Working in Thread: Princess Dee Crochet Choker

Working in Thread: Princess Dee Crochet Choker

I don’t often work in crochet thread, but sometimes, the best results for a design come from choosing a yarn or thread size that showcases the details beautifully.

The Princess Dee choker uses size 10 thread and a 2mm hook. The pattern is simple enough, relying on basic stitches. A filet-style hole is worked into the central row to allow a ribbon to be threaded through. I used a 10mm sage-coloured ribbon to complement the teardrop beads that adorn the piece.

When working with beads, I usually add them as I crochet. However, for this design, the hole in each teardrop bead was too small to thread onto the yarn. Instead, I sewed them on afterward using a thin sewing needle and matching sewing thread.

Tips for the Best Results When Working in Thread

1. Choose your hook wisely
Now is the time to invest in that hook you've always wanted! Cheap aluminium or old steel hooks can make thread work unpleasant. I use Clover Amour hooks and find they suit me best. My 2mm hook had no trouble gripping the finer thread, making the task much more enjoyable.

2. Thread colour matters
The colour you choose can seriously impact how much you enjoy working on the project. For Princess Dee, I wanted a dark blue—almost black—and let me tell you, the struggle to see stitches (especially in low light) is real! If it’s your first time working in thread, choose a lighter colour that makes the stitches easy to see.

3. Tension, tension, tension
Yes, designers are always going on about tension—but in thread work, it truly matters. Uneven tension can make your work look messy. Uniform stitches are what give thread crochet its polished appearance. Take your time, and don’t hesitate to redo a stitch if it doesn’t look neat.

4. Adding the beads
If, like in this project, you need to sew the beads on afterward, be sure to use sewing thread that closely matches your crochet thread. Take your time and sew carefully—neat finishing really elevates the final piece.

Blocking:
Prior to adding the beads I steamed my piece using a cloth placed over the top of it and a steam iron. For thread crochet, steam blocking or pinning and misting with water usually works well.

Care Instructions:
If you're selling or gifting the piece, include care instructions. Thread crochet is delicate—gentle hand-washing and air-drying are usually best. The suggestion to steam the piece is always a good inclusion, but if beads are added, ensure they are avoided during the process

Dragonflies in Amber Scarf/Shawl

Dragonflies in Amber – A Light and Lovely New Design

Let me introduce Dragonflies in Amber—a lightweight wrap or scarf that brings a soft touch of texture and movement to your wardrobe. It’s one of those pieces that looks like it might be complicated but is actually quite straightforward and satisfying to make.

Dragonflies are something of a signature for me. I tend to create at least one or two new dragonfly designs each year, and this time, I just happened to have a cake of Hobbii Sultan Deluxe in Baltic Amber tucked away in my yarn stash.

I wanted the dragonflies to be the feature of this piece—to really stand out—so I worked towards having them appear right in the section of the colour flow that featured the amber.

About the Yarn

Cotton Kings Sultan Deluxe in Baltic Amber is a beautiful gradient that moves from rich, deep tones into a glowing golden centre. To make sure the dragonflies showed up in that amber shade, I started from the outside of the cake and worked inwards. (I did take off a few metres before the amber section to land the placement just right—worth it, I think!)

What You Can Expect

  • Format: Both US and UK crochet terminology

  • Instructions: Fully written + a condensed symbol graph version

  • Gauge: 18 stitches and 12 rows to 10 cm in treble crochet

  • Size: 213 cm long (including fringe), 42 cm wide

  • Yarn Used: Approx. 900 m (1 x 250g Sultan Deluxe cake)

  • Hook Size: 3.5 mm

Who It’s For

This pattern suits intermediate crocheters or very confident beginners.

The pattern has been tested by a lovely group of crocheters with varying levels of experience, and I’m so grateful for their time and feedback. Their input helped refine the instructions and make sure everything flows smoothly from start to finish.

Grab Your Copy

Dragonflies in Amber is now available on [Ravelry/Etsy/etc.]. I’d love to see what colours you choose and how your version turns out—please do share your photos if you’d like to


Neapolitan Harmony Scarf

Neapolitan Harmony – A Sweet Little Scarf

I like ice cream!

And while I’m a little on the boring side (I do love a good old-fashioned vanilla), you could definitely tempt me with a bit of Neapolitan instead.

I think the day the brief popped up from Hobbii calling for designs inspired by harmony, I may have been hungry. I started browsing yarns and landed on Pearly Haze by Hobbii—which, with my colour choices, looked suspiciously like ice cream. What’s more harmonious than Neapolitan ice cream? Those flavours go so well together. So I figured—why not combine that with crochet?

