This post contains affiliate links.
Get to know the amigurumi designer and crochet enthusiast, The Nicole Chase, in this latest crochet community interview.
The Nicole Chase is someone I have been looking forward to interviewing for quite some time! Nicole is very well known in the crochet community for her adorable dinosaur amigurumi designs which went viral on social media a few years ago. She is also one of the few crochet designers I know that has turned their love of crochet into their full-time job (more on that soon!).
Nicole and I first met back in 2020 (towards the start of the pandemic) via Instagram and immediately bonded over our love of crochet and our shared dream of turning it into something more than just a hobby. From testing each others’ crochet patterns, to cheering each other on via social, and messaging each other our crochet successes and challenges, we’ve become firm friends. And if you’ve read some of my previous crochet business blog posts, you may have also guessed that Nicole is my accountability buddy when it comes to our crochet business goals (my claim to fame! 😉).
So without further ado, let’s jump right to the interview!
Introducing, The Nicole Chase
Nicole, can you introduce yourself so everyone else can get to know you a little bit better?
“I live in Pennsylvania with my husband and two kids. My full time job is crochet pattern designing and blogging (yay!). Before that, I was a data analyst for a large health system here in the United States. I love all things Disney and aside from crochet, you can find me spending time with my family, working out, crafting, reading, or playing video games.”
Where it all started
Now, I think we all know you’re a huge crochet fan! But how did your love of crochet begin?
“My grandma was known for her granny square blankets; she made them for everyone. She taught me as a child, but it didn’t stick. I started crocheting again in 2012, and shortly after discovered amigurumi. I haven’t been seen without yarn since!”
That sounds so familiar – crochet only stuck for me too when amigurumi came into the picture!
Tips for beginners from The Nicole Chase
For someone who has been crocheting consistently for well over 10 years, can you offer beginners out there any top tips?
“Don’t play the comparison game and keep practicing! When I was first starting, I wish I had a crash course in yarn weights, hook sizes, and tension. Combining the right hook size with your chosen yarn makes all the difference in your finished piece.”
Such great tips! I think we can all use a little reminder about not comparing ourselves (and our crochet pieces) to others. It’s so easily done, but comparison really does suck the creativity out of crochet.
The Nicole Chase’s crochet design inspiration
As a fellow crochet designer, I love hearing about what inspires other designers. And in particular, what made them start designing in the first place. Can you share a little bit about what made you get into crochet designing and what inspires you to create particular patterns?
“My first crochet design came about because I wanted to make a specific tote bag, and I wasn’t finding a pattern that I liked, so I thought I’d try my hand at designing my own! My design style and niche has evolved so much over the years. My kids are a huge inspiration for my designs. Nearly all of my dinosaur crochet pattern ideas came from my son’s toys or books.”
I really love how your family influences your designs. I also recall you have a lovely beanie crochet pattern named after your daughter too – such a sweet idea!
Favourite crochet design
Now I know this is a little like having to pick a favourite child, but… do you have a favourite crochet pattern you’ve designed to date?
“I fall in love with each new design, so my favourite is usually just my latest. If I had to narrow it down, I’d say that my entire dinosaur collection is my favourite. I love dinosaurs!”
I can hugely relate to every new design being my latest favourite! Haha. But I can totally understand why your dinosaur collection holds a special place for you – they are so ridiculously cute!
Tips for aspiring crochet designers
Speaking of designing crochet patterns, what would your three top tips be to any aspiring crochet designers reading this?
“1. Be original and worry about yourself. Create your own designs; don’t copy others or follow trends just for the sake of being trendy. In the same respect, don’t obsess over whether something has been done before; it probably has. Just focus on yourself and your own designs.
“2. Put in the work and don’t give up. I started designing in 2016 and I was basically doing it for free (and sometimes at a loss) until around 2020/2021. If you’re passionate and work hard, you can make it happen!
“3. Have your work checked. Proofread everything and have pattern testers make your pattern before you put it up for sale.”
I love all of these tips so much!
The reality of turning your hobby into your job
Firstly, let me start by saying you are such an inspiration for me in the way that you have persisted with your goal, and have been able to successfully turn your passion for crochet into a full time job! I know that success doesn’t happen overnight for anyone, and it certainly doesn’t happen without dedication and hard work. It has honestly been such a privilege to see this happen for you and you so deserve it!
With that said, I’m also aware that turning a hobby into your job may not live up to the expectations… can you share a little bit about your experience of working as a full time crochet designer and blogger so far? And do you think this is a realistic goal?
“Thanks so much, Cilla! Having a supportive friend like you along the way has definitely helped!
“It has surpassed my expectations! I was a bit worried that taking my creative passion and putting so much pressure on it would make me enjoy it less, but that hasn’t been the case at all. In fact, now that I no longer work a full-time job on top of my blog/crochet, I actually have a work-life balance.
“I start every week scheduling what I plan to accomplish. Surprisingly, I don’t get to crochet very often. Most of my time is spent on my computer managing my blog, marketing, planning, and social media. I keep normal Monday-Friday business hours and try to really ‘clock out’ on evenings and weekends to be more present with my family.
“When people ask what I do for a living, I say that I’m self-employed. If they ask more questions, I will elaborate. I’ve found that there are not many people in my real life that have any idea what being a crochet pattern designer means. There are even fewer people that understand how anyone could make money with crochet and blogging. I’m so proud of what I’ve built, and for me, it’s really draining to feel like I need to explain what I do as being a ‘real job’ and not a ‘little hobby business’.
“As for whether or not it’s realistic to earn a full time living from crochet designing… Absolutely! I’m doing it! I’m a really cautious person, and I didn’t quit my day job until I was able to replace that income and was sure that this was going to be sustainable. There are so many possible income streams [when it comes to making a living out of crochet]; you just need to find which ones work best for you and your business.”
Thank you so much for sharing a behind the scenes with us, Nicole. Your journey is so inspirational for many of us!
Upcoming designs by The Nicole Chase
Do you have any hints as to what designs you’re currently working on?
“Right now, I’m working on a duck amigurumi. I’m also working on some ideas for a new collection of patterns for jungle/wild animals. You can usually get a behind the scenes look of what I’m working on in my Instagram stories.”
Connect with The Nicole Chase
Most importantly, how can people connect with you and find your crochet patterns?
“All of my designs can be found for free on my blog www.thenicolechase.com. If you prefer the ad-free PDF options, you can find me on Etsy and Ravelry. You can also find me on social media @thenicolechase.”
Quick fire round
Now, something I love to do with everyone I interview! Here’s a quick fire question round for you.
- Printed or digital crochet patterns? “Digital”
- Favourite yarn? “Brava Worsted and Parfait Chunky”
- What yarn fiber do you prefer to crochet with? “Acrylic”
- Currently reading? “Book Lovers by Emily Henry”
- Most inspirational crochet designer for you? “Sarah Zimmerman (Repeat Crafter Me)”
- Pattern books or individual patterns? “Individual”
- Favourite crochet hooks? “Clover Amour”
Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me about all things crochet, Nicole! I’ve really enjoyed learning even more about you and your crochet journey. It has been such a pleasure!
If you’ve read this far, thank you so much and I hope this interview with Nicole has inspired you as much as it has me!
Before we go, don’t forget to go give Nicole a follow on social media @thenicolechase and check out the free crochet patterns on her blog (she has loads!).
Until next time, happy crocheting,
Cilla x
