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An interview with crochet designer, Kwannie Cheng, from Studio Manya.
Kwannie Cheng from Studio Manya is renowned in the crochet-world for her amazing miniature designs. With close to 20,000 followers on Instagram, designs featured in Inside Crochet magazine, interviews in both Inside Crochet and Simply Crochet, and as a Schjeepes’ friend, it’s safe to say that Kwannie has gained quite a lot of experience throughout her crochet journey so far.
I am thrilled that Kwannie agreed to be interviewed, and honestly have learned so much from her already. I’m sure you will too, and I hope you enjoy it!
Meet Kwannie from Studio Manya
Before we jump into the crochet questions, Kwannie, do you mind telling us a little bit more about yourself?
“Sure. I’m 38 years old, and have two children – an 8 year-old son, and a 5 year-old daughter. I live in a small town in the Netherlands called Alphen aan den Rijn, 30 minutes away from Amsterdam. I work part-time (32 hours) at a consultancy company as an executive assistant in Amsterdam, but nowadays it is working full-time from home.
“Before Studio Manya really took off, my real passion was cooking (and eating!). I spend so much time on Studio Manya that my cooking has now reduced to only quick and easy meals.
“Lately, I developed another passion – plants and anything green. Whether it’s herbs, outdoor plants or indoor plants, I have an addiction. I need to buy at least one plant a week. Working with and caring for plants relaxes me. It is very fulfilling to see something grow, and even more when there is a harvest or a flower. Unfortunately, there is still a lot for me to learn as half of my plants don’t survive my care 😀
“But perhaps one day, Studio Manya might expand to plants and food, when my obsession for crochet is a bit less.”
If it makes you feel any better Kwannie, I grew up in a house on a plant nursery that my grandparents owned in Australia, and I still struggle to keep my indoor plants alive in Scotland. I always blame the weather! Haha.
How Kwannie became hooked on crochet
I would absolutely love to find out how your crochet obsession started. Can you tell us a little about your crochet journey so far?
“When I was a young child, my mother taught me how to knit. I was very proud of my work, but my knitting skills were limited. I tried to knit a mini blanket for a doll (there it was already, my love for small things), and scarfs. But instead of knitting straight, I always ended up with a triangle shaped blanket or scarf. My interest faded and I never touched a knitting needle again.
“It wasn’t until I was pregnant with my first child in 2012/2013 when I decided to try again. I cannot recall why, but I think it was because I remembered the childhood memories and wanted to recreate them. However, my lack of knitting skills were very vivid and I thought crochet might be easier.
“From 2013 onwards I have been crocheting on and off, and started with kids toys. I made an entire fridge with toy food from a crochet book ‘Ice box crochet’ by Wai Yee Ng. My kids still play with it. Like many, crochet was a seasonal thing that I mainly did during winters. I tried lots of designers like Lalylala and DenDennis. Then I shifted to blankets from Janie Crow.
“I only started to design in 2018 when I made Jimmy Jones for my son. At that time it was my son’s favorite Netflix series and I couldn’t find a stuffed animal in the stores. I think it was a lucky start as Jimmy actually resembles the cartoon version and that gave me the confidence to create whatever I wanted.
“I figured out soon enough that designing toys wasn’t ideal to post regularly, so I tried to crochet miniatures to go with my posts about my daily life. And these miniatures eventually led me to dollhouse furniture in 2019.”
Tips for Crochet Beginners
Speaking of how you started with crochet, do you have any tips for beginner crocheters? Is there anything you wish you knew when you first started?
“Invest in good tools. I started with cheap yarn and hooks, and it was all good at the beginning. But when time is scarce, you really should consider buying quality yarn and hooks. It makes you go much faster, and you’ll also get less cramps in your fingers.”
Honestly, that’s such a great tip! I also started with very cheap tools, and I only recently invested in my first ever Clover Amour crochet hook because I heard so many other crocheters recommending them online. I didn’t really understand how a certain brand of crochet hook could actually make that much of a difference. But honestly, now I get it! It is so much smoother and quicker to crochet with. I am amazed!
