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33 Crochet Designers You Definitely Want to Know

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Holiday Crochet Pattern Bundle from 34 designers

If you haven’t grabbed your Holiday Crochet Bundle, yet, then don’t hesitate. The big huge sale on these crochet patterns only lasts until tomorrow. If you don’t get them ASAP then you’ll miss the chance to get 40+ crochet patterns at a 90% discount. It’s the best way to get a lot of patterns from a variety of crochet designers at one super low price. And if you use my affiliate link to buy the bundle then you’ll also get two additional free Marly Bird crochet patterns. PLUS you’ll be entered to win another 10 free crochet patterns from me. Need more details? Learn all about it here.

Meet 33 Terrific Crochet Designers

Once you’ve gone and purchased your bundle, come on back here. I wanted to introduce you to the other 33 crochet designers who collaborated to bring you this big discount. While you can buy the bundle through any of us, I hope that you’ll use my affiliate link, since that’s the only way to get the extra free crochet patterns that I’m offering. (Plus it’s a way to support my work if you like it.)

I love collaborating with others. I do a lot of different types of collaborations, and I’m all about building community. That’s one of the reasons that I’m happy to participate in projects like this with other crochet designers. And it seems like a good opportunity to introduce you to the others, many of whom I’ve worked with or mentioned on the blog in the past. So, with no further ado, here are the other 33 crochet designers who also have patterns in the Holiday Crochet Bundle.

Bundle of patterns from different crochet designers

1. A Crocheted Simplicity

Jennifer of A Crocheted Simplicity always has cute crochet designs. In fact, I’ve included some of her crochet patterns in my roundups over the years. Here are three of them:

2. Blackstone Designs

Sonya Blackstone enjoys creating simple and fun crochet patterns. She offers many of them free through her blog. In particular, she excels at creating holiday and seasonal crochet patterns. Here are some of the roundups where I’ve included those patterns:

And we both participated in the Celebrate Mom Blog Hop, for which I shared a shawl pattern.

3. Blue Star Crochet Company

Veronica of Blue Star Crochet enjoys designing wearable crochet, so if you’re looking to make garments and accessories then you might want to check her out. You can also find crochet reviews, crochetalongs, and more on her blog.

4. Briana K Designs

Briana is a knit and crochet designer who started off selling finished items on Etsy but then switched to selling patterns. I love working with her. Get to know more about her from her Yarn Thing Podcast interview, in which we talk about Infinity Crochet. She also did a free crochet ornament pattern for last year’s Knit and Crochet Quickies hosted here on my site. Plus she contributed a knit and crochet shawl pattern for the Mother’s Day crochet pattern collaboration earlier this year.

5. Cre8tion Crochet

Lorene from Cre8tion Crochet was featured on the Yarn Thing podcast way back in 2014. She was already designing fun crochet projects back then, including a popular Owl Stuffy. Then she came back to the podcast in 2019 to share her Year in Crochet program. Check out the interviews to learn more about her work. Fun fact: She collaborated with Briana K and others on Crochet Foundry magazine this year.

6. Creations by Courtney

Courtney creates crochet patterns for accessories and garments with an eye towards being size-inclusive. All of her crochet garment patterns are sized S – 5x. I’ve included her patterns in the Fall and Thanksgiving projects roundup as well as the Portable Crochet Projects roundup, both linked above.

7. Crochet 365 Knit Too

Cheryl is a crochet blogger and designer who also knows how to knit. I’m always happy to find other bi-crafty people in this community. I hosted a New Year’s Eve pattern giveaway to countdown to 2018, and she participated in that. It’s great to be sharing another project with her.

8. CrochetKim

Kim Guzman was one of the earliest guests on the Yarn Thing Podcast. She’s an established crochet author and designer. In particular, she’s known for her skill with Tunisian crochet. You can find a Tunisian crochet stitch library on her website.

Holiday Pattern Bundle Roundup

9. Crystalized Designs

Crystal started crocheting while she was on bed rest. She quickly realized that she wanted to turn it into a career, and her crochet design business was born. I’ve included one of her patterns on the blog before: 10 Free Crochet Slipper Patterns.

10. Fosbas Designs

Susanna of Fosbas enjoys creating crochet patterns for moms and their kids. I’ve included some of those patterns on the blog in the past. You’ll find them in the Fall and Thanksgiving crochet patterns roundup, the Portable Crochet Projects roundup, and the Summer Tops crochet pattern roundup all linked above. You’ll also find them in: 20 Free Crochet Spa Patterns.

11. GoodKnit Kisses

Kristen offers video tutorials for a variety of different crafts including crochet. In 2018 we reviewed the Leisure Arts Oval Loom for knitters, and she was generous enough to share her expertise with us for that post. She also participated in the Chic Sheep blog tour, contributed a square for the Wedding Blanket CAL, and I included her in the 13 Free Knit and Crochet Baby Projects roundup.

12. Green Fox Farms Designs

Lisa of Green Fox Farms Designs has an art degree and taught herself to crochet when she was pregnant with her daughter. Her creativity shines through in her work. She celebrates the magic of the craft in all she does.

13. Handmade by Raine

Raine enjoys a variety of crafts including cross-stitch, sewing, knitting, and crochet, many of which her other and grandmother also enjoyed. She likes creating practical, useful items, but infusing them with a touch of something special.

