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.
In my hot seat today, I’m delighted to be welcoming Christine Naugle from Sweet Potato 3.
Christine is a talented crochet designer known for her colour changing designs using a signature stitch called the knotted half double crochet stitch (see end of Q&A for more info).
I am excited to share with you her insights, experiences, and creative journey.
Meet the Crochet Designer Christine Naugle from Sweet Potato 3
Welcome to my hot seat, Christine! I’m thrilled to have you here today to share your journey and insights as a crochet designer.
- Can you tell us what inspired you to become a crochet designer?
When my kids were little, I used to crochet their hats. I loved dressing them in anything handmade and received lots of compliments, especially about their hats. I often heard inquiries about where I sell my handmade hats which kind of sparked my interest.
I was a stay-at-home mom to 3 young kids (aged 6 months, 3 & 4). The idea of crochet hats in the evening after they were in bed and then selling them for a little extra “me money” was kind of fun. This was nearly 14 years ago and then I found Etsy. Within a week I had over a dozen hats listed.
The first weekend I sold 3 and was so excited. I posted on my personal FB page that I had started an Etsy shop and I had a cousin who was a newborn photographer reach out and ask if I could make her a crocheted soccer hat for a photo shoot. I was so excited and said I could, however, I couldn’t find a pattern for one that I liked so I just created my own.
I then listed the hat for sale as a custom order. Over the next week I had about a dozen messages asking for the pattern to make the hat. BOOM! The next thing I knew, I was writing up the pattern and it was listed in my Etsy shop and quickly became a huge hit! I sold about 50 patterns in the first month. Needless to say, I started designing, learned a ton along the way and can now say I am a “professional” pattern designer for over 10 years.
- Can you share with us your favourite crochet techniques?
I don’t think I can say I have a favourite technique but I do thoroughly enjoy working colour changes OR any unique texture.
In every pattern I design I look at them as a way to teach something. Usually it is a combination of stitches that creates a rich texture, sometimes the texture is bold whereas other times it may be more subtle.
One thing you will not find in my designs (well most anyway) are only basic stitches. If I teach you something or create something unique, that is where you will definitely get your money’s worth.
Some of my favourite textured designs are my: Sweet Serendipity Blanket (was originally a CAL), Sleep Tight Teddy Bear Blanket, The borders of the Interchangeable Wildlife Blankets, Winter Wishes Scarf (top selling design over the last 3 years), and the Cabled Golf Club Covers.
- How do you decide on the materials for your projects?
This might be one of the most surprising answers for you.
For small projects (less than or around 1 skein of yarn) I go through the design process of working up swatches and figure out stitches and stitch counts. Then, I go to my stash – here is the surprising part. I keep my stash to a minimum and only keep one box (about 2 foot by 2 foot by 3 foot) and see what I have. I almost always have a skein or two left over from a big project and will just use that. I very seldom buy yarn for a small design.
(I think you’re the first I’ve ever known not to have a lot of yarn stashed Christine. Anyone else have a smallish stash?)
For larger projects, I will typically reach out to a yarn company, share my design sketch and ask them if they have a new line of yarn they would like me to use or promote. If they don’t, they will often offer their regular line of yarn. My go to yarn companies are Mary Maxim and Premier Yarn and I almost always use a worsted weight yarn.
- Can you share a tip or trick that makes a big difference in crochet projects?
My design business is currently focused on blankets, I am kind of obsessed with making them right now, so I found that beginning your designs using a foundation row of sc, hdc, is the best way to begin a blanket. When I say ‘foundation’ I am not referring to a basic chain with sc or basic chain with hdc to start your project. There is an actual stitch called a foundation single crochet or a foundation half double crochet.
Working the specific ‘foundation’ stitch allows a nice stretch in that first row of your blanket. If you begin with a chain row, the stretch is very limited and you will often see that the blanket is narrower at the start than at the finish. This technique was a game changer for me and I often use it in all my crochet projects.
I have a full video tutorial on my YouTube Channel that you watch on how to work this stitch, be sure to practice it before you begin a project with it, you can watch my tutorial here.
(Fab tip Christine. Thank you for sharing.)
- What’s the one crochet project you’ve always wanted to make but haven’t yet?
