What happens when something you make with your own two hands ends up in one of the most iconic places in the world? In this episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, I’m taking you back to 2014—before I ever had an Etsy shop, before I started designing crochet patterns, and before I dreamed this business would exist.

This isn’t a “how-to” episode. It’s a story—a reminder that the work of your hands matters more than you realize. I share the behind-the-scenes of how my hippo landed in Times Square, the lessons it taught me about showing up, and why I even started this podcast in the first place: to leave a legacy of stories and encouragement my kids can one day listen to.

✨ In this episode you’ll hear:
● The true story of how my crocheted hippo was featured in Times Square

● Why sharing your creativity—even in small ways—can lead to big opportunities

● The importance of leaving a creative legacy for your loved ones

● Encouragement to keep putting your handmade work into the world

Whether you crochet for fun, for business, or simply for yourself, I hope this story inspires you to keep creating and sharing. Because you never know when your “hippo moment” might come.

For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hooked on Growth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which goes into much more detail on scaling!

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join Our Skool Community⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join The Next Crochet Kit Club⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch⁠

🧶⁠⁠Grab The FREE Donkey Pattern⁠⁠⁠

Today, I’m joined by the lovely Emily, the creative heart behind Emily Makes Crochet. Emily has been crocheting since she was just 12 years old, and now, as a busy mom of two girls, she’s balancing family life, part-time work at a ceramic shop, and her thriving crochet business. 

In this conversation, Emily opens up about how crochet has brought her joy through every season of life—whether it’s during carpool lines, late-night stitches, or creating new designs that bring her community together.

We talk about her journey from hobby to business, the challenges and wins of running a creative brand while raising kids, and the way her online community has supported and inspired her along the way.

Emily’s story is such a reminder that creativity doesn’t have to wait for the perfect season—it can weave itself beautifully into our everyday lives.

If you’re looking for encouragement to chase your creative spark (even in the middle of a busy schedule), you’ll love this conversation.

✨ Check out Emily’s Daisy Pop Pattern

🌐 Visit her website

📸 Follow her on Instagram 

For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hooked on Growth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which goes into much more detail on scaling!

🔆⁠⁠Join Our Skool Community

🔆⁠⁠Join The Next Crochet Kit Club⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠

🧶⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch

🧶⁠Grab The FREE Donkey Pattern⁠⁠

Did you know crochet has two different languages? 🧶 If you’ve ever been confused by a crochet pattern that doesn’t look right, chances are you’ve run into the difference between UK vs US crochet terms. In this episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, we unpack why crochet stitches are named differently, how this split happened, and what it means for your projects today.

You’ll learn:
● The fascinating history behind UK and US crochet stitch names
● Why a UK double crochet is the same as a US single crochet
● Crochet tips for beginners on how to read patterns confidently
● How to spot which terminology your pattern uses before you start

Whether you’re just learning how to crochet or you’ve been making projects for years, this episode will help you master crochet pattern reading, avoid mix-ups, and understand the story behind the stitches you love.

Read this blog for a printable PDF of this abbreviation chart.

For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hooked on Growth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which goes into much more detail on scaling!

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join Our Skool Community⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join The Next Crochet Kit Club⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch⁠

🧶⁠⁠Grab The FREE Donkey Pattern⁠⁠⁠

If you’ve ever wondered how to design a crochet pattern and actually turn it into a profitable part of your crochet business, this episode is for you. I’m walking you through my complete crochet pattern design process—from the very first idea to launching the finished pattern in my shop.

In this behind-the-scenes look, you’ll learn:
● Crochet business tips for designing patterns that stand out in a crowded market

● How to brainstorm unique crochet pattern ideas that actually sell

● My step-by-step crochet design process: sketching, prototyping, testing, and formatting

● Why pattern testing is essential for creating professional, beginner-friendly crochet patterns

● How I photograph, write, and format patterns for platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and Ravelry

● Marketing strategies for promoting your crochet patterns with social media, email, and Pinterest

Whether you’re dreaming of starting a crochet business, already selling patterns and looking for fresh tips, or just curious about what goes into crochet pattern design, this episode will give you the roadmap.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to:
● Turn crochet ideas into polished, professional patterns

● Build a crochet side hustle or full-time business with patterns that sell

● Use my proven system to go from idea → pattern → launch day with confidence

👉 Tune in for practical crochet business tips, pattern design strategies, and inspiration to help you grow your crochet business and share your creativity with the world.

For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hooked on Growth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which goes into much more detail on scaling!

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join Our Skool Community⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join The Next Crochet Kit Club⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch⁠

🧶⁠⁠Grab The FREE Donkey Pattern⁠⁠⁠

Hey friend, if you’ve ever felt stuck in your crochet business or handmade journey because the results aren’t coming fast enough—you’re not alone. In this episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, I share a lesson every creative entrepreneur and handmade business owner needs to hear: belief comes before results.

Here’s what you’ll take away:

● How to stay motivated when your crochet patterns, handmade crafts, or online shop sales feel slow

● Why consistency and mindset are more powerful than instant results for long-term growth

● Encouragement for makers, crafters, and small business owners who feel like giving up when progress doesn’t show right away

If you’re a crochet lover, handmade seller, or creative entrepreneur looking for inspiration to keep going during the slow seasons, this episode will remind you: belief is the fuel that keeps us stitching, creating, and building businesses we love.