14. HanJan Crochet

Hannah of HanJan Crochet creates a diverse array of different types of crochet patterns. Head to her website and you’ll find crochet patterns for babies, weddings, home, and wearables. I’ve included her patterns previously in the Crochet Cables roundup and Crochet Patterns for Fall and Thanksgiving, both linked above as well as in my Crochet for Charity roundup.

15. Hooked on Homemade Happiness

What a great name for a business right? Breann shares elegant crochet patterns, especially for accessories and wearables. She participates in CALs, and she also sells artisan yarn on her website. I recently included one of her patterns in my roundup of 15 Free Crochet Stockings Patterns.

16. KnitzNPurlz

Irina of KnitzNPurlz began knitting as a young child. She continues to love it today, and has also become a crocheter. Recently she’s been sharing a lot of crochet projects that use chunky t-shirt yarn.

17. Knottie Hooks

Faydra learned to crochet from her mother at a young age. Now, through Knottie Hooks, she shares stitch tutorials, free crochet patterns, and additional information to help others learn the craft that she loves.

18. Krissys Over The Mountain Crochet

Krissy is a mother of five living in the Appalachian Mountains. In addition to free crochet patterns and tutorials, she also shares recipes on her blog.

19. Loops and Love Crochet

Amanda of Loops and Love Crochet started crocheting when she was pregnant. She is relatively new to the crochet design scene, having been a designer for just a couple of years. She’s got some great patterns, which I’ve included previously in the roundups of crochet patterns for Fall and Thanksgiving, Charity Crochet, and Portable Crochet Projects, all of which are linked above.

20. Made by Gootie

Agat, whose nickname is Gootie, learned to knit as a child. She loves the craft and also loves to crochet. She shares patterns for both. I’ve included one of her patterns previously in the Spa Patterns roundup linked earlier in this post.

Roundup of Crochet Designers participating in Holiday Bundle Sale

21. Mama in a Stitch

Jessica of Mama in a Stitch is another bi-crafty member of our designer community. She launched her blog in 2014 with a knit fingerless gloves pattern, and she’s been sharing her knit and crochet patterns ever since. I’ve included her previously in my roundup of 12 Free Crochet Summer Tops.

22. Meladora’s Creations

Candy of Meladora’s Creations loves to crochet. After struggling through some life challenges and working at a job she hated to make ends meet, she was able to turn her love of the craft into a business. She teaches crochet through video tutorials and shares patterns on her website.

23. MJ’s Off the Hook Designs

Michelle is one of the crochet designers behind the Crochet Foundry magazine (mentioned above since she worked in collaboration with several people including both Briana K and Cre8tion Crochet.) You’ll also find that I’ve included her patterns in the roundups of Spa Patterns, 30 Free Crochet Summer Tops for Beginners, and Mother’s Day blog hop patterns, also all linked above. And she was another participant in the Fall Crochet Bundle, the predecessor to this Holiday Crochet Bundle event.

24. Nicki’s Homemade Crafts

Nicole is the one behind this big Holiday Crochet Bundle sale and the previous Fall Crochet Bundle. I’ve included her patterns previously on the blog in the roundups of Easter crochet patterns, crochet cables, and 24 knit and crochet Christmas quickies, all of which are linked above. She was also included in 20 Free Pom Pom Project Ideas, my Yarn Pooling book blog tour, and I did a free crochet shawl pattern for her Celebrate the Holidays blog hop.

25. Raffamusa Designs

Raffaella, whose high school nickname was Raffamusa, began her crochet journey with Tunisian crochet. She also likes crocheting appliqués, potholders, accessories, and baby items. She has Tunisian crochet stitch designs and patterns on her website along with other crochet patterns.

26. Repeat Crafter Me

Sarah Zimmerman is a terrific crochet designer well-known for her C2C crochet patterns. In fact, she’s authored a book of them. I’ve included her patterns in many roundups over time including:

27. Same DiNamics Crochet

If you’re enjoying learning about all of these great crochet designers, then you might want to check out the Inside the Crochet Designer’s Mind series on this blog. You’ll get the opportunity to meet all kinds of different crochet designers there. Plus the site has crochet patterns, pattern reviews, articles and more. This was another stop on my Yarn Pooling book blog tour.

28. Strings and Cuddles

Elisa is a crochet designer and knitter who also enjoys the craft of card making. She started the crafts as a way to pass the time when feeling homesick after first moving to the United States. Now she is a pattern tester who also shares crochet patterns of her own.

29. Sweet Potato 3

You might be familiar with Sweet Potato 3 from my recent participation in her Crochet Cancer Challenge, for which I shared the Wings of Hope hat pattern. It’s a great cause that Christine cares a lot about. She was also part of the Countdown to 2018 project mentioned above and has a pattern included in my roundup of 10 Free Crochet Gift Card Holder Patterns.

30. The Friendly Red Fox

Kali is a crochet blogger who specializes in amigurumi. As she says on her Facebook page, she enjoys “creating warmth, comfort and personality with crochet!” Recent patterns include a bat, a tiger, a sloth, and a unicorn.

31. The Hook Nook

Jessica Carey of the Hook Nook had a rough childhood and wanted things to be different for her own kids. One way she did that was learning to crochet so that she could pass special heirloom pieces on to her kids. She believes in crochet as therapy and has a new book called Making with Meaning that shares patterns and essays on this topic. Learn more about her from her feature on the Yarn Thing Podcast.

32. The Loopy Lamb

Ashley is a Canadian crochet designer who started her blog in 2018. She learned to crochet to reduce anxiety and quickly found that she loved the craft. I’ve shared her patterns in the roundups (all linked above) for: Easter Crochet Patterns, Fall and Thanksgiving Projects, Portable Crochet Projects, and Charity Crochet.

