DEEP CURRENT
Crocheters are Talking About…
🔶 …the growth of the crochet industry in 2025. It’s expected to grow by 5% each year with over 42% of us using it for mental health benefits. No surprise there! What IS surprising, is the expected surge of crochet clothing - driven by Gen Z and young Millennials.
🔶 …The Ugliest Christmas Sweater ever is trending on Ravelry right now! But isn’t it gorgeous?! 👕 Those bows!
🔶 …this racoon who broke into the ABC store and made national (and international!) news. Not technically crochet related, but this ABC store is just a few miles from my house! Anyone have a Trashed Panda crochet pattern? 😀
🔶 …Fake crochet and how to spot it:
ICYMI
Tired of getting candles and cheap yarn as gifts? Ask for exactly what you want with the Gift “Wish List”.
TECHNIQUE SPOTLIGHT
Easy Ease: Understanding Ease in Crochet
Have you ever seen a beanie pattern say it fits with “negative ease” and wondered what that meant? Here’s an easy explainer.
Ease is the difference between your finished garment measurement and your body measurement. It's the secret ingredient that determines how your project will actually fit and feel when you wear it.
The basic formula for ease is simple:
Ease = Garment Measurement - Body Measurement
The Three Types of Ease
Negative Ease happens when your finished garment measures smaller than your body. The fabric stretches to fit, creating a snug look. This works perfectly for fitted beanies, stockings, and form-fitting tops where you want it to cling.
Positive Ease means your garment is larger than your body measurements. Most crochet projects use positive ease because it allows comfortable movement and creates a relaxed fit. Sweaters, cardigans, and casual tops typically feature positive ease ranging from 2-10 inches depending on the desired style.
Zero Ease creates garments that match your body measurements exactly. It fits like a second skin and requires careful attention to fabric stretch and stitch tension.
Functional vs. Stylistic Ease
Beyond these three types, ease serves two purposes:
Functional ease gives you the room you need to move, sit, and breathe comfortably.
Stylistic ease creates specific fashion silhouettes, from bodycon dresses with negative ease to oversized cardigans with generous positive ease.
Understanding ease transforms pattern reading from guesswork into precision. Choose your ease based on both the project and your personal style preference. The right ease makes the difference between a garment that merely fits and one that feels absolutely perfect.
👉 Do you have any stories about ease (or lack thereof!)? I’d love to hear!
IN STITCHES
Next Make — CAL?
I’ve been in the mood for something fresh after finishing that big C2C project. I like intermediate to advanced patterns to help keep my interest and challenge me a little. Help me choose and maybe even crochet along with me!
Here’re my choices - vote in the poll below and I’ll let you know the results next week:
Which pattern should I start on next?
YARN OVER HOOK
My Weekly Favorite Finds
A curated selection of useful (mostly) crochet-related articles and tools I’ve come across recently for you to explore. All links have been vetted! 🧡
🎅 Christmas Crocheting
This snowball scrunchie pattern is labeled as intermediate and a little different to the plain patterns we see so often. Would be a good quick crochet gift and use for leftover white yarn.
This cute Christmas garland of snowflakes and trees can be crocheted in any color to match your colors. Have you seen the pink Christmas trend? I don’t think anyone’s buying it. Are you?
😻 Crochet Cats
For anyone whose yarn loves to cause cat-tastrophes, these tension rings are for you!
Free cat patterns - cat gnomes! 🤭 PAW-some!
Even if you’re not a Swiftie, you’ll laugh at Taylor Swift’s Cat Neck Pillow crochet pattern. Hilarious!
🧡 Featured Crochet Charity
Crochet for Smiles is a Maryland based diverse group of crocheters, from beginners to experts, who share a common goal: to make a positive impact through crocheting. They especially appreciate donations of hats and blankets if you’re local.
WEAVING IN THE ENDS
Thanks for reading!
—Michelle 🧡
P.S. If you got a crochet advent calendar this year, reply to let me know which one and if you like it!
P.P.S. Please click on the ad below - it motivates me to keep the newsletter going! Thank you!
Is this the cutest heating pad ever?
If you’re looking for a gift that’s fun, functional, and irresistibly nostalgic, the Happy Helpers Pop-Tart Heating Pad deserves a top spot in your holiday roundup. This heating pad version of the iconic Strawberry Frosted Pop-Tart heats up in the microwave to provide gentle, lasting relief from cramps, tension, and everyday aches.
Ideal for stocking stuffers, White Elephant parties, or anyone who appreciates a cozy pick-me-up with a playful twist. This warm, toasty “treat” is one holiday gift that’s sure to bring cheer!
BEFORE YOU GO…
Here are some things to help:
The Crochet Current Gift Wish List - add items you want to your Wish List to send the links directly to your gift giver so they get exactly what you want.
The Yarn Cost Calculator - compares yarn skeins so that you can find the best deal
Holiday Crochet Gift Planner - a useful printable worksheet to plan your holiday gift crocheting
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