The reality of becoming a full-time crochet designer
Now, I have to admit, I did a little bit of homework before interviewing you Kwannie… And in my research I came across something you said in an interview for Inside Crochet that sparked my interest. You mentioned that you originally wanted to start crochet designing to make money. I can totally relate to that and think it’s a dream for a lot of us crocheters. I mean, who wouldn’t want to crochet all day and get paid for it!
After taking the plunge into the crochet designing world, what have you discovered and did it meet your expectations? Also, do you think it’s realistic to earn a full-time living from crochet designing?
“Like anything I do, I had no idea or expectations at all. My main purpose was indeed to earn money, and my goal was to earn as much as I do at my day job. It wasn’t the money I needed, but I knew I needed to set a goal to get to the next level. Making toys and blankets didn’t give me the satisfaction of accomplishment anymore and I wanted the next thing.
“I do spend a lot of time on Studio Manya, I think around 24 hours a week. But it is still far from a full-time crochet designer.
“At first I did want to crochet full-time, but the reality is that I would need to give up a lot to support my current lifestyle. Also, my hands would object if I crocheted full-time. I wonder if anybody else has that? Crochet cramps?
“The truth is, I haven’t found the magic potion to earn a lot in the crochet world. I think only the lucky and REALLY talented few are blessed to make a good living, but only designing and selling would be very hard. You will need various income streams to make crochet a real business. I am definitely working on training my business mind, to find different ways to earn with crochet.”
That makes so much sense about giving yourself a goal to work towards. A good goal is so helpful in giving us all something to continuously strive for. As for the crochet cramps, I definitely know you’re not alone! I am extremely lucky to never have experienced them myself (probably because I often crochet in relatively short spurts), however I have spoken to many other Crocheters who have.
Crochet design inspiration
Your miniature creations are incredible, Kwannie, and you’ve clearly found an awesome niche! Can you tell us a little bit about how this niche came about for you and where you get inspiration from?
“Thank you! Well, the process of how my miniatures came about is not that glamorous. Before I started with miniatures, I did my research. What can I do? What is already there? What do I like? What am I missing? There are a lot of dolls/amigurumi, blankets and scarves out there already, and so many talented designers. I didn’t want to compete with that. Crocheting in rounds for amigurumi is also not my strength. I just cannot understand how amigurumi designers can make their dolls so easily!
“When I tried my first furniture piece, the fridge, I found out that crocheting squares was my thing. Plus, I didn’t see crochet creations anywhere that had parts that could open. That is when I realised I had hit something special.
“I am aware that it is a small niche and it doesn’t generate the most sales, but it is something I can do, something I like, and something I don’t see around much. After some furniture, I had the crazy idea to make a vehicle. I needed another challenge and didn’t expect much of it. But the process was amazingly smooth and easy. And I didn’t expect that this pattern would become my best selling item.”
I seriously love these creations so much! I’ve always been obsessed with miniatures since I was a kid, and looking at your creations brings back fond memories for me. It’s also so interesting to find out how you came up with these ideas! Market research is so important.
Tips for aspiring crochet designers
With all of your designing experience, Kwannie, what three top tips would you give to crocheters who dream of pattern designing one day?
“Tip 1: Just start before you are ready. You will figure it out along the way. When you scroll on my Instagram page you see how I started and how it has developed.
“Tip 2: Try to find something that is unique to you. Whether that is yarn type or colour choice. In this large ocean of crochet you need to stand out. You need to be remembered and easily recognised when people see your work.
“Tip 3: Experiment. With different yarn, hook sizes. I experiment with any other materials that you can find in your cupboard or in your trash bin that you can use for your crochet work.”
I love this, and tip one definitely applies to me! I started crochet designing very early on, and after releasing four crochet patterns I still get the dreaded feeling of not being ready yet. It is so nice to have a much more experienced designer confirm that it’s a good thing to start sooner rather than later.
Increasing your crochet profile and getting publicity
Kwannie, I am so impressed that you’ve been featured in both Inside Crochet and Simply Crochet (a huge congratulations!). Could you tell us how this kind of publicity comes about, and do you have any tips you could share for crocheters looking to build their own profile?