33. YARNutopia

Nadia is another crocheter, and a friend of mine, who uses the craft as therapy. She started selling her crochet work in 2012, donating a portion of the proceeds to help people like her who live with inflammatory bowel diseases. She’s been included on this blog many times including in the roundups of shark crochet patterns, Halloween crochet patterns, and crochet slipper patterns all linked above. But perhaps most special is the Oliver and Olivia crochet blanket I designed for her when she was pregnant.

There they are. The 33 crochet designers who are also participating in the Holiday Crochet Bundle. I hope you’ve met some new folks and see some others whose work you already enjoy. Don’t forget that when you buy the Holiday Crochet Bundle through my affiliate link, you’ll get some extra bonus patterns just from me!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I follow independent crochet designers?

Independent designers bring so much creativity, diversity, and personality to the craft that you just don’t get from big yarn company patterns. They design patterns they genuinely love and that reflect their own aesthetic… often pioneering new techniques or fresh takes on classic styles. Following designers (on Ravelry, Instagram, their blogs) means you hear about new patterns first, often get discounts and freebies, and become part of a real community around their work. It’s how the yarn world stays vibrant and connected.

How do I find crochet designers I’ll love?

Look at finished objects you admire and trace them back to the designer. When you finish a pattern you love… bookmark that designer! Instagram and Ravelry are both great for discovery. Search hashtags for the type of project you love (#crochetshawl, #amigurumi, #crochetgarment) and see whose work keeps catching your eye. This collection of 33 designers is a great starting point for finding talented crocheters from different style backgrounds and specialties.

What’s the difference between buying a pattern directly from a designer vs. through Ravelry or Etsy?

The designer usually gets a higher percentage of the sale when you buy directly (through their website or Payhip). Ravelry takes a small commission but handles a lot of the discovery and delivery for the designer. Etsy is another popular platform. From your perspective as a buyer, the pattern is identical regardless of where you buy it. If you love a designer’s work and want to support them directly… check their website first. If you’re just browsing and discovering… Ravelry is fantastic for that.

Are crochet patterns from independent designers better than yarn company patterns?

Different, not necessarily better! Yarn company patterns (from Yarnspirations, Lion Brand, Paintbox, etc.) are designed to sell yarn and are usually free. Independent designer patterns are designed for the love of the craft and reflect a specific creative vision. Both can be excellent! Independent designers often push the envelope more on style and technique, while yarn company patterns are extremely accessible and beginner-friendly. Having both in your pattern library gives you the best of both worlds.

How do I support independent crochet designers?

Buy their patterns instead of looking for free alternatives when you can. Leave a helpful review or project photo on Ravelry… it’s incredibly valuable to other crafters and to the designer. Tag them when you share your finished makes on social media. Tell your crafty friends about designers you love. Subscribe to their newsletter. And if a designer offers a free pattern, please use the actual pattern source (their blog or Ravelry page) rather than redistributing it elsewhere. Small actions add up to big support.

17 FREE Two Yarn Patterns

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We’re pulling together some of our favorite patterns from the Yarnspirations website each week. Use these patterns to inspire you to try new projects or even some new yarn! This week, I have a collection of 17 FREE knit and crochet two-yarn patterns sure to get you excited to pick up your needles and hooks. Browse through them for your next project to put your hooks or needles.

[Read more…]

Trendy But Timeless: Striped Crochet Shawl Free Pattern

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I am bi-crafty. When I learned to both knit and crochet, I immediately realized that one craft isn’t “better” than the other. Therefore, I love the challenging of making designs that work easily for both crocheters and knitters. This striped crochet shawl free pattern is exactly that type of design.

Stellar Stripes is a free crochet shawl pattern

The History of the Striped Crochet Shawl Pattern

It was 2014. The editor of Love of Crochet asked me to design a crochet shawl for their Winter issue. However, this wasn’t just to be any old shawl of my choosing. They had specific features that they wanted to include.

First of all, they wanted a striped crochet shawl pattern. Stripes are terrific because they give you the opportunity to play with color. They are easily worn; despite the myth that horizontal stripes add weight, anyone can wear both horizontal and vertical stripes!) Plus, stripes are fun to crochet, because you get the meditative aspect of working on a repeating stitch pattern but that’s broken up with the color changes.

Second, they wanted a crochet shawl that could easily be worked in a knit version. I LOVE THIS. I have designed quite a few patterns that are available as either knit or crochet patterns. This is great for bi-crafty people who want to work one or both. It’s great for crafters who only know one of the two crafts. And it’s perfect for craft groups that include both knitters and crocheters so everyone can work on the same project.

Thus, the Stellar Stripes Shawl pattern was born. In this post, I’ll tell you all about the crochet version. But there’s also a knit version.

A Trendy, but Timeless, Design

The other criteria that the editor asked for was “trendiness.” They wanted to make sure that the crochet shawl I designed at the time would be right on trend. This was back in 2014. The stripes and the shape of the shawl were right on trend.

But, six years later, it’s turned out that this is also a timeless design. This striped crochet shawl free pattern truly works year in and year out. It’s a versatile design that you can easily layer over a lot of different types of outfits. You can dress it up or dress it down. It’s easy to wear, but it has a little touch of class of luxury to it thanks to a smart yarn choice.

Let’s Talk About Yak Yarn

When I originally designed this pattern, I used one of my very favorite luxurious fibers: Bijou Basin Ranch’s sport yarn. This is a 100% yak yarn.

However, there are also other brands of yak yarn out there. Yak yarn is, admittedly, a bit more expensive than your basic yarn. But it’s really special, which means that when you use it for this striped crochet shawl free pattern, you’re really making a special garment.

Some of the amazing things about yak yarn include:

  • It is super soft. It feels like you’re crocheting with (and then wearing) cashmere.
  • But it’s way more sustainable that cashmere. There are a lot of problems with cashmere goat yarn that simply don’t exist with yak yarn.
  • Yak yarn is extra warm. If you want to wear your crochet shawl all throughout the winter, you’re going to be able to. It’s so cozy and warm.
  • And yet it’s also really breathable. You get the warmth of wool (or even warmer) and yet there’s a fresh air quality to wearing yak yarn accessories and garments.
  • It’s surprisingly durable. Usually when you buy a luxurious yarn, you end up having to be so careful with it. But yak yarn is actually really durable. So if you’ve never tried yak yarn before, this striped crochet shawl free pattern gives you the perfect opportunity to try it.

Let’s Talk About Stripes

We’ve already dismissed the idea that certain people can’t wear stripes. That’s ridiculous. Stripes can look great on all body types. In particular, an accessory like a shawl gives you a great stepping stone for trying on stripes if you aren’t used to wearing them.

In this striped crochet shawl free pattern, I’ve opted to use just two colors, alternating every two rows. The benefits of this include:

  • You get to play with color without needing many, many skeins of yarn. You’ll probably only need two skeins – one in each color – of sport weight yarn for this crochet project.
  • It’s fun to pick and choose colors. Sports teams and schools often have two “spirit” colors so you can go with those for your favorite team or school. Or go with red and green for Christmas or blue and white for Hanukkah, and so forth.
  • Since you’re alternating after two rows, you get the benefits of a meditative crochet stitch repeat but also the “shake it up” feeling of changing colors periodically.

5 More Reasons to Love This Striped Crochet Shawl Free Pattern

If you are on the fence, here are five more factors to consider:

  1. This crochet pattern uses very simple stitches. If you can single crochet and half double crochet then you are well on your way to crafting this crochet shawl.
  2. It has a unique shape that’s fun to crochet and flattering to wear. Despite using simple stitches, this pattern is fun for more advanced crocheters, too, because of the way the shaping develops. It’s a half circle shawl, with edges that are longer than the body.
  3. The edging is special. First you’ll hold both colors together to work a single crochet edging. Then you’ll use a single color to top it off with crab stitch. It’s easy, but unique and interesting.
  4. This accessory works up surprisingly quickly. Even though it’s made in sport yarn, you’ll find that you can craft this shawl fairly fast. It’s a great instant gratification project that really packs a punch.
  5. It’s a free crochet pattern. Although originally designed for that Winter 2014 issue of Love of Crochet, it’s now available for free here on the website. Why not give it a try?!

Get the Striped Crochet Shawl Free Pattern

Ready to try it? Click the image below to get the crochet pattern:

Striped Crochet Shawl Free Pattern

Do You Knit? Here’s the Knit Version:

Knit version of a striped shawl free pattern

You Might Also Like:

Here are some other free crochet shawl patterns that you might enjoy crafting:

If you both knit and crochet, which version of the shawl will you make? Share why in the comments! We love hearing from our bi-crafty friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really wear stripes even if I’m worried about looking wider?

Honestly… yes! Stripes are totally wearable for everyone, no matter your body type. An accessory like a shawl is actually a super fun way to dip your toes into wearing stripes if you’re not used to them.

I’m new to crochet, is this shawl too tricky for me?

You got this! The pattern uses really simple stitches… if you can single crochet and half double crochet, you’re pretty much set to go. It’s a great project to build your skills.

What’s so special about yak yarn?

So here’s the thing… yak yarn is amazing! It’s super soft like cashmere, but way more sustainable. Plus, it’s extra warm, breathable, and surprisingly durable. It makes this shawl extra luxurious!

How many colors do I need for the stripes?

You only need two colors! Alternating every two rows gives you that fun stripe effect without needing a huge yarn stash. It’s perfect for school colors or holiday themes!

Is this shawl pattern really free?

Yes! Although it was originally designed for a magazine, you can totally grab the crochet pattern for free right here on the website. Why not give it a whirl?

How to Pack Your Yarn Project Bag

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We recently looked at the 13 best crochet and knitting project bags. The right bag is durable, has a lot of pockets, doesn’t snag your yarn, and also looks cute. But once you have the right yarn project bag, how do you pack it?

How to Pack a Yarn Project Bag - Tricks of the Trade

3 Key Ways to Pack a Yarn Project Bag

Of course, there are a multitude of ways to pack a yarn project bag. It depends on your bag, your project, your personal supply preferences, etc. That said, there are three basic approaches to a well-packed yarn project bag:

1. One Project Per Bag

One approach that many people love is to have multiple yarn project bags. Then they pack one project into each bag. This is especially popular during the holidays, when you might plan to craft a lot of things in a short period of time. By keeping everything that you need for the project in one bag, you give yourself the ease and convenience of always being able to pick up and work on it.

Tips for Packing One Project Per Bag

This approach is great for people who are organized enough to know exactly what they want to work on. Here’s what you’ll pack in your yarn project bag:

  • Print the pattern out. Put it in a plastic sleeve protector. That will go in the bag.
  • Using the pattern details, figure out exactly which yarn you need for this project. Pack all of the yarn. (Note, if you are working on large projects, your bag may only fit a section at a time. You might have a larger bag where you store everything, transferring what you’re currently working on into the smaller portable bag.)
  • Pack the exact crochet hook size and knitting needle that you need. If you have not checked gauge for the project, yet, then you may pack slightly smaller and larger hooks and needles, too, until you guarantee that you’re carrying the right ones. After all, you don’t want to take your project bag on the go only to find that you don’t have the right tools to get the gauge correct for the project.
  • Check the pattern to see if you will need any additional supplies. Is this a project that requires stuffing? Will you need a tapestry needle to weave in your ends? Pack all of the extra supplies in your yarn project bag.
  • Notes for yourself. It’s always helpful to have a small notebook in your project bag. You can give yourself notes including the deadline that the project is due (for example, a holiday date you’ve set) or where you leave off in the project so that you can easily pick up where you left off next time.

2. Option to Work on Anything Bag

Okay, the reality is that you can’t take your entire yarn stash and put it into one yarn project bag. So at some point there’s a limit. But the idea here is that instead of having a project bag for one specific project, you have a bag that includes supplies for different types of projects. This is the kind of yarn project bag that you want to keep in the car, perhaps – so that you always have something to work on if you find yourself stuck somewhere with unexpected time on your hands.

Tips for Packing a General Yarn Project Bag

If you want to pack a bag that gives you options, then how do you decide what to include? (More importantly, this means deciding what to leave out.) Here are some tips:

  • Choose a large yarn project bag with a lot of pockets. You want to include as many materials as you can but make it easy to find things within the bag.
  • If you are bi-crafty, then determine whether you want a single yarn project bag that contains both crochet and knitting supplies or you want one of each.
  • Pack a selection of yarns you commonly use in a variety of projects. Ideally, you’ll choose yarns that mix and match well, since you don’t know in advance what you might want to make with the yarn.
  • If you have the room, pack yarns in 2-3 weights (fine, worsted, and bulky, for example). However, if space is limited, choose the yarn weight that you use most often and stick with that.
  • If you have the room, add one “special yarn.” Most of the time, you’re going to use go-to staples from your yarn bag. However, if you find yourself in a stressful situation and needing some extra self-care, then it’s nice to have that one special skein of yarn to pull out and dream something up with.
  • Pack a small, but varied, selection of crochet hooks and/or knitting needles. Match the hook size to the yarn; for example, most people crochet with a size G or H crochet hook when working with worsted weight yarn. While there are exceptions, this is the way to go with a yarn project bag.
  • Add anything extra that you typically use when knitting or crocheting. Measuring tape, scissors, tapestry needle, stitch markers. This is the project bag where you need variety so pack a little bit of everything.
  • Should you include any patterns? If you have some patterns that you think you might like to try then go ahead and print them out and include them. Generally, though, this is the type of project bag where you’l pick it up, grab a yarn, and starting crocheting or knitting something really familiar like a granny square or brioche yarn project.

3. The Bag for Traveling

So, either you pack a yarn project bag with one very specific project or you pack one with as many options as you can fit. What’s left? The other time you might want a project bag is when you’re going to be traveling. In this instance, you’ll often pack your yarn craft supplies as well as other materials. In particular, if you’re taking a plane ride, then you’ll want a carry-on that fits all your travel needs as well as your yarn project.

Tips for Packing a Travel Project Bag

  • Choose a small yarn project bag. You will pack it inside of your larger carry-on.
  • Pack light. If you’re going on a long trip then you might pack one of the other types of project bags in your checked luggage. But for the flight (or train or bus or car ride), pack light. Pack what you need but few extras.
  • Choose a one-color yarn project. This helps with packing light. You don’t want to do a bunch of color changes on a plane. So pack 1-2 skeins of the same color yarn (or same colorway) to work from.
  • Pack 1-2 hooks / needles. You might want one plus a matching one as a backup in case you lose yours during the trip. After all, if you drop your crochet hook underneath the car seat on a road trip, it’s nice to be able to reach right into your bag and grab your back up.
  • Print your pattern. If you’re working off of a specific pattern, print it out. You never know if you’re going to have the WiFi access that you think you will to access a pattern online.
  • Review TSA guidelines if you’re flying. Most airlines let you take crochet hooks, knitting needles, and sometimes small sewing scissors on the plane. However, you never know. Check the guidelines in advance. Err on the side of caution by choosing plastic or bamboo materials and a thread cutter instead of scissors.
  • Pack the other items that you need for the trip in the larger bag. Snacks, tissues, hand sanitizer, a book … whatever you carry on the trip should also be part of your travel bag. The yarn project bag just goes alongside it.
Twelve close-ups of crochet bags and totes, neatly holding yarn, hooks, scissors, and patterns on assorted surfaces.

Extra Tips for Packing a Yarn Project Bag

Those are the three basic approaches to keep in mind. Knowing the type of projects you’re likely to bag up can help you a lot in choosing the right yarn project bags. You’ll know if you need a large or small bag, one with a lot of pockets or just a few, etc. Here are some additional tips for organizing and packing a yarn project bag:

  • Take advantage of all of the bag’s compartments and pockets. This doesn’t mean adding materials that you don’t need (knitting needles in a crochet project bag, for example.) Instead, it means figuring out the best space for each item and assigning the item to that space. Then everything has a place and you’ll know how to get to it easily.
  • Some people pack their crochet hooks and knitting needles into cases. Then, when grabbing a project bag, they also grab a case to go with it. In other words, the case filled with all hook / needle sizes easily transfers from one bag to another.
  • Plastic or reusable bags are your friend. Even when a bag has plenty of pockets, you might find it helpful to store certain things together inside of plastic or mesh bags. For example, corral your yarn for one project inside of a large bag by putting it all in one plastic bag inside the project bag.
  • Stitch counters / row counters are helpful additions to project bags. It’s easy to lose track of where you are in a project when you’re crafting on the go.
  • You might want a system for feeding yarn out easily. Some project bags have built-in grommets or other systems for this. Otherwise you can rig up your own system or add a yarn bowl to your project bag.
  • Leave some space in the bag. If you’re going to have to put your WIP or FO back in the bag then you’ll want to make sure there’s enough room for it. Or if you happen to buy an extra ball of yarn on your travels, then you want space for that. More than anything, you don’t want to feel like your bag is so overcrowded that you can’t easily use what’s inside of it.
  • If you also use your project bag as a purse, then have a separate compartment for the extras: keys, breath mints, cell phone, etc. All the non-crafty things need to have their place as well.

Find Your Own Way

All of these suggestions can help you figure out the right way to pack your own yarn project bag. But ultimately, you do you. Figure out what you need most in a bag, then choose a bag that works well with those needs. Play around with different ways of packing your bags and do what works.

Just because many people find it helpful to have a printed pattern in the bag doesn’t mean that’s right for you. Just because a lot of people find it easier to have only 1-2 crochet hooks on a plane doesn’t mean that a crochet hooks case filled with ten hooks isn’t right for you. Take these tips as a starting point and then adapt them to what’s suitable for your needs.

Want to get an idea of how other people pack their yarn project bag? Fiber Flux, Oombawka Design, Moogly and others shared their project bag favorites with us. Click on the image below to check that out:

inside knitting and crochet project bags

Join the Conversation:

We want to know what you keep in your yarn project bag. What tips do you have for organizing a bag? What have you tried that’s worked (or hasn’t)? Share in the comments below to keep the conversation going.

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Note: This post may include affiliate links. That simply means that if you click on a link then make a purchase at the link, then I get a percentage of the sale. It doesn’t change your price in any way. Thanks for the support!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should always be in my project bag?

The essentials every crafter should keep stocked: scissors (small, TSA-friendly ones for travel), a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers (always more than you think you need), a small tape measure, and a row counter or phone app. For crochet: a few different hook sizes in case you need to adjust. For knitting: point protectors to keep stitches from sliding off. Keep a small zippered pouch inside your bag for these tiny notions so they don’t rattle around and get lost. The most frustrating crafting situation is reaching for something you don’t have mid-project.

How do I keep yarn from tangling in my project bag?

Contain the yarn! A small drawstring bag inside your larger project bag prevents the yarn from bouncing around. A yarn snack bag (a small bag with a hole) lets you feed yarn through while keeping the ball contained. Winding your yarn into a center-pull cake before starting is the single best tangle-prevention move… the yarn feeds cleanly from the center without the ball rolling away. And keeping the project bag closed (zipper, drawstring, or snap) between sessions prevents yarn from escaping and wrapping around everything else.

What’s the best size project bag for different types of projects?

Match the bag size to the project! Small zip pouches for socks, fingerless mitts, and small accessories… everything fits without extra space for tangling. Medium totes for shawls, scarves, and medium-sized accessories. Large bags for garments, large blanket panels, and projects using multiple yarn balls. For very large projects, a dedicated project basket at home with a smaller “travel pouch” containing just the current working yarn and notions for on-the-go stitching works beautifully. Having bags in different sizes and using the right one for each project makes a huge quality-of-life difference.

Should I keep the pattern in my project bag?

Yes! Either a printed copy you can mark up, or your phone or tablet with the PDF downloaded so you can access it without internet. Screenshot key pages if you’re worried about connectivity. Some crafters use a clipboard inside the bag to keep a printed pattern flat and easy to read. Mark off rows as you complete them… there’s nothing more frustrating than not knowing where you are in a pattern when you come back to a project after a break. Keep a sticky note in the bag to jot your row number every time you put it down.

What are the best project bag features to look for?

A few things that make a real difference! Secure closure (zipper beats drawstring for not losing notions). At least one interior pocket for small tools. Flat bottom so it sits upright and stable. A comfortable handle or strap. Size appropriate for what you carry. And honestly? A design you love looking at… a beautiful project bag that makes you happy to reach for is one you’ll actually use. There’s a reason the crafting world has an entire sub-hobby of collecting project bags… they’re practical AND beautiful.

25 Fall and Thanksgiving Projects

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We’re past the middle of October, so it’s fully fall! As it cools down and the leaves fall, if they haven’t already where you are, you’re going to want more cozy things to wear and to decorate your house.

Luckily, my blogger friends are here to help! With 25 crochet and knit projects for fall, including some Thanksgiving decorations you can get started on, you’ll be ready for whatever the season throws at you.

Red crocheted cowl, textured pumpkins, gray knitted mittens, a polka dot basket, promoting fall and Thanksgiving patterns.

11 Wearable Fall Projects

Keep accessories like hats, cowls, and mitts in your purse or your car so you can easily slip them on if the fall day is a little cooler than you’d like it to be.

