Crochet Designing is Soooo.. Easy!

Crochet design is so easy!

I tell you, the money just rolls in and the patterns practically write themselves whilst I live in lazy luxury.

…said no crochet designer I’ve ever met. This, of course, is something no crochet designer has ever actually said. At least not one who is still conscious and not laughing hysterically.

A look at the last month (aka: the glamour)

The past month involved four patterns in testing, which is exactly as relaxing and effortless as it sounds.

Fortunately, I have some truly excellent pattern testers. They know me well now — my strengths, my weaknesses, and the small but significant detail that I sometimes cannot count. They also know that if something is glaringly obvious, there is a very real chance I will stare directly at it and still not see it.

They’ve learned that the only effective solution is persistent nagging until my brain finally connects the dots. This is an essential part of the process, because no one wants an error in a pattern. Let one slip through and, based on experience, the resulting fallout rivals Days of Our Lives.

The designer is then sentenced to emotional distress via bad reviews.
This sentence is not recommended.

Two new wraps and the fuzz factor

Over the past few weeks (months, really), I’ve been designing two new scarf/wrap patterns. My hope — as always — is that the written patterns will be clear, easy to follow, and not induce rage. I truly want my customers to love what they create from them.

Designing began with the purchase of some luxury yarn featuring a generous fuzz factor.

The first design was attempted with this yarn. Getting a design to work perfectly is usually a matter of trial and error — and this one involved a lot of trial and a lot of error. Fuzzy yarn is deeply disagreeable to frogging
(frogging: the slow unravelling of your hopes and dreams).

Frogging fuzzy yarn involves frustration, tears, swearing, and a deep questioning of your life choices. This design went through 15+ attempts before it finally worked — only to reveal that the beautiful stitch pattern was completely lost to the fuzz.

So naturally, I frogged it again.

A different yarn was used, the design finally behaved itself, and the fuzzy yarn was placed in time-out to think about what it had done.

Giving the fuzz a second chance

The second wrap was designed specifically for the fuzzy yarn, because it really was too pretty to ignore. I tried to keep the stitch pattern simple to reduce the risk of further emotional damage, but some frogging was still unavoidable.

This required intense concentration, excellent lighting, a fine darning needle to tease fibres apart, and an amount of patience that I simply did not possess.

At this point, I began sourcing patience elsewhere.

Please sir, do you have any patience? I’ll take everything you’ve got. Quickly.

Meanwhile, in testing…

While I was frogging my way through existence, my pattern testers were calmly working through designs in testing — sending corrections, clarifications, and occasionally suggesting I sit quietly in a corner and think about my decisions.

Add to this customer support: helping those who genuinely needed assistance, and navigating the occasional customer who, after one hour, decided the special stitch was impossible, didn’t ask for help, and concluded the pattern was “rubbish”.

Naturally, this resulted in a one-star review.
Offers of help were made.
The customer vanished and attempts of help ignored.
The star remained.

The good bits (yes, there are good bits)

There were lovely moments too. Messages from customers who enjoyed the pattern, thoughtful reviews, kind words. These are the moments to hold onto — especially when the crochet champions reappear demanding blood because the pattern isn’t written in French, doesn’t include a full video tutorial, or is simply above their current skill level and apparently hurts their brain — their review said so.

But yes.
Crochet design is very easy.
Anyone can do it.
And the millions just roll right in.

(Choke. Chortle.)

Stay tuned for new designs. Several will launch very soon. Subscribe to receive launch day discount codes!

Stepping into 2026

Some of the designs created in 2025

Every new year starts the same way. Bold declarations are made. Bad habits are banished. Someone, somewhere, buys a planner.

And suddenly, 2026 is here. How did that even happen? I feel like I only just turned around after celebrating the Millennium, wondering whether the Y2K bug would destroy life as we know it or not. That slightly unhinged, end-of-the-world-but-make-it-digital vibe. And yet… here we are. 2026, somehow still standing.

It really makes no difference what declaration I make on New Year’s Eve — I know I am not going to change. I won’t use that planner purchased with intent. I won’t complete every crochet project I begin. The one shoved in the corner and glaring at me every time I enter the room will continue to judge me in silence. I won’t resist the urge to purchase that really nice yarn I don’t need but absolutely might need later. And the one thing I am absolutely certain of is that, as a designer, I won’t please everyone — no matter how much effort, experience, or care goes into the work.

My year ended with a four-star review on Etsy from a buyer who loved the pattern but, for some reason, found the written instructions in this much-loved design (with dozens of five-star reviews) hurt their head. The graph, however, was great. Just as well I spent hours upon hours not only writing the “offending” words, but also painstakingly drawing a usable chart. A progress photo was included, and the project looked like it was coming along nicely. Short of offering to crochet the piece myself for the buyer — in their chosen yarn, size, and preferred tension — there really was no point worrying about it.

