Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast

Running out of time but still want to give handmade? 🎄 If you are looking for last-minute crochet gifts that don't take weeks to finish, this episode is your survival guide.

In this episode of Simply Hooked, I’m sharing 12 fast crochet projects perfect for family, friends, teachers, and neighbors. These are beginner-friendly patterns you can often finish in a single sitting using yarn you already have!

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• One-Hour Projects: Quick wins including ornaments and stocking stuffers.

• Stash Busting: How to use scrap yarn and cotton yarn to make beautiful, low-cost gifts.

• Gift Guides: Specific ideas for hard-to-buy-for people like teens, coworkers, and coffee lovers.

• Plushies & Decor: Adorable items that look impressive but work up fast.

Whether you need a gift for a new driver or a thoughtful token for a teacher, these easy crochet ideas will save your holiday season without the stress. Grab your hook and let’s get gifting!

PATTERN LINKS

Facial Pads

Mug Cozies

Ear Warmer

Bookmarks

Small Basket

Bubble Plushies

Pencil

Earbud Cases

Swinging Duck Mirror Hanger

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 Crochet Project Planner⁠**

Welcome to Threads of Wisdom, a bite-sized series from Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast for makers who want to grow their mindset, creativity, and handmade business.

In this inspiring mini-episode, we revisit a timeless quote from Earl Nightingale — “You become what you think about.” Discover how your thoughts shape your crochet journey, influence your business success, and determine the kind of creative life you build.

You’ll learn:
● How your mindset directly impacts your crochet business, creativity, and motivation
● Simple ways to reframe negative thoughts and boost your confidence as a maker
● Why focusing on your goals and visualizing success helps you grow faster — in life and in business

Think of this as a mental reset for makers — a reminder that the same way each stitch builds a masterpiece, each thought builds your future. Tune in, realign your mindset, and start crafting a life (and business) you truly love.

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

In this confidence-boosting episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, we dive deep into overcoming imposter syndrome as a crochet designer and creative entrepreneur. If you’ve ever questioned your talent, compared yourself to other designers, or wondered why anyone would choose your crochet patterns, this episode will speak straight to your heart.

I share personal stories from my own creative journey—including a moment in the frozen food aisle that completely transformed the way I view creativity, originality, and the crochet industry. You’ll walk away with practical tools, mindset shifts, and encouragement to help you step confidently into your role as a designer.

Inside this episode, you’ll discover how to:
✨ Rewire negative self-talk and build a stronger mindset as a crochet designer
✨ Find your unique creative voice in a crowded crochet pattern market
✨ Confidently grow your crochet business without comparing yourself to others
✨ Understand why variety, originality, and authenticity matter in the handmade world
✨ Remember that your creativity is needed—and someone is waiting for the exact patterns only you can create

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

Is your creative space disappearing under a mountain of yarn? If you are drowning in unfinished objects (WIPs) or struggling with yarn organization, it’s time to take control of your craft.

In this episode, I’m unveiling the Simply Hooked Crochet Project Planner—a complete system I designed specifically to help fiber artists finish what they start. We aren't just talking about a notebook; we are talking about a workflow that keeps your crochet patterns and supplies organized.

Inside the Planner System:

• Project Trackers & Logs: Never forget hook sizes or yarn lots again.

• Yarn Inventory Sheets: Manage your stash so you know exactly what you have.

• Pattern Organization: A dedicated system with alphabetized folders for printed patterns.

• Lifetime Value: Includes printable refills so you never run out of pages.

Great for Gifting:Available in two editions (Classic or Deluxe with crochet stickers and a pen!), this planner makes one of the best gifts for crocheters this season.

GRAB THE PLANNER HERE**

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

Do you have piles of unfinished crochet projects tucked away in baskets and bags? In this episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, we dive deep into the world of crochet WIPs (Works in Progress). Whether you’re a beginner crocheter or a seasoned maker with a growing yarn stash, you’ll learn practical tips to organize, track, and actually finish your projects—without feeling overwhelmed.

I’ll walk you through my favorite WIP tracking methods, how to set realistic crochet goals, and why using a crochet project planner can transform your workflow. You’ll discover strategies for managing multiple amigurumi patterns, keeping your yarn inventory under control, and finding joy in every stitch—even when projects pile up.

-- GRAB THE CROCHET PROJECT PLANNER HERE --

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
● Why crocheters accumulate so many WIPs and how to avoid “project guilt”
● Simple systems for organizing crochet patterns, yarn, and tools
● How to create a crochet WIP tracker or planner that actually works
● Tips for staying motivated and finishing crochet projects faster
● Ways to turn your unfinished WIPs into crochet gifts, donations, or items to sell

If you’ve ever felt stuck in WIP overload, this episode will help you reclaim your crochet confidence, finish more projects, and fall back in love with the craft you started for joy.

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

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