“Thank you! They say fortune is for the bold. When I crochet I listen a lot to podcasts. Motivational podcasts that push me to do things I normally wouldn’t. At one point I realised I needed to have more visibility to grow. So I did my research and categorized the types of brands and companies I could reach out to get featured. It was a list of 10+ brands, magazines, and products not directly related to crochet. I reached out to a lot and a few responded and even less resulted in a long term relationship.
“I think not being afraid to get turned down will get you further. The tip I can give is, when you do get turned down, please ask them what they are missing. Let them give you constructive feedback. If it’s not a collaboration you get from it, why not get a lesson from it?
“I do realise you need a lucky break. Someone who believes in you and gives you a little bit of help to get huge results. I was fortunate enough to be featured in a newsletter from Scheepjes. I ‘only’ had around 1000 followers at this point in time. I reached out to them for further collaboration, but of course I was turned down. But this was the very start of a long term relationship. Looking back now, with 1k followers I would have never reached out to anyone. I guess sometimes I do things without thinking and that ends up being a good thing.”
That’s honestly amazing, Kwannie. I love that you just went for it! I suppose fear of rejection is often what holds us back, and it’s overcoming this fear and just doing it anyway that often reaps the rewards. You’ve definitely inspired me to start putting myself out there more, so thank you very much!
What’s next for Studio Manya
I’m so excited to see what’s next for you and Studio Manya. Do you have any hints as to what patterns we might see from you in the future?
“Lately I haven’t given myself the time to design for myself to sell. I have spent a lot of time designing for Inside Crochet Magazine, which I am very grateful for. But I do realise I need to find a balance in commission work and my own patterns. Plus, I am working on a very huge secret project! 🙂
“I am currently working on another vehicle, it will be super pastel pink and it involves ice-cream and anything sweet. I hope to release it soon, and it will be a great addition to my camper van.”
I cannot wait to see this new creation of yours, Kwannie! It sounds so exciting!
Finding Studio Manya
Before we continue with the last round of quick-fire questions, Kwannie, how can people find you and your crochet patterns?
“You can find my free patterns on my website, and the paid patterns you can find in my shops on Ravelry, Etsy, and amigurumi.com.”
Quick fire crochet questions
Last but not least is the quick fire question round. This is just a bit of fun to share some of your crochet favourites with fellow crocheters. Are you ready, Kwannie?
Here we go…
What is your favourite…
- Yarn? “Definitely Scheepjes! Anything Scheepjes, but at the end I always go back to the fine cotton yarn for my miniature. First it was the Sweet Treat, but nowadays more the Sugar Rush (same yarn, double the size).”
- Crochet accessory? “Cardboard! I support my work with cardboard, I love it when my work is perfectly square.”
- Crochet book? “I have some books, but I rarely use them. My inspiration to crochet comes from books like ‘Everything is figureoutable’ and ‘Miracle Morning’.
- Crochet designer? “I love designers who not only have their own unique signature, but also have a positive and motivational personality like Ellie from @foxy.crochet and Esme from @redsparrowcrochet.”
- Podcast? “Marie Forleo, The Goal Digger, On Purpose and Bossbabe.”
- Yarn shop? “Stephen and Penelope in Amsterdam! It is truly a candy shop for yarn hoarders.”
- Hook size? “1.25 is my favorite. Until recently, I only had one hook that was 1.25. And that is very dangerous when this hook is the only one I use with a forgetful person like me. I lose my hook all the time, then I panic and the entire family gets to search for my hook. So now I have two, perhaps I should have one in every room of the house.”
That is hilarious, Kwannie! And I’m searching for those motivational podcasts now!
Thank you again so much for taking the time to chat with me about all things crochet, Kwannie. I’ve really enjoyed our conversation, and have learnt so much. I also have no doubt that your answers will help out a lot of our fellow crocheters too.
To my readers, I hope you’ve enjoyed this post as much as I have. If you have enjoyed reading along, I’d love it if you could leave a comment below to let me know what you liked best.
Most importantly, I hope you feel inspired to continue crocheting, and just know that there’s a whole community of crocheters out there cheering you on.
Until next time, happy crocheting,
Cilla x