I know the pattern is well written and clearly marked as intermediate level. So what can a person do? I looked at that review — which wasn’t awful, but… meh, it could certainly have been better — and realised it summed up 2025 rather well. A year of effort, learning, persistence, and the occasional quiet sigh. It could have been better.

Do I expect 2026 to be better, stronger, kinder? One can only hope — but it would be unwise to hold one’s breath. Experience suggests optimism is best served with a side of realism and a good cup of tea.

As I head into 2026, I will do my best to continue creating usable patterns of unique pieces. They will, no doubt, remain intermediate level — because that’s where I enjoy designing, and where creativity still feels like a challenge rather than a checklist. I will savour the kind reviews people leave and, just as surely, feel a little miserable over the lesser ones that pop up from time to time, even though I know better.

The biggest thing to remember is this: while a new year may have begun, renewal does not require becoming a completely different person. And in crochet terms, not every project needs to be finished. Some are lessons. Some are experiments. Some are simply there to remind us where we were at the time. If others do not appreciate the skill, time, and effort that go into crochet — whether as a gift or as a design — that does not make me less.

Crochet is different for every individual. Some people love fast projects and instant gratification. Others enjoy charts, challenges, and complexity. Neither is wrong.

For me, I enjoy creating more complex designs, while also finding that the repetition of crochet helps focus the mind on other things. The quiet counting, the reworking of a design, the problem-solving when something doesn’t quite sit right — it’s a challenge I love to immerse myself in, even when it tests my patience.

My hopes for 2026

To create some amazing designs.
That people will be courteous and thoughtful when leaving reviews.
That there will be some appreciation for the many hours spent creating workable patterns.

And mostly, that people remember that behind every pattern is a real person — thinking, adjusting, counting, frogging, and doing their best.

Designed with care, tested with love, and unmistakably me — 100% Auburncraft.

Auburncraft Crochet Design The Year That Was

2025 has certainly been an interesting year.
A year full of challenges — the sort that arrive uninvited — yet somehow the creativity kept going. Even with everything happening around me, I still managed to create 17 new designs. From smaller blankets to doilies and scarves, to a few projects that seriously tested my patience, the hooks kept moving in a blur of creativity.

The pattern test resort (also known as the basement) has been permanently at capacity, staffed by my hardworking testers and fuelled, of course, by quality porridge and the customary daily hour of downtime. I’m sure I test their patience more often than I should, but they keep signing on — so I must be doing something right. Or maybe they just really love porridge. It is top-shelf stuff, with only a few weevils in it.

My latest release was epic! As often happens when I design, an idea morphs as I go, and this one did exactly that — growing into a very large blanket, the kind that quietly expands until you suddenly realise it spans a king-sized bed. The initial aim was to use up my yarn stash, but that idea quickly went by the wayside when, of course, there wasn’t enough. And if this was going to be in rainbow colours, I simply had to have yellow — and I couldn’t possibly leave orange out. I suppose I shall have to add Greeeeeeeeeeen. Vomit!

In the end, it was worth all the work, even the addition of the dreaded Greeeeeeeeeeen, and watching it come together reminded me why I love designing in the first place.

This year also pushed me into something new: videos.
I’ve started making a few very basic clips for parts of my patterns that people often need help with. I cannot imagine myself ever doing full tutorials — that’s not who I am — but small, simple steps feel manageable. My little YouTube channel is growing slowly, and I’m genuinely grateful for everyone who watches, subscribes, or just presses the thumbs-up button.

Small moments — like seeing one of my designs proudly shown off by a maker, gifted to someone special, or featured by a company such as LoveCrafts — always put a smile on my face. They might seem like small things, but they’re big for me and a quiet reminder of why I love doing what I do.

Of course, the landscape has shifted this year too.
With AI-generated content popping up everywhere, the number of scams has exploded. People selling patterns that don’t work, designs stolen, photos misused, and items that look pretty on screen but are impossible to crochet in real life. Add in the ongoing juggling act of keeping customers happy. And of course, there’s always that sting of a less-than-stellar review from someone who never even asked for help. It’s added a whole extra layer of frustration and worry — and I suspect things will not change in the future. As for the AI, it’s something we’ll all be dealing with even more in the years ahead. It’s made me even more determined to create work that’s tested, trusted, and genuinely mine.

Looking towards 2026, there’s plenty more coming.

Next year I’ll be taking part in at least one event in collaboration with a local yarn store. I was also invited to a much larger convention here in Australia. It was an honour to be asked, but I decided to decline — I’m simply not a front-of-house person. Put me behind the hook, behind the scenes, and I’m perfectly happy. Put me in front of a hall full of people and that’s a very firm “no, thank you.” I love sharing my work and I’m more than happy to join in, as long as it can be done from behind the scenes. But ask me to be a keynote speaker and that’s just not going to happen

Several designs are already in testing, and there’s a long list waiting in the design queue. Expect more texture, more unexpected details, more flowers worked in… and yes, more dragonflies, always.

