Free Crochet Patterns from Underground Crafter
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Welcome, crochet enthusiasts! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Marie Segares, the creative force behind Underground Crafter. Marie’s innovative designs and passion for crochet have earned her a dedicated following.
In this Meet and Greet, you’ll learn about Marie’s journey in the crochet world and explore some of her exquisite free patterns. From stunning shawls and cozy blankets to intricate afghan squares and playful toys, Marie’s creations are a testament to her talent and creativity. Dive into her world and discover the beauty of Underground Crafter.
Get to Know Marie Segares: The Visionary Behind Underground Crafter
Crochet Designer Feature: Underground Crafter
Meet Marie Segares
Question: Who are you? Tell me about yourself.
My name is Marie. I’m a native of Brooklyn, New York, and I have lived in New York City for 93% of my life. I love science fiction movies and books, I am a “cat person,” and in addition to crocheting, I also knit and sew. I even occasionally embroider, make soap, and do Cricut crafts. I’ve been blogging at UndergroundCrafter.com for over ten years. On my blog, I share my crafty patterns, tutorials, book reviews, make alongs, and more!
Question: How did you learn how to crochet? How long have you been crocheting?
My grandmother taught me to crochet in 1984. I taught myself how to read patterns from a book in 2002, and since then, I’ve been crocheting pretty much every day.
Question: Do you have any tips for new crocheters? Any guidance to make them successful at a new hobby?
You are lucky to be a new crocheter during this time. There are so many more options for hooks and yarn than there were in the past. I would recommend trying out different types of crochet hooks to find the ones that feel the most comfortable in your hand. To get better at crochet, you’ll need to practice, and practicing with a nice hook is much more fun!
Question: What do you enjoy crocheting the most?
I initially got back into crocheting 20 years ago to make baby blankets to gift at baby showers. Blankets are still some of my favorite projects, but I also enjoy shawls and softies. When I’m in the mood for a “quick fix,” nothing beats a hat! I can make one in a few hours and love the instant gratification!
Question: What else are you passionate about (other than crochet)?
I enjoy knitting and really wish I had more time for sewing. I think I’m spoiled by crochet being so portable (it’s pretty hard to sew on your sewing machine on the subway commute, haha). I also love to bake and cook.
Question: What prompted you to start designing?
In 2007, I became a Craft Yarn Council Certified Instructor (Level I) and Certified Teacher (Level II). When I started teaching, I found that my students often struggled with pattern reading. I started designing handouts with stitch patterns and simple projects, and my designing career grew from there.
Question: How long have you been designing and where do you publish your patterns?
My first pattern was published in Crochet World and since then my crochet, knitting, and sewing patterns and tutorials have been published by Crochetvolution, Entwine, Galler Yarns, I Like Crochet, I Like Knitting, Inside Crochet, KnitCircus, KnitCrate, Knit Picks, Kollabora, Love of Crochet, Love of Knitting, Pom Pom Quarterly, We Like Sewing, Yarnbox, and the Quick & Simple Crochet booklet series. With that being said, most of my patterns are posted for free on my blog.
Question: What drives you to create? Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
It really depends! Living in New York City, I get to see a lot of fun and interesting fashions and designs. I also love yarn, and sometimes the yarn sort of tells me what it wants to be. I have a whole collection of stitch dictionaries, and I scroll through them, too, looking for inspiration.
Question: What tips would you give to someone interested in designing and blogging?
I hosted a podcast for two years and about 70 episodes, the Creative Yarn Entrepreneur Show. Most of the information shared there is still useful and newbie designers and bloggers can listen to the archives here https://creativeyarnentrepreneur.libsyn.com/ My main advice is to not think of blogging and designing as a get rich quick scheme. If you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn (as my grandparents used to say). I’ve been in this business since 2007 and people who are making money do three things: They work hard, they have consistency, and they have diverse (multiple) income streams. It also helps if you treat other bloggers and designers with respect because it’s a small world.
Learn How to Set Up a Successful Blog
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 truly can’t choose one favorite! I’m a bit yarn obsessed. I’ve had the pleasure of being a King Cole https://www.kingcole.com/ Brand Ambassador since 2020, and they have a lot of really fun yarns that I love to work with. Some of my favorites King Cole yarns are the Drifter and Subtle Drifter cotton blend yarns, the self-striping Acorn Aran yarn, and Beaches DK, Island Beaches DK, and Paradise Beaches DK yarns.
Find King Cole Yarn at your local yarn shop!
Question: Do you have anything else you’d like to share with us?
- Newsletter: https://undergroundcrafter.com/newsletter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UndergroundCrafter/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucrafter/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ucrafter/
- Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/marie-segares
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/mariesegaresundergroundcrafter
Free Crochet Patterns from Underground Crafter
Pepper and Salt Panda
This adorable panda crochet pattern is able to stand on its own, thanks to weighted pellets in its feet. Pepper and Salt is small enough to travel on adventures but large enough for small hands to hug.
Willie Snug or Slouchy Beanie
This simple textured and gender-neutral beanie pattern can be finished in two ways: as a snug-fitting beanie or as a slouchy hat.
Super Santiago
This adorable super hero friend has long limbs, perfect for holding hands with a child. Customize your version by choosing yarn colors to match a child’s hair and skin tone.
Adult Pocket Scarf
This adult-sized version of the popular Children’s Pocket Scarves pattern is perfect for warming your hands or for making mommy and me (or daddy and me) coordinated sets
Maia Triangular Shawl
This simple crochet triangle shawl pattern is easily modified for different seasons. The long, isosceles triangle shape makes it easy to wrap around the shoulders and the lace edging adds a touch of elegance.
Moon Goddess Crescent Shawl
Crescent shawls are easier to tie than triangle shawls. Like triangle shawls, they can also be worn as scarves or shawls. This simple pattern is perfect for highlighting a special yarn to make an accessory you can wear year-round.
Granny Chevron Wrap
This rippled, rectangular granny stitch shawl is long enough to wrap yourself in comfort. It can be worn as a shawl or wide scarf. The combination of stripes and color blocking make a dramatic statement piece.
Stitch Adventure Blanket
The Stitch Adventure Blanket will be a way to play with stitches and colors to create your own unique blanket project.
Circle in a Square Baby Blanket
This simple motif is easily customized, making it a great go-to pattern. This version includes pastel circles against white for a colorful baby blanket.
Stop and Smell the Flowers Granny Square
This floral granny square combines different textures and stitches for a beautiful look.
Thank you for taking the time to meet Marie Segares from Underground Crafter. Her dedication to crochet and her innovative designs make her a standout in the crochet community.
Be sure to explore the free patterns featured in this post and visit her blog for even more crochet inspiration. Follow Marie on social media to stay updated on her latest projects and designs. Happy crocheting, and may Marie’s beautiful patterns inspire your next crafting adventure!
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