Free Crochet Patterns from Hooked by Kati
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Today, we are excited to introduce you to the talented crochet designer behind the popular blog Hooked by Kati. Join us for a Meet and Greet with Kati, where you’ll get to learn more about her creative journey, her unique designs, and her thriving crochet business. Dive into her fabulous amigurumi collection, featuring a variety of mythical creatures, each available as a free crochet pattern on her blog. This post highlights just a few of the wonderful patterns, tutorials, and projects Kati offers. Don’t forget to explore her social media channels for even more crochet inspiration and goodies!
Crochet Designer Feature:
Hooked by Kati
Meet & Greet with Crochet Designer Kati from Hooked by Kati
Meet Kati
Question: Who are you? Tell me about yourself.
Hi! I’m Kati. I’m the crochet designer behind Hooked by Kati. As a proud nerd/geek, it is no wonder that my site is dedicated to the creation of fantasy-inspired mythical creatures in yarn form. I have a soft spot for dragons in particular. I live in Colorado with my husband and two sons. When I’m not crocheting, I love to attend pop culture conventions with my family, volunteer for charity with the Rebel Legion Star Wars Costume Club, and run beginner-level dog agility with my American Hairless Terrier, Dash.
Question: How did you learn how to crochet? How long have you been crocheting?
I learned to knit and crochet in college as something to keep my hands busy during boring lectures. That would mean (does math in her head) I’ve been crocheting for about 20 years.
Question: Do you have any tips for new crocheters? Any guidance to make them successful at a new hobby?
Give yourself grace when you are learning, and then don’t stop learning. Someday, you will think you have run out of stitches to learn, but there will always be something that can stretch your skills. Admire your own work often and be proud of it! Most of all, enjoy it!
Question: What do you enjoy crocheting the most?
Well, dragons, of course! I love making stuffed animals, because there is both a challenge and a freedom in crocheting 3-dimensional objects. The possibilities are endless, especially with mythical creatures, so I get to make up what they look like to me and watch them come to life.
Question: What else are you passionate about (other than crochet)?
My husband and I volunteer with the Rebel Legion, a Star Wars Costuming Club that bring costumed characters to charity events. The Rebel Legion is the “good guys” of Star Wars. We dress up in costumes and do things walking in parades, attending sporting events, or visiting hospitals — all to raise money for charities or bring some joy where it is needed.
In terms of crafts, I recently discovered “papakura” or the art of making 3D sculptures by folding and gluing cardstock. It’s a kind of polygon papercraft art. SO fun! And there are tons of great patterns on Etsy to make some pretty amazing things. I made a dragon (shocking, I know) that hangs on the wall of my eldest son’s dragon-themed room.
I also just started taking classes for dog agility with my doggo, Dash. He’s an American Hairless Terrier (basically a large, naked Rat Terrier), so he needs a dog sport to burn off his energy and resist the urge to chew up every sock in my house. It’s very fun, very challenging, and a pretty good workout for the human handler as well!
Question: What prompted you to start designing?
My then-little boys were always wanting stuffed toys of characters that were hard to find. I learned to design by free-handing their favorites from video games, and slowly gained the confidence to create creatures of my own.
Question: How long have you been designing and where do you publish your patterns?
I’ve been designing for about eight years, five of them full time. You can find my patterns at www.hookedbykati.com. I post most of them as free text-only versions and also has Premium Patterns for those who want to print and want more photo tutorials for the more complex designs.
Question: What drives you to create? Where do you find instpiration for your designs?
I think, like most artists, I create because I would go crazy if I didn’t. I imagine a creature I wish existed, or a costume prop plushie that would look great with a renaissance dress, and I just have to make them real. Most of my inspiration comes from video games (World of Warcraft is a biggie), books, and looking at real animals. I love going to the zoo and looking at how animals are put together, or trying to capture their expressions.
Question: What do you enjoy designing the most?
Animals in general are fun to design, but mythical creatures bring me the most joy. They are flexible in their interpretation, so I can see them how I want to see them. I can pull this or that from different sources and put them together to create something new.
Question: What tips would you give to someone interested in designing and blogging?
First, really know your craft and find what you love to crochet. Don’t jump into making this a business until you have been crocheting for a long while and know your style and what you love to make. Avoid trying to appeal to everyone and instead focus on a specific ideal customer and create for them. You can be too broad in your reach, but you will never regret niching down.
Learn How to Set Up a Successful Blog
Question: What goals have you set for yourself for the future?
I have a lot more designing ahead of me. There are many creatures yet to be made. I also plan to teach more — online courses in amigurumi technique and design will be in the future. Overall, I want to help crochet artists grow and really feel like they can identify as “artists.”
Question: Who are your favorite makers? How have they inspired you?