Latest Release

Pantone Colour of the Year 2026 - Cloud Dancer - REALLY?

Do you ever find yourself longing to step back in time?

Because honestly, I’m feeling an almost gravitational pull dragging me back to 2023. The Pantone Colour Institute — in all their infinite wisdom — has me diving head-first into my time capsule and hurtling down the Time Tunnel straight to the glorious days of Viva Magenta (PANTONE 18-1750).

Ah yes. 2023. A very good year. But let’s be real: any year dipped in a shade of purple is automatically superior. It’s scientific.

And then… we arrive at 2026.
Pantone steps forward and triumphantly announces PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer — an off white so off it makes you wonder if the colour-picking committee spent their afternoon locked in a padded room and thought, “Hey, this looks familiar.”

I can already see people begging for colour — any colour (okay, maybe not green). Honestly, it would take one rebellious flick of a brush dipped in purple, orange, pink, or yellow to “accidentally” fall into the tin of off white. Just a tiny sabotage. For the greater good.

Picture the big Pantone board meeting:
“Alright team, 2026. What sums up the mood?”
A chorus of architects and interior designers replies,
“I know! Let’s go with a noiiiiice off white. It’ll be fab-u-lous.”
Of course it will. Everything white is fabulous, darling.

But wait — the meaning of off white:
Purity. Innocence. Cleanliness.
Also… death and sadness.
Perfect. A colour for every occasion.

White makes spaces feel bigger, they claim.
Maybe that’s the grand plan for 2026: make the year look large and airy so no one notices how truly rotten 2025 has been. Clever.

“Let’s call it Cloud Dancer,” they say.
Because clouds are famously known for their structure and reliability.

So here we are, marching boldly (or reluctantly) toward 2026 with an off-white energy — a blank canvas for literally anything more interesting to land on it.

Bring on 2027 — and please, Pantone, anything but greeeeennnnnnnn. Well maybe not ANYTHING!

Massive Design Launch - Chasing Rainbows Finding Tulips Blanket

My new design, Chasing Rainbows Finding Tulips Blanket, is finally ready to launch.

This is a huge one! Six months in the design stage and more than three months in testing.

I decided to use rainbow colours for this one, partly because I had quite a bit of leftover yarn that could go towards it, and partly because my mind kept drifting toward rainbows.

Rainbows can mean many things to different people. Me? I simply like rainbows.

The name — Have you ever wanted something badly, but life turns you in another direction? You don’t get what you thought you would, but you end up with what you need, or something unexpected. Chasing Rainbows – Finding Tulips.

Now, a bit about the design:

This intermediate to advanced crochet pattern includes written instructions, step-by-step photos, and symbol-style charts, with both US and UK terminology provided. Worked in rainbow rows with an embossed tulip texture, this blanket is perfect for makers who love colour play and floral motifs.

Features:

• Written instructions with step-by-step photos

• Symbol-style charts included

• Separate US and UK terminology versions

• Hexagon and triangle construction

• Rainbow layout with striped border

• Embossed texture using post stitches and popcorns

• Intermediate to advanced skill level

Yarn Weight: DK (8 ply)
Hook Size: 4 mm (G-6)
Total Yarn Used (if gauge is met): approx. 6170 m / 6747.5 yd

Finished Measurements
155 cm / 61 in (length)
245 cm / 96.4 in (width)

Big enough to span a queen-sized bed!

After many months of work, I’m pleased to finally share this design with anyone who enjoys a challenge and a bit of colour therapy. If you decide to make it, I hope the process is as satisfying for you as seeing it come together was for me.

Head to the webpage to see some of the pattern testers examples! And view the short videos on Youtube!

Veil of Avelisse Doily

So there I was, playing with a skein of Fiddlesticks Posie and not really knowing where the hook was heading. The end result became ‘Veil of Avelisse’.

This is a wonderfully versatile pattern. I ended up making several versions while honing the design, and the very first — in a gorgeous purple — has now been framed and proudly adorns a spot in my sitting room.

I was very brave and actually purchased a couple of skeins of Fiddlesticks in a greeennnnnnnnnn and a red. Green and I don’t generally get along all that well, so it’s always a challenge for me to work with. I continually look at what I’m creating and wonder why on earth I’m working in green. But I wanted to create a Christmas table runner, and green is kind of a necessity… so, as I say, I was very brave and soldiered on. I even made a table placemat from the greeennnnnnnnnn.

This design can be a tablecloth, doily, table runner, table centre, or even a framed focal piece. One of my pattern testers even modelled it as a scarf!