Inspired by the soft stripes of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate, I set about creating this scarf as a wearable, textural piece that’s light, fun, and a bit of a treat.

It’s a simple construction—just a long rectangle—with some cables and colour changes added in. Think of it as relaxing crochet with just enough going on to keep things interesting. I finished it off with a lacy-style edging along one long side for a little extra flair.

The scarf is designed to button at the neck. You could absolutely use a store-bought button, but I decided to keep the ice cream theme going and made a button from the yarn itself. (Because why not?)

You can of course choose your own colour combo (I’d love to see a pistachio version!), but the classic Neapolitan shades really hit the sweet spot for me—pun fully intended.

The pattern includes full written instructions in both US and UK terminology, a symbol graph, and plenty of pictures to guide you along the way.

If you give it a go, I’d love to see your version! Tag me or use the hashtag #NeapolitanHarmonyScarf so I don’t miss it.

Crochet, ice cream, and harmony—what more could you want?

Visit the dedicated webpage for the pattern for materials etc.

Why Choose Linked Stitches?

I love working in linked stitches!

I hear people at times state that they find crochet when using stitches like double crochet (US), to be too open. You get that little gap between the stitches and this is not suitable for many projects/

A linked stitch eliminates that gap and creates a dense appearance to the work.

So what are linked stitches, anyway?

They’re basically a variation of your taller stitches—like half double crochet, double crochet, treble, and so on—but instead of starting each one with a yarn over like usual, you "link" it into the previous stitch. It’s a small change, but it totally transforms the fabric.

Why I love them (and you might too):

✨ No More Gaps

One of the biggest complaints about tall stitches (especially double crochet and taller) is that they can look a bit holey. This might be fine for lacy projects, but if you’re aiming for warmth, structure, or a more knit-like look, those gaps can be a pain.

✨ A Dense appearance and really neat

Linked stitches give you a dense, almost knit-like texture, which is especially great in designs like the Checkerboard Symphony Scarf. They help stitches sit straighter and behave better (we all want well-behaved stitches, right?).

✨ They're Not Hard, Promise

If you’re comfy with a regular double crochet, you’re already 90% of the way there. The only new trick is that you’re inserting your hook into a little horizontal bar from the stitch before. It feels weird for about two stitches, then it clicks.

✨ when to use them

  • When you want a warmer, denser fabric (winter scarves)

  • If you’re looking for a more knit-like finish but don’t want to actually turn to the dark side and KNIT

  • To stop tall stitches from leaning all over the place

  • Anywhere you’d usually use a double or treble (US) crochet, but want it to look a bit neater.

✨ They really are easy

Next time you’re working on something with tall stitches, try swapping in linked ones for a few rows and see what you think. I’d recommend checking out the Grandma Bed Scarf if you want something simple and sentimental to practise with, or the Checkerboard Symphony Scarf if you’re in the mood for a bit more drama and some colour work

They can be addictive. You’ll be wondering why they’re not more commonly used.

✨ what to use them on

  • Blankets and scarves where warmth and structure are a priority

  • Garments where you want a sleeker, more knit-like finish

  • Bags and baskets that need to stand up on their own


For a photo tutorial on how to create a linked double crochet (click here).



Tanjil Bren Shawl

Tanjil Bren Shawl – A Special Tribute in Filet Crochet

Some projects are more than just stitches and patterns—they hold memories, stories, and a little piece of our hearts. My latest design, the Tanjil Bren Shawl, is one of those. It’s inspired by my late mother-in-law and the special memories of Tanjil Bren, a little town she loved, tucked below the snow fields of Mt Baw Baw.

A Design with Meaning

The Tanjil Bren Shawl is a filet crochet triangle shawl, with the increase happening only on one side, giving it a unique shape. The design features a flower motif, adding a delicate, lacy feel. I used two strands of yarn held together, which gives it a lovely texture while keeping it light and airy. This one’s an intermediate-level pattern—just enough to keep things interesting without being too tricky!

The Naming of the Shawl

When I think of my mother-in-law, this small town often pops into my head. My late mother-in-law loved skiing—Mt Baw Baw was a frequent haunt for her and my father-in-law. She always loved the stop we made at Tanjil Bren, the little town tucked below the snow fields.

I went on many trips to Mt Baw Baw and always looked forward to the hot chocolate we’d get when we stopped at Tanjil Bren before heading up to the snow. It’s one of those places that instantly reminds me of her, so when it came time to name this shawl, it just felt right.

As the design grew on my hook, its light and snow-like quality made me think of my mother-in-law and this tiny town. The name just felt right.

The pattern is now available—happy crocheting!