5 Stuffed Pumpkins

These pumpkin patterns are sophisticated and work well past Halloween into late fall and Thanksgiving. Make odd-numbered groupings on a side table or mantel, or use them as part of your Thanksgiving table.

9 Fall and Thanksgiving Home Decor Items

Make turkey-inspired items for your Thanksgiving decor, and use the colors of fall leaves in your decorating all autumn long. You can safely pack away your handmade items and bring them out next year to save money on seasonal decor, and be able to show your personality and your love of crafting every fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many fall and Thanksgiving projects are on this page?

So here’s the thing… this post has a whopping 25 projects for you to dive into! There are wearables, cute stuffed pumpkins, and some lovely home decor items to get your autumn vibes going.

Are there any Marly Bird original patterns in this roundup?

Yes! Honestly… there are a few of my own designs sprinkled in there for you. You’ll find my Sunset Song Knit Cowl, Afternoon Delight Quickie Knit Hat, and my Knit Pumpkin Patch pattern.

What kind of home decor items can I make?

Oh, you’ve got options! There are blankets, placemats, coasters… and even some adorable turkey-themed flatware holders and appliques if you’re feeling festive for Thanksgiving!

Are all the projects crochet?

Nope! While there are tons of crochet projects, you’ll also find some lovely knit patterns included. It’s a nice mix for everyone!

Can I make these projects if I’m new to crochet or knitting?

Well, some are definitely more beginner-friendly than others. There are a few patterns tagged as “Advanced Beginner,” but you might want to check out the specific pattern links to see skill levels mentioned for each one.

Crochet and Knitting Techniques To Make Life Easier

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Best crochet and knitting techniques

There is always a Question of the Day over on the Marly Bird Facebook page. It’s a fun way for crafters to get to know each other better. Plus, the whole community benefits from the tips and thoughts others share. For example, we recently asked about your favorite crochet and knitting techniques. The answers helped us all to see what things are worth learning because, even if they take a moment to get the hang of, they make crafting easier in the long run.

Crochet and Knitting Techniques That Make Life Easier

People answered the question with a combination of responses. Some people shared the techniques that are the most fun for them (which we’ll look at in a moment.) But others shared the techniques that really make their overall crafting easier. Those are important, therefore, we’ll start there.

Helpful Crochet Techniques

If you’re looking to improve your foundational crochet skills, then you’ll want to learn a few core crochet techniques. Here are some of the crochet techniques that make life easier:

Magic Circle

The magic circle, also called the magic ring or adjustable ring, is a terrific way to start a crochet project. You want to use it when you plan to crochet in the round but don’t want to have a hole in the center of the piece. For example, people use the magic ring for Amigurumi work and crocheted hats in the round.

It takes some people a few tries to learn how to crochet the magic ring. But it’s well worth learning. It’s one of the crochet techniques you’ll use again and again if you get the hang of it. Here’s how to crochet the magic loop:

Front and Back Loop Single Crochet

Single crochet is one of the easiest crochet stitches. It is one of the first stitches that people learn. And yet, you can do a surprising number of things with this basic crochet stitch. In particular, you can learn to work the same stitch in only the front loop or back loop. Once you do, you automatically have access to a means of adding rich texture to your crochet work.

It also changes the stretchiness of the fabric that you’re making (front loop only gives tighter fabric, back loop only offers more stretch.) Once you’ve learned how to single crochet in the front and back loops, you will also better understand crochet stitch anatomy. Therefore, you can crochet other front-loop and back-loop stitches, too.

Learn how to work front loop only crochet:

Learn how to work back loop only crochet:

Crab Stitch

The crab stitch is also called reverse single crochet. It’s the same stitch as single crochet, but it’s worked in the opposite direction of the regular stitch. So, as a right-handed crocheter, you typically work right to left. When crocheting crab stitch, you would hold the work as normal but work back across the row in reverse, from left to right. This creates a curled crochet stitch that works as an excellent border for a wide range of crochet projects. Learn it, and you’ll always have a go-to edging.

This is one of Marly’s favorite crochet and knitting techniques for finishing a project. Learn how to crochet crab stitch:

3rd Loop HDC

As aforementioned, most crochet stitches have a front and back loop. However, things are a little bit different with half-double crochet because it also has a third loop. Learning how to crochet in the third loop can be a little bit tricky. Even a lot of master crocheters don’t bother learning this. And yet, if you decide to practice it, it can open up entirely new options for you to create new textures in your crochet work. Often called knit-like, it’s a texture that can only be achieved through unique loop work in the hdc stitch.

Shell Stitches

Once you’ve learned the basic crochet stitches, you’re ready to combine them in new ways. Shell stitches are a great way to do that. We were surprised to see several people name shell stitches among their favorite crochet techniques. It makes sense, though – it takes the work up a notch while still relying on just basic crochet skills.

There are many variations on the crochet shell stitch. Here’s one to get you started:

Foundation Crochet

Although no one named it as one of their favorite crochet and knitting techniques, we think that foundation crochet stitches are a game-changer. It’s a way of starting your crochet project with stitches instead of with a chain. This gives more consistency to the fabric.

You can do foundation crochet with different stitches; here’s a guide to single crochet foundation stitches:

Standing Crochet Stitches

Likewise, standing crochet stitches change the game. Instead of starting the row or round with a chain stitch (scubas a chain 3 for a double crochet stitch), you start it with the full stitch. This gives more consistency to your stitch work. Learn more:

Try These Techniques

The Quick Holiday Mini Stocking is an easy crochet pattern, perfect for holiday crafting, that incorporates the Magic Circle, crocheting in the back loop only, and the crab stitch.