The pattern includes fully written instructions in both UK and US terminology, a symbol graph, and helpful progress photos. It can be made as a stand-alone doily, and instructions for joining motifs — as well as how I framed mine — are included. The choice is yours.

‘Veil of Avelisse’ will be available on Ravelry and Etsy. There’s still time to make something beautiful for your Christmas table, or even whip up a last-minute framed gift that looks wonderfully thoughtful. I hope you enjoy bringing this delicate design to life as much as I enjoyed creating it..

The Goldilocks Method of Designing Crochet. An Auburncraft Initiative!

You know that feeling — you get a brilliant idea and, in your head, it’s epic!

This is going to be bigger than Ben Hur (or that’s the saying, I think?).

You map it out in your head, and the sheer magnitude of just how brilliant this idea is makes your head a few sizes too large for the gorgeous crochet beanie you made last week!

Of course, in your head, this design works per-fect-ly... Every stitch lines up, and it all falls into place to create a piece of crochet that a queen would wish to have adorning her in some manner or other.

Then you begin working on this masterpiece. You try one yarn, and it doesn’t work that great — maybe the texture is too rough. You try another, and it’s way too soft. Then you try a third, and it seems just right.

You grab your 5mm hook and do a few rows — turns out it’s too big.

You work a few rows with your 4mm and, you guessed it, it’s too small. By this time, you can hear your 4.5mm grumbling from the hook storage: “Told you I was the right size. You should have picked me in the first place.”

Sure enough, the 4.5mm is just right — and it did have a point. You should have listened.

Single Crochet

You think you’re now ready to whip up this masterpiece and begin using single crochet (US). You work up a large portion of the design, but the further you go, the more you start to think this stitch might not be right for it.

Maybe this just isn’t going to work.

You slow down, partly so you can ponder how you could possibly be wrong. After all, it worked so well in your head! Eventually, you’re down to one stitch a minute. Your brain is shouting loud and clear: IT WILL NOT WORK.

The realisation dawns — it just ain’t gonna work — and off you go a-frogging.

But then your vision begins to shift. This new idea will work — it will be super fabulous for sure. How could you have missed this before?

Half Double Crochet

Half double crochet may well be the way to go with this. This will work! This will be great! Fantastic! Fabulous! You may even be awarded Queen of the World for this design.

Butttttttttt… you get to about the same point you were at with the single crochet and just know it is NOT SO!

By this time, the new, fabulous, incredible design has been given the gift of flight — you chuck it across the room and leave it there for a few hours.

Waistcoat Stitch

This is it! This is the one!! This stitch will be raised above all others and become legend in this design. People will queue for hours to admire the crochet artistry you’ve created with this stitch.

As you work, you realise it’s true — it does work. It’s right. Wonderful, even. You crochet harder and faster, knowing those queues of crochet fans will soon be waiting to view your masterpiece.

Once again, your head has grown a few sizes too large for that beanie, and before you know it, the day is gone. It’s late, and suddenly you feel an overwhelming urge for a large bowl of porridge. You must have one! After all, you’ve been working very hard all day and thoroughly deserve it!

You’re now so exhausted from your day of frogging that you also require a nap.
You go in search of a bed — but of course, it has to be one that’s just right!

The Goldilocks Method of Crochet Design is a patented technique used exclusively by Auburncraft Crochet Design.
No bears were harmed in the making of this crochet method — although several bowls of porridge were definitely eaten.

Blood of My Blood Skull Scarf

🩸 Blood of My Blood Skull Scarf 🩸

With Halloween just around the corner, Blood of My Blood has just the right amount of spooky — with a little gothic flair thrown in for good measure!

How did this scarf come to life?

For those who follow my designs, you may have seen When a Dragonfly Whispers Scarf. Often when I create a design, the ideas start to morph, and my brain begins thinking of other ways to transform that concept into something new.

This time, there were whispers… but they came drifting across the ocean — all the way from Northern Ireland to the land of Oz.

What were they whispering?
“Go on, add some skulls.”

At first, I thought I was going slightly crazy (or at least a little crazier than usual). The whispers were very persistent! Eventually, I discovered their source — my crochet designer friend in Northern Ireland, the wonderful Fiona of Floscraftycrochet, wanted skulls.

So, I obliged. I took the concept from When a Dragonfly Whispers and gave it a darker twist to create Blood of My Blood Skull Scarf.

The Blood of My Blood Skull Scarf is my venture into the darker side of crochet — a little gothic, a little graceful, and entirely me. Each skull sits perfectly framed within a series of stepped stitches.

