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Behind the Stitches: Exclusive Q&A with Crochet Designer Julie Desjardins

In this series of Behind the Stitches, crochet and knit designers are sharing their insights and experiences with us, offering a unique glimpse into their creative processes, inspirations, and personal journeys in the world of crochet and knitting.

Come and join me as I delve into the stories behind the stitches and discover what makes these designers truly exceptional.

Banner for 'Behind the Stitches' Q&A series with crochet and knit designers. A woman is holding two balls of wool over her eyes

In my hot seat today, I’m delighted to be welcoming Julie Desjardins from ACCROchet.

Julie is a talented crochet designer known for crochet sock patterns and being very vocal about her love of crochet.

I am excited to share with you her insights, experiences, and creative journey.

Meet the Crochet Designer Julie Desjardins from ACCROchet

  1. Can you share with us how you got started with crochet?

I initially got into knitting, but circulars weren’t a thing before 2010, and I found the needles cumbersome. A friend of mine suggested I try crochet, and I haven’t looked back since!

  1. What inspired you to become a crochet designer Julie?

It didn’t take very long after I started crocheting for people to tell me I should sell my makes (isn’t that always the way?) – but I got very bored very quickly of making things to sell, making the same thing over and over, or working to someone else’s desires.

Instead, I was figuring out how to tweak the designs I was working on for myself, making them feel more me or changing the math for a better fit. In time, I started to get ideas for my own designs, playing with the yarn and realizing I was actually designing the things I’d imagined.

a woman is standing sideways and is wearing a thick cowl
  1. What are your favourite crochet techniques?

I’m a devoted fan of the foundation chain, which I learned early on through my crochet idol, Doris Chan. I love that it creates a stretchy base for our projects, and that the frustration of working into a starting chain is eliminated.  

You can see how to work a chainless foundation in my tutorial ‘How to Work Foundation Stitches.’

I’m also a big fan of working in the back bumps of chains, something that I only found out about when I got into Tunisian crochet. I think it should be standard. It creates a much more polished look.

  1. Can you share any tips with us for mastering complex stitches?

Patience combined with trial and error. That’s really all there is to it.

You have to let go of the feeling of “I should be able to do this/Why can’t I do that” and accept that you too can learn something new. It’s uncomfortable, but so worth it.

  1. Do you have a preferred type of yarn or hook?

I’m partial to fingering and DK weight yarns. I find the drape that is achieved with these weights and the proper hook size just pleases me to no end  =)

  1. What’s your favourite piece you’ve designed?

My Sunset Boulevard Tunisian top is my forever favourite. It’s a wardrobe staple for me. It goes with everything and looks amazing in the beautiful bright colour dyed by Canadian dyer Yarn Indulgences. I get compliments for it whenever I wear it.

A woman is sat on te floor with crossed legs and arms out to the side.  She is wearing jeans and an orange Tunisian croche top
Julie wearing her Sunset Boulevard Tunisian Top
  1. What role does the crochet community play in your work?

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the crochet community. It’s very hard to have a business in a niche field in an industry like ours.

You know the saying “It takes a village [to raise a child]”? I think it applies to growing a business, too. I don’t know everything, but I do have my strengths, and I can share those with someone who knows the things I don’t. If that makes sense!

  1. What’s one mistake you’ve made in your crochet journey that you’ve learned from and might help others

At the very beginning, I was trying to be everything to everyone, and also trying to convince people to love crochet who most certainly did not.

My energy is much better spent with people who recognize crochet for the beautiful art form it is.

  1. What advice would you give to someone wanting to start their own crochet business?

Multiple income streams are a must. If you rely on only design, or only affiliation, when that stream dries up or changes, you’re vulnerable. I have to pace myself though, because the opposite danger is trying to do everything for everyone. That’s a sure-fire road to burn out.

You’ll also want to seek out the advice of actual professionals around you. Make sure you understand the legal landscape where you are, and where you’ll be operating.

  1. What do you do when you’re not crocheting?

I don’t understand the question.

  1. Finally Julie, can you share a tip or trick that makes a big difference in crochet projects?

Actually, making your gauge swatch. I wish more people would! It’s the only way to ensure that you’ll get the result you’re hoping for, with the amount of yarn you’ve purchased for the project.

turquoise, brown and white balls of yarn around a crocheted swatch

Crochet Designer Bio

Julie Desjardins is a French-Canadian designer, teacher, translator and tech editor.

Through ACCROchet, Julie offers modern crochet patterns, workshops and professional services to help crocheters take their knowledge or business to the next level.

Julie is the founder of Francrochet, Le Collectif: an association whose mission is to bring together the best of crochet in French, whether it be its professionals or crochet fans thirsty to go further with their hooks.

Julie’s philosophy is that the rising tide lifts all boats. It is this philosophy that guides her in everything she does. 

Crochet Designer Julie Desjardins is holding up crochet

You can find me through the link below:

https://lnk.bio/accrochet

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