New Design: Dragonfly Tranquility Blanket

Quite a few years ago, I started my design journey with a simple dragonfly design. That little idea soon took on a life of its own, with many designers and crocheters recreating it in different forms. These days, I doubt many realise I was the first to design this basic pattern that is now used so much.

Over time, I tweaked the dragonfly to make it distinctly an Auburncraft Crochet Design. Now, in 2025, I have several patterns featuring dragonflies, and every now and then, I come up with another one. This time, I’m happy to introduce the Dragonfly Tranquility Blanket.

As always, it features my signature dragonflies and can be used in so many ways. It would make a lovely Christening blanket or baby gift, or even a beautiful tablecloth or centrepiece.

I hope you enjoy making this design as much as I enjoyed creating it!

POS Syndrome!

Well, I knew there was a syndrome for everything these days, and today, I’ve discovered I’m suffering from POS—Pattern Overload Syndrome.

Sounds serious!

Well… it could be.

Definition of POS (Pattern Overload Syndrome):

To be officially diagnosed, the following criteria must apply:

  • You must be a crochet designer.

  • You must have at least three reasonably complicated designs in the testing phase.

  • You must have at least one pattern ready (or overdue) for launch.

  • You must have signed on to design at least one more pattern for a company.

  • You must have at least three additional designs in progress—because why stop at chaos?

  • You must, at least once daily, stare at a tester’s corrections, take a moment, and then desperately try to remember which pattern they’re talking about.

  • You must have at least ten more design ideas swirling in your brain, just waiting to derail your focus.

  • You must be actively contemplating the best approach for at least two new designs.

  • Your brain must have, at some point, attempted to go on strike.

If you meet all these criteria… congratulations! You, too, may be suffering from POS.

Now, if only there were a cure that didn’t involve frogging my sanity…

*Picture shows my latest release: Heart to Heart Scarf

Valentines Day is Almost Here

Valentine’s Day is looming ever closer, and my latest design was made especially for this special occasion. The Heart to Heart Scarf is no ordinary scarf—it's worked in the round to create a super warm, tubular-style scarf, adorned with hearts, of course!

Pom-poms are attached to the ends, adding an extra touch of flair to the design.

The Heart to Heart Scarf was created as part of Hobbii Yarns' Basics yarn campaign. A huge thank you to Hobbii for the lovely Friends Cotton Silk yarn!

I was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable this yarn is to work with.

Please follow this link to view Hobbii Friends Cotton Silk (click here).

Yarn stats are as follows:

23 Colours

77% Cotton, 23% Silk

  • Weight:

    50 g (1.75 oz)

  • Yarn Length:

    120 m (131 yds)

  • Yarn Weight:

    Light

"Love isn't measured in grand gestures but in the quiet moments—warm hands, knowing smiles, and the unspoken promise of always... but it’s also measured in yarn, stitch by stitch, wrapping hearts in warmth." Happy Valentines Day!

Stolen!

Picture just for attention

Today I am slightly on the grumpy side!

Yet another one of my designs has been stolen and is now popping up on some random webpage. This is likely another scam where someone tries to purchase the design, pays the money, and ends up with nothing.

This particular design seems to have made an impression—it’s been copied and posted in seven different places. They must really like it! Sigh.

When I first began designing and discovered my very first pattern had been stolen, I was devastated. I remember being reduced to tears, sobbing uncontrollably into my yarn stash. Now, I just think, “Great, time to file yet another DMCA takedown notice.” It’s frustrating, and often feels futile. Even if the stolen content is removed, these thieves just set up another page and carry on as if nothing happened.

Some of these scammers are so brazen that they even steal genuine customer reviews from legitimate platforms to make themselves seem credible.

The impact of stolen patterns on designers is very real. I spend hundreds of hours creating each design, and once I’ve completed a pattern, it goes to my testers—an incredible group who invest their own time and energy to ensure the final product is clear, accurate, and enjoyable for customers. This is no small task, especially for my more unique designs, and it’s a labor of love for all involved.

When someone steals and sells these patterns illegally, it creates a domino effect that hurts not just me, but everyone who contributes to the process.

I’m always happy to help anyone who has purchased a pattern from me through legitimate platforms. However, I do ask where the pattern was purchased. If it turns out the pattern was obtained from a stolen source, I cannot provide support. While I sympathize with those who might not realize they’ve been scammed, I won’t enable or assist in the theft of my copyrighted work.

To buyers: please take care to support your favorite designers by purchasing only from trusted platforms. This not only ensures you’re receiving a quality product but also helps keep small designers in business.

If you need help with a pattern, always let the designer know where you purchased it from and, if possible, provide proof of purchase. Don’t feel offended if this is requested—it’s just part of safeguarding the hard work that goes into every design.