This design does take a little concentration, as the stitches may seem randomly placed, with no rhyme or reason. But together, they form a delicate spiderweb of lace around each skull — and it simply works! 🕸️

☠️ What’s Inside the Pattern

• Fully written instructions (no guesswork, just hookwork)

• A symbol-style graph showing a reduced section of the scarf

• A repeatable pattern to keep you in the flow as it grows

You’ll Need:

• 2 x Cascade Ultra Pima Cotton DK (Colour: 3701)

• Approx. 260m / 284.3yds total

• Stitch markers, tapestry needle, and scissors

Finished Size:

• Width: 15 cm (5.9 in)

• Length: 213 cm (83.8 in)

It’s a fast, satisfying make — with plenty of time to finish one, two, or even more before Halloween. 🎃

If skulls aren’t your thing, you might prefer the softer touch of When a Dragonfly Whispers Scarf.

Available now on Ravelry and Etsy.

Confessions of a Dragonfly Addict

It started innocently enough. One little dragonfly design. A humble, delicate motif. “I can handle this,” I told myself. “It’s just one… and they are soooo pretty.”

But one turned into two. Two became four. And suddenly, my crochet corner looks like a dragonfly convention exploded. They’re everywhere: hovering on shawls, fluttering across blankets, even sneaking onto scarves I swore would be ‘just plain.’

Friends have started giving me knowing looks. “Another dragonfly?” they whisper. And I nod and keep walking, like a dragonfly dealer caught mid-transaction. But honestly, who can resist them? Those tiny wings, the way they hover in midair—or mid-stitch—it’s hypnotic, mesmerising even.

Sure! I am obsessed! I tried to cut back, I really did. I told myself, “No more dragonflies this week.” Of course, I didn’t listen. The yarn whispered, and the hooks… oh, the hooks—they know. It’s like they have a mind of their own. The next thing I know, I’m designing a scarf named Dragonflies in Amber and the A Tranquility of Dragonflies blanket. I’m running out of dragonfly design names.

Yes, I’m a dragonfly addict. But is it wrong? —this is the kind of addiction where the more you have, the brighter your world becomes. And if you happen to spot a dragonfly flitting across one of my creations, just know: I designed it with love… and maybe a teensy bit of obsession. Dragonflies make me ☺

Supporting Crochet Designers – Our Facebook Community

Crochet Designer Support Group

When Fiona from Flo’s Crafty Crochet and I (Auburncraft Crochet Design) first started our Facebook group for crochet designers, we had no idea what a little spark of inspiration would grow into. What started as a tiny corner of the internet for designers to chat, share, and commiserate has blossomed into a supportive community of 550 amazing members!

Why We Started the Group

Designing crochet patterns can be rewarding… and sometimes lonely. From sketching and swatching to writing, editing, and testing — there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work before a pattern even reaches a customer. Fiona and I realised that while there are plenty of spaces for makers and crocheters, designers themselves didn’t always have a safe, encouraging place to ask questions, share knowledge, and celebrate victories.

So, we decided to make one.

Who Can Join?

Membership is open to crochet designers with at least two published patterns. That way, discussions stay practical, peer-to-peer, and grounded in real design experience.

Fiona and I have been around long enough to know that designing can be tough.

You can see what we’ve been up to on Ravelry (me) and Flo’s Crafty Crochet.

What Happens in the Group?

This is a support-first space — not a free-for-all advertising zone. Members share tips on everything: from tricky stitch tutorials and photography hacks to navigating the murky waters of copyright. How to deal with that stolen pattern. From writing crystal-clear instructions to navigating platforms like Ravelry and Etsy.

We do make exceptions for things that benefit everyone: free pattern blog hops, yarn collaborations, and other opportunities that help members grow.

It’s also a safe space to ask questions, celebrate small wins, and lean on others who truly understand the ups and downs of designing crochet patterns.

Looking Ahead

With over 500 designers, coming together is proof that crochet design may be a solo craft, but it thrives on community.

If you’re a crochet designer with at least two published patterns, craving support, encouragement, we’d love to welcome you into the Facebook group.

And if you are a yarn supplier or indie dyer who would like to offer yarn support, we have a captive audience of 550.

🧶 Designing may be a solo craft, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely one — let’s stitch stronger connections together!

When A Dragonfly Whispers Scarf

When A Dragonfly Whispers… Your New Favourite Scarf!

Designing is a never-ending adventure!

One small idea can quickly grow into a cluster of new designs—and that’s exactly what happened with When a Dragonfly Whispers.

It all began with the Dragonfly Tranquility Blanket. From there, I realised I could turn the motif into a scarf, three dragonflies wide, with gently undulating edges. That became Softly Softly My Dragonfly Scarf.

But my brain didn’t stop there. Those same thoughts kept swirling, evolving into When a Dragonfly Whispers Scarf. I love how this design works up quickly, with a subtle step to the left as each dragonfly is added, giving it a unique flow.

The scarf is lightweight, wearable, and easily adjustable for length. You can use almost any yarn to create a wider or finer version—I used Cascade Pima Ultra Cotton DK.