✨ Your crochet business matters. Your creativity matters. And the results will come when you lead with belief.

For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hooked on Growth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which goes into much more detail on scaling!

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join Our Skool Community⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join The Next Crochet Kit Club⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch⁠

🧶⁠⁠Grab The FREE Donkey Pattern⁠⁠⁠

Are you prepping for fall craft markets or Christmas holiday fairs and wondering what to make that actually sells? In this episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, I’m sharing my best crochet business tips for stocking your booth with quick, profitable projects that buyers can’t resist.

You’ll learn:

● The top-selling crochet items for fall craft markets

● Smart strategies for building Christmas inventory early

● How to use chunky chenille yarn to save time and create plushies and accessories shoppers love

● Display hacks that make your booth stand out, from multiples to bundle pricing

● Why bringing a project to work on at your booth can boost engagement and sales

Whether you’re selling at local holiday craft fairs, Christmas markets, or Etsy, these tips will help you grow your handmade business, increase sales, and prep smarter for Q4.

Tune in and discover exactly what to make now for fall and Christmas craft markets so you leave your events with empty tables and full pockets!

Read this blog for links to patterns mentioned in this episode!

For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hooked on Growth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which goes into much more detail on scaling!

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join Our Skool Community⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join The Next Crochet Kit Club⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch⁠

🧶⁠⁠Grab The FREE Donkey Pattern⁠⁠⁠⁠

We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/

Have you ever wondered if running a crochet business—or pursuing any creative dream—is selfish? In this episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, I share my personal journey as a crochet pattern designer and handmade business owner who once questioned whether this work truly mattered.

Here’s what we’ll dive into:
● Why crochet is more than a hobby—it supports mental health and well-being through the calming rhythm of stitches

● How your crochet patterns, handmade gifts, and creative projects become keepsakes passed down for generations

● The ripple effect of a crochet business—fueling other small businesses, inspiring makers, and strengthening creative community

● Why your art and handmade work are not indulgent, but an act of generosity and contribution

If you’ve ever doubted whether your crochet designs, handmade products, or creative business make a difference, this episode will remind you: your crochet matters more than you realize.

✨ Creativity is generosity, not selfishness—and your crochet business is worth celebrating.

For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hooked on Growth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which goes into much more detail on scaling!

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join Our Skool Community⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join The Next Crochet Kit Club⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch⁠

🧶⁠⁠Grab The FREE Donkey Pattern⁠⁠⁠

If you’ve ever felt confused about crochet hook sizes, letters, and shapes, you’re not alone! In this episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, I break down everything beginners need to know about crochet hooks—from U.S. vs. U.K. sizing, to the difference between tapered and inline hooks, to which materials (aluminum, bamboo, plastic, or steel) make the biggest difference in your projects.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
● How to read crochet hook sizes in millimeters, letters, and numbers

● Why millimeter sizing is the most reliable across brands

● The pros and cons of tapered (Boye) vs. inline (Susan Bates) crochet hooks

● How ergonomic crochet hooks help with hand pain and comfort

● My recommendations for the best crochet hooks for beginners, amigurumi, and bulky yarn projects

By the end, you’ll know exactly which crochet hook to use for your project, what features actually matter, and how to choose the one that feels best in your hands.

For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hooked on Growth⁠⁠⁠⁠, which goes into much more detail on scaling!

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join Our Skool Community⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join The Next Crochet Kit Club⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch⁠

🧶⁠⁠Grab The FREE Donkey Pattern⁠⁠⁠

Struggling with the magic ring in crochet (also called the magic circle)? You’re not alone! In this first Quick Stitches mini-episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, I share beginner-friendly tips on the magic ring vs. chain start method—so you’ll know whether you really need to use it for amigurumi or if a simpler alternative works just as well.

Whether you’re just learning how to crochet or starting your first amigurumi stuffed animal, this bite-sized episode will help you confidently choose the best way to begin your crochet rounds.

For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hooked on Growth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which goes into much more detail on scaling!

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join Our Skool Community⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join The Next Crochet Kit Club⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch⁠

🧶⁠⁠Grab The FREE Donkey Pattern⁠⁠⁠

Ready to crochet your first plushie but not sure where to start? In this episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, I’m sharing everything beginners need to know about amigurumi. From choosing the best yarn for crochet plushies—like Bernat Blanket Yarn, Premier Parfait Chunky, and Loops & Threads Cozy Cub—to picking the right hook size, stuffing tips, and adding eyes safely, you’ll learn how to make your first crochet stuffed animal with confidence.

Whether you’ve been saving amigurumi patterns on Pinterest or dreaming of making plushies for gifts, craft fairs, or cozy home décor, this episode is packed with beginner crochet tips. You’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes, pick easy starter patterns, and enjoy quick, fun projects that bring instant gratification.

If you’ve ever wondered:
🧶 How to crochet a stuffed animal

🧶 What’s the best yarn for amigurumi

🧶 How to make plushies soft, squishy, and professional-looking

…this episode has you covered.

👉 Tune in now and get inspired to start your first amigurumi project today!

For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hooked on Growth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which goes into much more detail on scaling!

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join Our Skool Community⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join The Next Crochet Kit Club⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch⁠

🧶⁠⁠Grab The FREE Donkey Pattern⁠⁠⁠