So many! Where do I begin? The first amigurumi pattern I ever did was by Stacey Trock. (https://www.ravelry.com/designers/stacey-trock) It was a little owl named Nel. Stacey’s designs taught me how to work in 3 dimensions and it started one humongous landslide of plushies!
I’m forever in awe of the work of Megan Lapp (craftyintentions.com). Her style is ethereal and one-of-a-kind. When you see one of her designs, you know exactly who created it. I hope to one day have a style that is as easily-recognized as hers.
My dear friend Joy (anvisgranny.com) is such a hard worker and great business owner. She has beautiful beginner patterns and does a brilliant job of running her blog and her bundle sales. Her drive and creative energy push me to work harder.
I wouldn’t be here without the support I have from my mentor and business coach, Pam Grice. (www.pamelagricecoaching.com)
And the ladies in my Crochetpreneur Business Academy Mastermind group keep me moving forward. They are masters of their own niches, and their work is always inspiring.
Kristine Mullen, Ambassador Crochet (ambassadorcrochet.com)
Michelle Ferguson, Two Brothers Blankets (twobrothersblankets.com)
Helen Wilkinson, Sunflower Cottage Crochet (sunflowercottagecrochet.com)
Debra Field, Madame Stitch (madamestitch.com)
Tonya Bush, Nana’s Crafty Home (nanascraftyhome.com)
Erin Toews, Juniper and Oakes (juniperandoakes.com)
Question: Do you have a favorite yarn you like to use when you are crocheting? What colors and fibers do you gravitate toward when choosing your yarn?
I work primarily with worsted weight acrylics, and I love any yarn that comes in a wide variety of colors. My favorites are Red Heart With Love, Big Twist Value, and Paintbox Aran.
Question: Do you have anything else you’d like to share with us?
Blog with free patterns: www.hookedbykati.com
YouTube channel with tutorials: www.youtube.com/hookedbykati
Ravelry shop: www.ravelry.com/stores/hooked-by-kati-designs
Etsy shop: hookedbykati.etsy.com
You can join my newsletter here: https://www.subscribepage.com/hookedbykati
I’m @hookedbykati on all social media platforms, so I’m easy to find.
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Free Crochet Patterns from Hooked by Kati
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Dragon Eye Pillow
This pillow is made using worsted weight yarn, H (5.00 mm) and G (4.00 mm) hooks, and an 18″ x 18″ pillow form, plus a tiny bit of Polyfil stuffing.
Vincent the Dragon
Vincent is a widely popular dragon plushie pattern! He is made with worsted weight yarn, G (4.00 mm) hook, 24 mm safety eyes, wire for the wings, and Polyfil stuffing.
Anduin the Gryphon
Anduin is a fun pattern to stretch an artist’s skills by adding texture and no-sew shaping. He is made using worsted weight yarn, G (4.00 mm) hook, 24 mm safety eyes, and Polyfil stuffing.
Charlie the Celestial Dragon
She is made using worsted weight yarn, G (4.00 mm) hook, 24 mm safety eyes, and Polyfil stuffing. She stands up on her own thanks to her curly-cue body, no wires needed!
Murdock the Kelpie
A Kelpie is a mythical Scottish water horse spirit. He is made using worsted weight yarn, G (4.00 mm) hook, 24 mm safety eyes, and polyfil stuffing.
Ember the Phoenix
Ember is made using worsted weight yarn, G (4.00 mm) hook, 15 mm safety eyes, wire for the wings, and Polyfil stuffing.
Amelia the Sloth
Loop stitches make some amazing fur! Amelia is made with worsted weight yarn, G (4.00 mm) hook, 18 mm safety eyes, wire for her fingers, and Polyfil stuffing.
Monroe the Wolpertinger
A wolpertinger is a creature made up by taxidermists in Bavaria to fool tourists! A story even says they can only be seen by a drunk person! Ha! Monroe is made with worsted weight yarn, G (4.00 mm) hook, 24 mm safety eyes, and Polyfil stuffing.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know Kati from Hooked by Kati and exploring her incredible amigurumi collection. Her passion for crochet and her creativity shine through in every design, making her patterns a delight for crafters of all levels. Be sure to visit her blog for more fantastic tutorials and projects, and follow her on social media to stay updated on her latest creations. Happy crocheting, and may Kati’s designs inspire your next project!
You may also enjoy these posts:
- Bristol Hat, Adalia Hat and Cold Weather Hat Patterns
- Adalia Scarf, Bristol Scarf and Cold Weather Scarf Patterns
- Easy Christmas Ornaments
Socials:
🧶 Meet Kati from Hooked by Kati! Discover her amazing crochet designs and explore her fabulous amigurumi collection. Free patterns available! 🌟 #CrochetDesigner #Amigurumi #HookedByKati
Meet Kati from Hooked by Kati! 🧶✨ Discover her amazing amigurumi designs and more. Free patterns on her blog! #CrochetAddict #Amigurumi #HookedByKati
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