The pattern includes a fully written guide and a symbol-style graph of a reduced section, plus photos showing rows and special stitches.

Finished dimensions: 15cm / 5.9 inches wide by 205cm / 80.7 inches long—a perfect layering piece.

One of my testers, Tamara Dixon, loved it so much she made three scarves. Honestly… one will never be enough!

By Tamara Dixon

Softly Softly My Dragonfly Scarf

Softly Softly, My Dragonfly Scarf

I’m fortunate enough to live surrounded by beauty — views of gorgeous mountains and rainforest that seem to go on forever. And along with all that beauty, I’m often treated to the sight of dragonflies going about their day.

They glide past — quick, light, and with a certain silent majesty.

That’s the vibe I wanted to capture in this scarf design. Softly Softly, My Dragonfly Scarf was designed to reflect that special moment — when a dragonfly pauses mid-air, wings glinting, and then vanishes on the breeze.

This pattern is a follow-up of sorts to my Tranquility of Dragonflies Blanket, but this time I’ve gone for something a bit more wearable. The scarf isn’t a plain rectangle — it flows in and out with soft curves around the dragonflies, as if to hug them.

It’s made using basic stitches, BUT — you’ll want to pay attention to where those stitches go. There’s a pattern repeat, so once you’ve got that sorted, it’s full steam ahead. A great design to pick up and put down as time permits… as long as you keep track of those stitches!

The pattern comes in written format, with plenty of photographs and a symbol-style graph to help visual makers. The graph shows a section of the scarf and is to be used alongside the written instructions — the program I use does have its limits.

I used Yarn Bee Hand Dyed 4ply in Flamenco, and I found myself really liking this yarn. It’s a great project for those special hand-dyed skeins you’ve been saving for just the right moment.

Whether you’re making it for yourself or as a gift, this scarf is light, elegant, and just a little bit on the unique side.

If, like me, you’re a lover of dragonflies and often wonder at the effortless way they pass by, then this is a must-have project.

Softly softly… off they go.

I Have Scissors and Am NOT Afraid to Use Them!

Frogging And The Tale Of The Secret Scissor Society

Of course, I would like to say I’m perfect in every way and never make errors that require fixing. Or, if you’re a diehard crocheter: frogging.

Ah yes — frogging. That dreaded moment when you realise something’s gone wrong and you have no choice but to rip out your work. It might be a few rows… or (gulp) an entire project. But why on earth do we call it frogging?

Because when you say “rip it, rip it” quickly, it sounds suspiciously like a frog croaking. 🐸

Shhh… Don’t Tell Anyone

But I do make errors. Often. Quite a few, actually.

Crochet is both my passion and profession, but I’m still human. Miscounts happen. Ask my pattern testers — they’ll tell you that, at times, I simply cannot count. Sometimes stitch markers get ignored. And every now and then, a rogue popcorn ends up where it has no business being. I was sure I put it in the right place… but there it is.

Enter: The Scissors ✂️

Here’s the thing — I am not afraid to use my scissors. In fact, I’ve become quite skilled with them.

To set the scene: imagine a large round blanket with 900 to 1000 stitches per round. Now imagine spotting a small error… one round down. Maybe it’s a skipped stitch, or that rogue popcorn has reappeared, throwing everything out of place.

Now I have two choices:

• Frog the entire round. All 1000 stitches. Try not to cry, stamp my feet, and throw the entire thing across the room.

• Or… cut out the section with the error, and carefully patch it — while probably still stamping my feet in annoyance.

Yes, I go for option two. It's faster, cleaner, and far less heartbreaking. I simply snip the stitches around the affected area, carefully pick back to either side of the mistake, and then rework the section correctly — using a length of yarn in the same colour to seamlessly rejoin it to the surrounding work.

But Be Careful…

This is not something to do while tired, frustrated, or when around others. (Being in a bad mood with sharp scissors is something best done alone.)

You’ll need:

• A steady hand

• Good lighting

• And absolutely no distractions

And, of course, a bit of confidence. You're basically doing crochet surgery. You’ll want to work neatly, sew in ends carefully, and triple-check your tension.

Finally

Frogging isn’t fun, but it’s part of the process — even for experienced crocheters. And while there’s nothing wrong with pulling back the yarn and starting fresh, sometimes it’s okay to wield the scissors with a little bravery and a lot of care.

So next time you spot that tiny error a thousand stitches ago, remember:
You are not alone.
You are not defeated.
You are… a crocheter with scissors.

And you’ve got this.

P.S. The picture is of ‘How to Catch a Dragonfly Blanket’. Can you spot the scissor surgery?

Find How to Catch a Dragonfly. Use the links below!

Magnolia Bloom and Marigold Bloom Blankets

Filet crochet combined with Floral Flare

I really do love me a bit of filet crochet. Combine that with some beautiful Bendigo Woollen Mills 4ply Luxury, and the magic begins.

This design first came to life as a hexagon-shaped blanket — Magnolia Bloom. I then decided to rework the same design into a square format, which became Marigold Bloom. I graphed and crocheted them side by side, working a little on one, then the other. It was rather soothing switching between the two.

While the concept remains the same across both versions, extra adjustments were needed for the square. To form clean sides and sharper corners, I had to expand the pattern slightly. The edging on both blankets appears similar at first glance, but Marigold Bloom is a little more involved due to the additional stitches and shaping required.

I have designated these patterns as intermediate level.

Whether you prefer the elegant sweep of a hexagon or the classic symmetry of a square, both versions are now available — individually or as a bundle — on Etsy and Ravelry.

So, what tickles your fancy? Magnolia Bloom or Marigold Bloom… or perhaps both?

“The magnolia stands tall in splendour,
But it is the marigold that brings warmth to the garden’s edge.”

The below links first line will access Magnolia Bloom. Second line will access Marigold Bloom.

Marigold Bloom Blanket

Magnolia Bloom Blanket

How to Spot AI-Generated Crochet (and Why It Matters)

How to Spot AI-Generated Crochet

AI-generated images: you either love ’em or hate ’em, and from my experience, many tend to lean toward the strong dislike side of things. AI is a fabulous tool if used well, but a few individuals tend to use it for nefarious reasons. If you’re old like me, you may remember the TV show Maxwell Smart. He had a saying: “If only he had used his powers for good and not evil.” This is so very true for AI. But focusing on crochet, let’s take a look at how you can spot what is fake and what is real.

You see a picture of something rather amazing you want to crochet, but it just feels… off? Like the stitches are right, but something is missing? Could it be AI-generated crochet content?

Crochet takes time. It’s created by human hands, hard work, and yes — sometimes a whole lot of cursing when things don’t quite go as planned. AI can be very clever and create anything from your imagination, but it just can’t fake great crochet design.

So, here are a few signs you might be looking at something whipped up by a robot rather than a real crocheter:

Weird Stitch Combos That Make No Sense

If the pattern lacks insight to explain why that single crochet is placed somewhere it wouldn’t normally go — say, into the loop of the previous skip stitch in reverse — and you’re close to pulling your hair out trying to figure out what it means, it might be AI. Real designers usually explain things more clearly (or at least give you a diagram, or a note that says, “Yes, I know this is weird, but trust me!”).

Overly Formal or Robotic Tone

If the pattern has a robotic tone such as “Proceed to execute your second series of chain loops in a clockwise direction,” then chances are it was not lovingly created by a human bean 🫘.

Photos Look ‘Off’

The pictures just look weird. They are overly smooth and generally really bright in colour. The yarn looks quite fake. The stitch definition looks odd. Often the photographs won’t match the written instructions, and stitches seem to disappear into nowhere. I asked AI to create some examples of generated crochet. The main picture of this post shows the results.

Repetitive or Vague Instructions

“Repeat rounds 2–4 until desired length.” This statement can sometimes be used in a design, but most designers will add further information or at least include stitch counts and tips. If it feels like you might as well have tried to write it yourself, then it could be AI.

It Sounds Just a Bit… Off

Most individual crochet designers have their own style. This could be in how they write or how they format a pattern, and a little bit of the person behind the design usually shines through. AI tends to muck up here — it doesn’t have any personal touches or individuality. Crochet designers pour hours (and, sometimes weeks or months) into designing, frogging, testing, writing, rewriting, photographing, and editing patterns. When AI content floods the space with free or cheap versions that don’t work, it devalues the hard work of actual makers — and it frustrates crocheters who end up wasting their precious yarn and time.

So What Can You Do?

Firstly, be wary. Always check reviews and the background of those you’re purchasing patterns from. Support real designers. Look for clear, tested patterns with human touches — those little notes, acknowledgements, tester credits, photos of slightly crinkled projects that look handmade. And if you’re unsure, ask questions or poke around the designers ’ other work. If they’ve got a Ravelry shop or Etsy page, see if they have a YouTube channel.

AI is a clever tool if used well. but you do need someone with a pulse to create really amazing crochet patterns.

As Petals Fall

🌸 As Petals Fall – A Neck Warmer That Doesn’t Cling

I’ve never been a fan of anything tight around my neck. Even the thought of it makes me feel uncomfortable — so when I started designing the As Petals Fall Neck Warmer, I knew it needed to be loose, soft, and a little different from the usual cowl.

This design is intentionally relaxed in its fit, with a touch of whimsy in its lopsided shape. It doesn’t sit evenly, and it’s not meant to. Instead, it falls into place in its own way. I like things that are unique and a bit different — and I love flowers. As Petals Fall is just like me: slightly romantic, slightly off-centre, and absolutely intentionally unique.

What makes As Petals Fall different?

First — it’s not symmetrical. Symmetrical is boring. This neck warmer has just enough quirk to catch the eye, without being fussy.

Second — it’s tall. Perfect to snuggle into on those freezing days. The height stays the same across all five sizes (30 cm or 12 inches), so you get lovely coverage without it creeping up your face. The only thing that changes between sizes is the length — so whether you want a snugger fit or prefer a looser drape, you can simply size up or down.

There are five sizes: Extra Small through to Extra Large. I do recommend checking the measurements and gauge to find the size that suits you best.

Materials

I work with Bendigo Woollen Mills yarn quite a bit — it’s high-quality and super soft. This design uses Luxury 10 ply in the shades:

• C1 – Koala (main colour)

• C2 – Slate (contrast for edging/embellishment)

You’ll also need:

• 5mm crochet hook

• Tapestry needle

• Scissors

• 1 x 30mm button

A Few Final Thoughts

I loved designing this piece — for me, each design is an expression of who I am. I want to walk through life doing things I love… and I love things that are unique and a little bit different.

As Petals Fall is soft, gentle, and a little off-centre — kind of like me.

If you’re looking for something unique to wear (or gift), something a little romantic, a little textural, and a lot warm — I hope you’ll give this one a go.

❤️
Auburncraft Crochet

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

The Garden Path Scarf

Wandering Down the Garden Path

If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know that I love flowers—and I also love things that are just a little bit different. I like to create designs that are unique. The Garden Path scarf brings both of those things together. This design is meant to bring out the whimsy in all of us.

With this piece, I wanted to create something that felt like a walk through a garden in full bloom—and I think I’ve achieved that with this design. It’s made to wrap around the neck twice and fasten with a simple button—handmade from yarn, of course! The flower stems are created as you work the main section of the scarf, and later, the long-stemmed flower heads are sewn in place. And to really make it pop, a row of tiny blooms blossoms along one edge. I also couldn’t resist adding leaves wrapped around the post stitches that form the stems—these bring lovely texture and a whimsical finish.

The pattern itself is quite straightforward. The main body is worked in simple stitches, making it a relaxing and enjoyable project. It’s the finishing touches—the flowers, the leaves, the colour choices—that really make it come to life. Like many of my designs, this one leans into my love of creating something that feels unique and full of personality.

Pattern details at a glance:

• Terminology: Pattern includes both US and UK crochet terms

• Format: Fully written instructions plus condensed symbol graph versions

• Hook size: 3.5 mm

• Yarn: Hobbii Friends Extra Fine Merino – soft, smooth, and gorgeous to work with. (click here for supplier)

  Colours used:

I used seven colours in total. The main shade is a soft, grounding neutral, and then I layered in gentle pinks, golds, and greens to let the flowers really shine.

Measurements (if you're matching gauge):

• Length: 166 cm / 65.3 inches

• Width (including the edging): 27 cm / 10.6 inches

This scarf is a fantastic statement piece for those cold winter days. It was an absolute joy to create, and I hope you enjoy it just as much. So go ahead—bring a little whimsy into your world and create your own Garden Path.

The Language of Tulips Blanket

The Language of Tulips Blanket

This is a hexagonal blanket full of texture, detail, and—of course—tulips. The idea for this one was rattling around in the small space I call my brain for quite a while, and I’m so pleased with how it’s come together.

Tulips are said to represent perfect love, and they quietly exude their own form of elegance and expression. I tried to capture that in the stitches, with petals that pop and curves that flow—all contained within a hexagonal shape that gives the blanket lovely structure and visual interest.

But just a heads-up—this pattern leans to the more advanced side. It’s definitely not a TV crochet project! There are post stitches, popcorns, and a good bit of shaping going on to create all those layered details. If you love texture and don’t mind focusing a bit, this one’s for you.

I used Bendigo Woollen Mills 8ply cotton, and it was perfect for the design—the soft, cotton creates beautiful stitch definition. Plus, they offer a fantastic colour range, which is ideal for picking your own unique tulip shades.

The pattern includes full written instructions and a symbol graph. I’ve done my best to keep everything clear and methodical, so even if you’re new to some of the techniques, you’ll have a solid guide.

My fabulous team of testers were amazing with this piece—they helped refine and polish the pattern so it’s the best it can be. 💛

If you make one, I’d absolutely love to see your version! Tag me on socials or use the hashtag #LanguageOfTulipsBlanket so I can admire your work. It would make a gorgeous gift—or just something special to keep for yourself (because we all deserve that).

Hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoyed designing it!

For information on materials, head to the webpage dedicated to the pattern.

I do not offer full video tutorials for my patterns, but you can find a short video featuring the split post stitch on my Youtube.