Mini Holiday Stocking Free Crochet Pattern

Useful Knitting Techniques

Likewise, as a knitter, there are some tricks that you can implement that will simplify all of your crafting. Here are some of the knitting techniques that make life easier:

Provisional Cast On

The provisional cast-on is a temporary cast-on that you can later unravel. Then, you can work in the opposite direction of the piece. This gives you a lot of flexibility in your knitting design. And it’s fun to use a crochet hook in knitting!

Here are two ways to do a provisional cast on:

Knitting Through the Back Loop

If you’re a crocheter, then you’ve probably heard of working in the back loop. But did you know that knitters can also implement this technique? You insert the needle differently so that you’re working in just one loop. It creates a twisted stitch that adds texture and pop to your knitting work.

Brioche

Brioche knitting is a set of stitch patterns that have similarities across them. They all use slip stitches and yarnovers knitted together on a previous row. Learning the basic brioche stitch gives you the skills that you need to learn all of its variations. This gives you a lot more options when working on knitting projects of your own design.

Start learning brioche with this knit scarf pattern:

Combination Knitting

Also called Combined Knitting, this is a different way of wrapping the yarn on the hook when you purl. Gathered suggests that this way of knitting helps you to understand knit and purl stitches better, improves decreasing in knitting, and provides a better option for twisted knit stitches.

Text: Crochet and Knitting Techniques that make life easier and more fun - Marly Bird

Techniques That Make Life More Fun!

What we were most interested in is those techniques that you love because they make crafting easier. But ease isn’t all that it’s about. Many people also shared techniques that they just have a lot of fun with.

Most Fun Crochet Techniques

These crochet techniques are all really different niches of crochet. You can learn to crochet just basic stitches, and then you can learn these other techniques to expand your repertoire.

C2C Crochet

Corner-to-corner crochet, also called C2C, is popular among advanced beginner crocheters. It’s a meditative stitch repeat that more advanced crafters enjoy as well. However, beginners love it because it uses stitches that they already know worked in a unique way (from corner to corner instead of across a row.)

Here’s one example of C2C, using the half double crochet stitch:

Crochet Colorwork

Many different crochet niches allow you to practice different forms of colorwork. Some easily allow for graphic designs. Others are great for carrying two yarn colors together, working one then the other. Among these, mosaic crochet and tapestry crochet were most often named in response to the question about favorite crochet and knitting techniques. If you’re ready to try something new in crochet, consider these options.

Start learning about Mosaic Crochet Stitches:

Filet Crochet

Filet crochet is a vintage technique often associated with white cotton lace. While you can still implement it in this beautiful way, you can also make it more contemporary by using the same technique with different yarn. Filet crochet is simply a technique in which you use double crochet stitches in a strategic combination with spacing to build a design. Oftentimes, filet crochet pieces also spell out words or phrases.

Here’s a very basic filet crochet pattern:

Filet Crochet Shawl Free Pattern

Tunisian Crochet

If you’re a crocheter who wants to get some of the flavor of knitting, then you might want to try Tunisian crochet. It’s about as close to knitting as you can get using just a crochet hook. In most instances, you’ll use a longer-than-usual crochet hook (called a Tunisian crochet hook or afghan crochet hook) for this work. You’ll hold loops on the hook, similar to how loops are held on knitting needles. It takes your crafting to the next level, expanding your skills.

Most Fun Knitting Techniques

Just like there are certain things that people like a lot in crochet, there are certain knitting techniques that people are consistently drawn to. Here are the top four named in the Question of the Day

Cables

In the past, cables used to differentiate knitting from crochet. These days, there are actually a lot of innovative ways to crochet cables. In fact, people named cables among both the crochet and knitting techniques that they love. But it’s almost imperative to learn them for knitting if you want the option to add a very classic look to a design.

Of course, there are many different knit cables to learn. Maybe that’s one reason people love them – you can keep changing them up. Here is one cable knit pattern to try:

Entrelac Knitting

Like with cables, you can crochet Entrelac. Actually, the best way to do that is to learn Tunisian crochet entrelac. But another option is to go to the original: knit entrelac. The design uses short rows to create a basketweave effect that has a beautiful texture.

Here’s one entrelac knitting pattern for you:

Mosaic Knitting

Knitfarious has a great definition of mosaic knitting:

“Mosaic knitting is knitting with two colors, sometimes more than two, to create geometric shapes by slipping stitches.”

Similar to mosaic crochet, this is a colorwork technique. Using two colors, you can create high-contrast designs with a lot of pop. Learn more about mosaic knitting:

Fair Isle

Fair Isle is also a colorwork form of knitting. You may work with two colors in Fair Isle. However, you may also incorporate more colors. Since it has such a classic design, it’s a great choice for traditional knit items, such as this knit Christmas stocking:

Learning Crochet and Knitting Is Fun

We have to give a special shout-out to Mary McDevitt Jacques and Michelle Urness Harbosen, who both responded to the Facebook question of the day with “the stitch I have yet to learn.” One of the most wonderful things about both crochet and knitting is that you can do so much with just a few basic stitches, and yet there is almost always something new to learn. Adding new crochet and knitting techniques to your repertoire can be a fun way to re-engage with the crafts.

We want to keep hearing from you! What are your favorite crochet and knitting techniques? Which ones make life easier? Which ones are just fun things you’ve learned and are glad you took the time to try? Share in the comments so we can continue this conversation.