✨ Creating My First Crochet Collection ✨

I didn’t set out thinking “I’m going to become a pattern designer.” It started much more simply than that. I just wanted to create something that felt like mine.

After months of crocheting other people’s patterns - especially during my maternity leave - I found myself getting faster, more confident, and quietly noticing how patterns were built. I didn’t realise it at the time, but every tester call and every project was teaching me something.

And then one small conversation changed everything.

A friend told me they had seen some handmade keyrings at a little café - the kind with a tag that said “locally handmade.” They said it made them think of me.

And something in me clicked.

If someone else could create something like that… why couldn’t I?

That was the moment I decided to try making something original. Something I could take out into the world - into cafés, shops, little corners where handmade things are appreciated.

Something that would be recognisably “Crochet by Maya.”

🧸 Learning as I Went

I didn’t really know what to expect when I started. I had spent months following patterns - not writing them. So I sat down one day and just… started crocheting.

No pattern. No plan. Just an idea in my head.

The first one wasn’t great. But it gave me a base.The second was better. The third improved again. And by the fourth… I had something that worked. Most of the process became about refining proportions - legs too long, head too small, arms not sitting quite right.

I also made a big decision early on: to create a no-sew base body, so each character could be built from the same structure and then personalised with ears, props, and details.

That changed everything.

🤍 The Challenges

(and Letting Go)

The hardest part wasn’t actually writing... It was knowing when to stop.

There is always something you could tweak. A stitch to adjust. A shape to refine. Learning to let go and say “this is good” was a big part of the process.

That - and realising how much yarn I was going through redoing things over and over again.

✨ The Moment It Felt Real

It didn’t feel real with the first one. Even though I still think she’s the most beautiful - the little bunny. It started to feel real when I made a second… and a third…and they all worked.

The lion came next, and I tried a loop stitch for the mane. I remember thinking, “wow… this actually works.”

And then suddenly - without really planning it - I had a whole collection forming. Character after character, all from the same base, each with their own personality.

💛 What Makes This Collection Special

There are a few things I love deeply about this collection.

The first is the faces. When I started looking into UKCA safety requirements, I realised I needed to move away from safety eyes - which honestly scared me. I had never been able to embroider faces well before. But somehow… this time it worked.

And now, each little character has what feels like a signature “Crochet by Maya” face - soft, simple, and full of personality.

The second is the puns and gift idea behind each one. They’re small, a little silly sometimes… but they make you smile. And that was exactly the point.

🌿 A Little Something More

More than anything, I wanted to create something that would make someone think of someone they love. Something small… but meaningful.

Like a tiny reminder that says:“I saw this and thought of you.”

A bunny that says “I carrot a lot about you.”

A cookie for someone who needs encouragement.

A melting ice cream for someone you adore.

I imagine people picking these up and instantly knowing who they’re for.

A mum thinking of her child.

A friend thinking of someone going through a hard time.

A partner wanting to give something small but thoughtful.

That’s what makes them special to me.

🌼 What This Means Going Forward

This collection has given me something I didn’t expect: confidence.

Confidence to create from scratch.

Confidence to write patterns.

Confidence to share my work and see that people actually… like it.

It feels like the first real step into turning this into something more - into a small business, into something I can grow.

And more than anything… it’s made me excited. I already have so many ideas for future collections.

✨ What I Learned

If there’s one thing this process taught me, it’s this:

I can think of something…sit down with yarn and a hook…and bring it to life.

I didn’t realise I could just… create.

And that feels like the beginning of something really special 🌿

This is just the beginning of my Pocket Treats Collection, and I’m so happy you’re here to see it from the start <3