Salty Pearl Crochet

Seaside Crochet Treasures

This stylish and easy crochet cardigan pattern makes a perfect first (or twenty first) crochet sweater project. Snag your copy of the pattern on Ravelry!
Home » Blog » Free Crochet Patterns » Pattern Collections » Designer Features » 10 Easy Free Crochet Patterns by Nicki’s Homemade Crafts

10 Easy Free Crochet Patterns by Nicki’s Homemade Crafts

by

Let's crochet together!

This post may contain affiliate links. For more details, see my disclosure page.

10 Easy Free Crochet Patterns from Nicki’s Homemade Crafts

Hello again! We’re here today with Nicole from Nicki’s Homemade Crafts for Designer Feature Friday! I’m absolutely sure that you all will really enjoy the ten easy free crochet patterns I’ve picked from her designs. Nicki is so talented!
If you guys have joined in our In Stitches! link parties, you’ll have seen some of Nicki’s amazing free crochet patterns, as she’s a cohost there. Today, though, I thought we would take a bit of time to get to know Nicole a bit better, because she’s just awesome!
Read on to see Katie’s favorite patterns from Nicki’s Homemade Crafts, or connect with Nicole at:

Nicki’s Homemade Crafts

Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter | Youtube | Ravelry

Interview with Nicole of Nicki’s Homemade Crafts

Katie: So, I always like to start by asking: how did you learn to crochet?

Nicole: It was about 3-4 years ago when i taught myself how to crochet. I already know how to knit, as my grandma taught me when I was little. But I remember seeing some beautiful granny squares pop up on my Facebook page and they were from The Patchwork Heart.

I knew I had some crochet hooks and some yarn at home. So, I taught myself using several YouTube channels. I got really good at it really fast and wanted to write my own patterns. So I started my blog in Summer/Fall of 2016.

Katie: That’s awesome! I’m really impressed that you went from total beginner to designer and blogger so quickly! Tell me a little more about yourself- where are you from?
Nicole: I was born and raised in Nordhausen, Germany, as small town right in the center of Germany  which is well known sadly for its World War 2 history (concentration camp Dora). I have always loved crafts since I was little being introduced and guide by my mom, grandma and aunt. I painted, sketched and knitted a lot when I was little, but then finally introduced myself to crochet as an adult in the US. So I actually do not know the crochet terms in German, but only in English.

I was also a big athlete in Volleyball and Track and Field as well as doing lots of volunteer work as a coach and track and field official.
Otherwise, I have been in the US for 10.5 years and live with my 2 boys, husband, 3 cats and 1 tortoise in San Diego, CA. I also have a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology and still work in research on DNA and RNA Sequencing.
Can you tell me what your favorite crochet stitch, and pattern are?
Nicole: My all-time favorite crochet tutorial is the Waistcoat Stitch, which I seem to have started a trend of in January 2017! I still love that stitch and use it a lot.
My all-time favorite crochet pattern?.. well, I actually love all of them. I can narrow it down to hats and beanies. I love making them very much.
Katie: I can tell! You have a ton of fabulous beanie patterns! What about your favorite yarn to work with?
Nicki: When it comes to yarn, well, my go to is the Premier Yarns Deborah Norville Everyday Collection yarns. OMG! They are so soft. My second favorite is a tie between Lion Brands Heartland and Knit Picks Brava yarn.
Katie: Ooh, good one! I love those as well. Now are you a tv watcher, or radio listener when you crochet?
Nicki: Both, actually. I love watching comedy shows like Friends while I crochet. I also love listing to Sirius Radio Hits 1 while I crochet. I do not have a favorite artist, I just like all of their music.
Katie: What about your favorite crochet spot? Tell us all about it!
Nicki: My favorite spot to crochet is for sure on my bed. I just got these awesome cushions that let me sit like in a recliner chair. Love it!
Katie: Do you usually have company, or sneak away while you crochet?
Nicki: Sometimes, my hubby and kids join me while I crochet in the bed or I join them with my project bag in the family room. And my little girl cat Lilly is always on my side. Many times she surprises me with yarn as she carries it from my yarn stash to the bed without tangling it up. I am so lucky.
Katie: Oh, that’s so sweet! Now, are you a snacker when you crochet?
Nicki: When it comes to snacks while crocheting… well, I prefer not to eat while I crochet. I will take breaks to snack though; I just prefer my yarn not to get dirty. 🙂
Katie: Thanks so much for joining us, Nicki! I had such a great time getting to know you a bit better. I know everyone will love your patterns, too!