I have always wanted to crochet a sweater. For some reason, even after 30+ years of crocheting, this scares me! I just know that they are time consuming projects and I want to know that the pattern will turn out after putting the time into it. There is also the fear that it won’t fit correctly. I admire those crochet designers who design clothing, especially those that walk you through how to customize the pattern to fit your body type.
- Do you organise crochet-alongs (CALs) or other community events? If so, how can crocheters sign up to take part?
I am a huge fan of crochet alongs! I have even talked at crochet conferences on how to run a crochet along. Crochet alongs are a fun way to stay motivated through a project, to connect with others making the same project and to learn something new!
The first crochet along that I hosted was back in 2017 and it was the Sleep Tight Teddy Bear Blanket. It lasted about 4 weeks and was so much fun to see how darling everyone’s blankets turned out even though they all looked different from the colours used.
Seeing the excitement from fellow crocheters was such motivation to host more events like this. Even though that first CAL was over 7 years ago, I still host at least 2 crochet alongs each year.
The best way to find out about upcoming CAL’s is to join my newsletter which you can quickly do that by filling out your email and name here.
- Do you organize any crochet related charity events?
I lost my Uncle in 2014 to cancer. It was the first relative that had died from cancer and it was so difficult to see my aunt and cousins go through such a difficult time. My uncle was also one of the happiest people I knew, his laugh was one I will never forget. I remember feeling like I needed to do something, but I lived across the state and was at a loss. The idea to organize an event in his honour using crochet came to me one night. The next day, on a whim, I designed a hat and offered it for free in exchange for a pledge to make a hat from that specific pattern and donate it. I wanted to encourage our crochet community to make handmade hats to donate to those who were going through a very difficult time in their lives.
I have now been organizing the Crochet Cancer Challenge that runs the entire month of October, for over 10 years. The first year around 2,000 hats were donated. We now average around 50,000 hats being donated to cancer centers (or patients) around the world.
If you’d like to join in and learn more, please join my newsletter or follow me on social media (find social links in Christine’s bio at the end)
(you’re an inspiration Christine. I feel humbled by you channeling your creativity and compassion into organizing this regular charity event after the heartbreaking loss of your uncle to cancer. Your crochet talents continue to make a difference in the lives of others.)
Finally, Christine is sharing more about her speciality which is super exciting!
My Color Changing designs use a signature stitch called the knotted half double crochet stitch.
I searched long and hard to find a stitch that aligned perfectly on top of each row (not alternating alignment like the majority of crochet stitches). I finally found a fun stitch that didn’t have a name. I started to call it the ‘knotted half double crochet’ because it is a half double crochet (hdc) that looks like a knot.
The alignment of the stitches makes color work in your crochet look nice and clean.
My first designs (Music To My Soul Crochet Blankets) using this stitch were wildly successful so I continued to design a wide variety of patterns using this technique.
I currently have an online course that includes 3 hours of detailed instructions through video and practice projects to help you master the technique.
I now have over 30 designs featuring this unique color changing stitch and technique.
Thank you for being my guest today Christine.
Crochet Designer Bio
My name is Christine Naugle, I am the designer and owner of Sweet Potato 3 crochet patterns. My mission is to create innovative designs that teach new techniques and skills in a way that helps foster confidence in your finished projects. I find inspiration for crochet designs through the beauty, textures and colours in nature. I love the creative process in designing and am dedicated to providing detailed, high-quality patterns. My greatest reward is seeing the beautiful work made from one of my designs, so make sure to share it and tag her on social media, @sweetpotato3patterns on FB or IG.
I am fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home-mom. I have 3 energetic, busy, fun and loving kids and a supportive husband that I cherish. They are my pride and joy and will always be my top priority in life.
Here are a few other tidbits about me:
- I grew up on a potato farm in eastern Idaho and currently live in one of the most beautiful mountain towns of Idaho
- I have my bachelors degree in Social Science and Public Affairs
- Before being a stay at mom, I was a manager in the corporate world
- I have received multiple awards for providing customer service, including a trip to company headquarters to schmooze with CEO’s
- My family spends the weekends camping, hiking, biking, white water rafting, kayaking or downhill skiing
- I love crocheting, but what I love the most is designing.
You can follow me on social media through the links below: