Whitney Steen started her tech editing business, WLS Makes Stuff, after taking the Tech Editor Hub training course in 2022, and have been freelancing full-time since 2024. Prior to working in the craft industry, she spent 15 years in the nonprofit and academic sector, where my duties included editing web content and printed newsmagazines for nonprofit institutions and graduate schools.

Her recent freelance clients include Our Media Ltd. in the UK (publishers of Simply Knitting and The Knitter magazines), independent designers ranging from new to established designers, and local yarn shops. You can view a portfolio of patterns she’s edited here.

In addition to her editing experience, Whitney has been knitting and sewing for over 25 years and is experienced in editing for how a maker is likely to read a set of instructions.

Right now Whitney only edits knitting patterns, with particular experience in editing garments, accessories (particularly hats and handwear), and toys. She does not currently edit knit shawls or crochet patterns of any kind (although she does offer pattern layout and chart illustration for crochet). Her favorite patterns to edit are stashbuster/scrappy patterns, as well as patterns with colorwork or textured stitches (such as ganseys).

The WLS Makes Stuff pattern portfolio will give you a good idea of the type of patterns Whitney tends to work on. Please note, she doesn’t currently have socks in her portfolio but would love to edit some sock patterns!

Whitney has been producing layouts for newsmagazines, posters, brochures and business cards in Adobe InDesign as part of various nonprofit and academic jobs since 2013.  In 2023 she trained in what is now Affinity Creative Suite, which enables her to build templates for clients in a program that they can access for free. Since 2022, she has offered pattern layout, schematics illustration, and crochet and knit chart illustration to my clients, including illustrating all the charts for the book Summer Crochet by Janine Myska.

Additionally Whitney is constantly developing my artistic skills in vector illustration programs by first running a Spoonflower shop under the WLS Makes Stuff brand (opened in 2013, but most designs were posted between 2020 and present) and, in 2025, opening a small online shop to sell greeting cards and small gifts focused on crafters.  You can access samples of her design work both for clients and her own shops by requesting access to her design portfolio here (it is password protected).

Yes! Whether you are looking to refresh an existing layout or are starting from scratch, Whitney offers both Adobe and Affinity Suite layouts. You can choose from either a simple pre-existing template (minimal customization, but no mock up fee) or a fully custom design (which includes a one time fee for development of a mock up for you to review and approve before Whitney inserts the pattern materials). Learn more about WLS Makes Stuff layout services or email Whitney for a quote.

Yes! Whitney has been working with and developing stylesheets for both language and design/branding purposes for 15 years. Stylesheet creation for independent designers is currently available for a flat fee; a discount is available if you purchase it along with a tech edit or design service.

WLS Makes Stuff is also available to develop stylesheets for publishers or yarn companies seeking to align their style and branding across one or multiple books or collections – quotes are based on scope of work needed, please contact Whitney for a quote.

You can download the WLS Makes Stuff current rate sheet for tech editing, pattern layout, charts, and schematics here . Please note that Whitney does offer discounts when multiple patterns or multiple services are booked at once.

For merch/logo design, please contact Whitney for a quote specific to your project.

Yes! Whitney is always happy to discuss custom designs. Pricing varies depending on the scope of work and the intended use for the design – you can read more about the WLS Makes Stuff design services here or email Whitney for a quote.