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From Idea to Finished Design: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

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Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of designing a crochet pattern? I thought it might be fun to share my own process — from that very first spark of inspiration to holding a finished design in my hands. Finding Inspiration Like most crocheters, I’m always on the lookout for ideas. You’ll usually find me scrolling Pinterest , YouTube , or Instagram , pinning away anything that catches my eye. Inspiration is everywhere — in colour palettes, textures, or even just seeing how a stitch is used in a different way.  I don’t really do proper sketches (I’m terrible at drawing!) but if I’m planning something like a granny square blanket, I might do a quick scribble just to figure out how many squares I’ll need and how they’ll all fit together. Swatching and Sizing The first proper step in my process is always a swatch. Swatching isn’t just about testing whether I like the stitch pattern — it’s also where I figure out the maths (another thing I'm terrible at). How big are the stitc...

A Crocheter’s Guide to Pattern Testing

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Whether you’ve never tested a crochet pattern before or you’ve already done a few and want to sharpen your skills, this guide is here to help. Pattern testing is a fun, rewarding way to be part of the crochet design process—and it’s more than just making something pretty. You’re helping a designer create the best version of their pattern, catching errors, and making sure instructions are clear for future makers. I’ve created the detailed Pattern Tester’s Guide eBook that I send to my own testers, packed with tips and advice. If you’d like a copy, you can get it here: What Is Crochet Pattern Testing? Pattern testing is when a designer sends out a draft version of their crochet pattern for people to make before it’s officially published. The tester follows the pattern exactly, then provides feedback on things like: Whether the instructions are clear and easy to follow If there are any mistakes or typos Whether the finished size matches the pattern Yarn usage and hook size feedback Overa...