them
k. Sync to Ravelry (if they have a paid GoSadi account)
l. Check the box Share on Make-Along - Check this so others see they've started
4. Finally click Create Project
What Appears in Your Test Group
When testers create projects:
Everyone sees "Tester just started their project"
Their project is now public in the Test Group
Public notes appear (private notes remain hidden)
Yarn photos appear if they uploaded them
Manage Your Test Group
Post and Pin Information
Use the Test Group Feed to guide testing.
1. Post milestones and focus areas
EXAMPLE: "This week: Show us your yarn choices! Post a photo."
2. Pin important posts to the top
a. Click the Pin Icon on your post
b. See how the post stays at the top of the feed
3. Unpin the post when you're ready to move to the next milestone
Facilitate Conversations
Testers can ask questions and get feedback in real time.
Testers can
Update their projects anytime with new photos or notes
Post in the community area
Ask questions ("Stuck on row 15, help!")
Share progress and celebrate milestones
You can
Respond to questions
Call out specific focus areas
Collect feedback from the group
Have conversations about the pattern
Manage Members
Use Host Tools to manage your test group.
1. Click Host Tools
2. Click Manage Members
View all participants
Remove someone if needed
See who applied to join
Let Your Testers Know That Testing Works on Mobile
Testers can test from anywhere by accessing GoSadi via mobile or tablet. They can:
Update projects on the fly
Add photos as they work
Post feedback and notes anytime
After Testing: Link Projects to Published Pattern
When your pattern is published and live on GoSadi, you’ll want to have your testers connect their test with your pattern.
Why? Because
Their Test Projects now appear on your Published Pattern Page
Anyone viewing your pattern sees Tester Projects under Who Made This
This builds social proof and SEO for your new pattern
Tester Projects show all their Public Notes and Photos
Here’s how Testers can link their Test Project to your Published Pattern:
1. Ask Testers go to their Finished Object (FO) projects on the left-hand side menu
2. Click on the Test Project for this pattern
3. Click the Update Project button
4. Add the Pattern Name for the pattern you have published
a. Type the Pattern Name
b. Click on the Pattern Name from the drop-down menu
c. Pattern Details will auto-populate
5. Click Save Project Details
TIP: This is why we asked you to leave the pattern name blank during testing - once you publish, testers add the connection link between your pattern and their test.
Important Notes and Information
What This Test Setup Does NOT Include (Yet)
The current interim testing setup does NOT include:
Ravelry tester code integration
Skill requirements listing
Social proof verification
Dedicated tester analytics
These features will be available when the full Testing Suite launches.
Why Leave Pattern Name Blank?
During testing:
The Pattern does not exist yet
Leaving it blank keeps the Test Projects unconnected
After publishing, testers link their Test Project back to your pattern
This link ties the Test Projects to your Published Pattern automatically
How This is Different from a MAL
Tests use the MAL infrastructure but with these differences:
No public discovery
Marked as "Test" (invitation-only)
Tests don't appear in the Craft Event Hub
Designed for private Tester Groups only
When the Full Testing Suite Launches
There will be a separate Testing area
You can list Required Tester Skills
Testers will verify their skills and experience
Ravelry Tester Codes will integrate
This interim MAL setup will be replaced
We recommend building your current testing workflows now, knowing they'll transition to the full Testing Suite when it’s released.
To explore all the features and benefits that GoSadi has to offer, visit our website today!