10 Free Easy Crochet Patterns from Nicki’s Homemade Crafts

Swirly Heart Hat

This gorgeous beanie uses the waistcoat stitch and a really cute and simple color work pattern to create such a neat design! It really does look just like knit-I can see why this is one of Nicki’s favorite stitches!

Waffle Cowl

This cute and quick project uses an interesting stitch texture, the Waffle Stitch, to create a really cute and cozy neckwarmer! There’s a fabulous video tutorial included, so I know you’ll be able to crochet this with no trouble at all!

Sunset Striped Hat

The Sunset Striped Hat is such a great, easy beanie to make! Nicki used one of my absolute favorite yarns, Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable, to take this classic, simple design to the next level! I love that Nicki’s projects are BOTH beautiful and easy to make. This would be a great beginner project to start with.

Reversible Cozy Pillow Case

This giant pillow case makes such a bold statement! I would love to have one on my couch or in my bedroom. The bold, chunky yarn look is so hot right now, and this is the perfect way to incorporate that into your home decor!

Purple Passion Project Purse

This gorgeous crochet project bag is so practical for crocheting on the go! This amazing bag takes just one Caron Big Cake. There’s a free Crochet Along for this bag starting in Nicki’s Facebook Group, so you should come join us! I’m really excited to make mine- I have a Caron Cake in Cherry Chip picked out to pair with some plain yarn for the bottom and strap of the bag.

Denim Blues Hat

The Denim Blues hat is such a great free easy crochet project. You’ll learn a new stitch technique, the Linked Double Crochet, but Nicki’s YouTube Videos are so great and easy to crochet along with that you’ll feel like a pro in just a round or two.

Facial Scrub and Cotton Pads

This gorgeous spa crochet set is such a great, easy crochet project to make for gifting! I know I always like adding something homemade into my gifts, and these are just perfect! (I might even gift some to myself for my birthday coming up!)

Flower Shoulder Bag

This gorgeous fringed shoulder bag is so adorable! I am in LOVE with fringe right now (case in point), and this is a perfect size! The flower is just the right finishing touch, too!

Hazel Chevron Scarf

This Hazel Chevron Scarf makes such a great fall or winter accessory! Using gorgeous, self-striping yarn lets the simple chevron pattern really shine! Plus, it’s designed in a bulky weight, which means your scarf will work up super quickly! What could be better?

Filet Infinity Scarf

 

I absolutely had to include this beautiful lightweight cowl scarf! Filet crochet is such an amazing easy crochet technique to add style and lightness to your crochet items. I used a similar technique to edge my favorite vest. I would love to wear this scarf, and I think it would look so cute. I could even wear it in Florida weather!

 

That makes ten amazing, free easy crochet patterns! I hope you’ve found something here to inspire you to create today. I’d love to crochet along with you- subscribe to my email list for updates so you never miss a free crochet pattern, or connect with me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaltyPearlCrochet/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theSaltyPearl/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SaltyPearlCrochet

Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/Katie-Clary

Let's crochet together!

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Katie says

      Thank you for hanging out with us, Nicole! This was a really fun interview, and I am so excited about the Purple Passion Project Purse CAL!

    • Katie says

      Thanks, WJ! I’m glad you stopped by to “hang” with us! I’m behind on my bag, are you enjoying it? I’ll catch up once Spring Break ends. 🙂