Today, I am taking the time to answer all of your burning questions! I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to submit questions. I hope that through this opportunity, you will not only get to know me better but also gain valuable insights into the crochet community as a whole. I’m excited to share my experiences and perspectives with you, and I look forward to fostering a deeper connection through our shared passion for crochet.

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What made you decide to start crocheting?

I started crocheting in 2021 after attending an art show where I discovered a seller showcasing crochet amigurumi. At the time, I was a nurse working during COVID and was longing for an activity beyond watching TV and my job. I was still relatively new to nursing and struggled with my mental health, often questioning whether this career was the right choice for me. The demands of the job took a toll on my well-being during those early years.

When I found amigurumi, I was amazed by the idea of creating three-dimensional objects using just yarn and a hook. Crocheting became a wonderful outlet for my mental health and provided me with a sense of purpose. I decided to dedicate all my free time to learning the craft. What began as a fun hobby quickly evolved into something much greater, eventually leading to the business you know today.

Watch While You Crochet!

 

Where do you recommend a crochet beginner start?

I learned how to crochet primarily through books and YouTube videos. I highly recommend that beginners start with these resources. You can find some of my favorite crochet books here, including a stitch dictionary and easy crochet pattern books. If you're not able to purchase books, YouTube is a fantastic free alternative that offers a wealth of tutorials for beginners. 

I watched many different tutorials from various creators, as some techniques might resonate with you more than others. If something isn’t clicking, don’t hesitate to try a different creator! Everyone has their own teaching methods, and finding the one that works best for you is key.

Can a beginner start with amigurumi?

You can definitely go for it, but I recommend starting with a simple crochet pattern, such as washcloths or scarves. It's important to get the hang of your tension and how to hold the hook and yarn before diving into amigurumi. For my first crochet project, I made a square that served no purpose at all, but it helped me practice holding the crochet hook and achieving proper tension. Once I felt comfortable, I moved on to amigurumi. I was by no means a master at crocheting when I attempted amigurumi; in fact, my first project was a jellyfish that took me about a week to complete. Now, I can finish that same project in just a few hours. No matter where you start, be patient and keep trying; eventually, it will click.

What books do you recommend for a beginner to crochet?

I highly recommend that everyone invest in a stitch dictionary; it's truly a must-have! I used my stitch dictionary frequently when I was a beginner, and I still refer to it now when writing my crochet patterns. Additionally, I suggest purchasing a beginner-friendly crochet pattern book. If you're interested in crochet amigurumi, I highly recommend "Whimsical Stitches" by Lauren Epsy. This was the first pattern book I ever bought, and it taught me the basics of amigurumi. My first amigurumi creation, a jellyfish, came from this book. Another excellent resource to have on your shelf is "Crochet Secrets" by The Knotty Boss. This book contains over 100 useful tips that are beneficial for both beginners and more experienced crocheters. There are so many great tips in this book, from finishing techniques to amigurumi and so much more.

What is your #1 advice for pattern writing?

Invest in a tech editor! I cannot stress this enough. Writing crochet patterns is different from any other type of writing you may have done before. There’s a lot involved in creating a crochet pattern that is both successful and easy to read for crocheters. Tech editors are also excellent resources and can help educate you on the essentials of writing crochet patterns.

While pattern testing is important, many pattern testers may not be experts in writing patterns. Their primary role is to ensure that a crochet pattern is readable and that it produces results that match the original design. 

On the other hand, a tech editor is invaluable for refining the content and structure of a crochet pattern. A certified tech editor can verify the accuracy of the language, stitch counts, grammar, spelling, and formatting, while ensuring that the pattern includes everything necessary for a complete crochet pattern before ever making it to your pattern testers. 

If you are looking for a tech editor, I highly recommend you check out Cherie with Sweet Bird Crochet! She is amazing and has been my tech editor for all of my crochet patterns!

Latest yarn obsession?

Choosing my favorite yarn can be really challenging because I am obsessed with almost all types! However, there are a couple of yarns I'm particularly loving right now. I always enjoy using Hobby Lobby’s “I Love This Yarn!” It’s probably one of the best acrylic yarns available—it's soft, has a slight shine, and is incredibly easy to work with. Additionally, I've been enjoying Premier Yarns Basix Worsted and Cotton Sprout Worsted. In my opinion, both of these are top-tier options for acrylic and cotton yarns. I use a lot of these yarns for all my patterns.

Shop Hobby Lobby yarn here and Premier Yarns here!

Can you give a sneak peek of a pattern you are working on?

I am currently working on a new crochet flower pattern called the Summer Flowers Collection, set to be released in July! This pattern is similar to the Spring and Fall Flowers Collections but will feature popular summer flowers such as sunflowers, daisies, and zinnias. Summer flowers are among my favorites, so I can't wait to share this pattern with all of you. It has taken a lot of trial and error to perfect the design, and I am thrilled with the final result. I absolutely love the bright and bold colors in this pattern, particularly the zinnia, and I believe it would make a fantastic accent piece for your home decor.

If you have any other questions about me, crocheting, or my business, feel free to leave them in the comments below! Make sure to subscribe to my newsletter and YouTube channel if you would like to stay updated on my business and crochet pattern releases!

FTC Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links, meaning when items are purchased through those links, I receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting me and my business!