Want to grow your crochet skills and create a life you love through creativity? Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast helps you do exactly that. I’m Marcy Gardner—crochet designer, entrepreneur, and mom of two—and each week I bring you crochet inspiration, beginner-friendly amigurumi tips, and creative business strategies designed for makers like you. From selling at craft fairs to making meaningful gifts, this podcast is about using your yarn and your gifts to bring joy, freedom, and impact. If you dream of turning yarn into purpose, projects, or even profit, you’re in the right place.
What if the small efforts you make every day are building something far greater than you can see right now? In this encouraging episode we explore the power of compound effort and how consistent, intentional action can lead to meaningful business growth, personal development, and long-term success. This episode is a reminder that major accomplishments are often created through ordinary days of steady work. Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep taking the next step. Your effort is adding up. For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth , which goes into much more detail on scaling! 🔆 Join Our Skool Community 🔆 Learn to Crochet Course 🔆 Shop My Crochet Patterns 🔆 Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book 🧶 Grab Some Crochet Merch
Give your crochet plushies more personality with 20 easy amigurumi accessory ideas! From hats, scarves and backpacks to tiny food, seasonal props and removable outfits, these creative additions can help you use leftover yarn, personalize handmade gifts and make your plushies stand out at craft markets. For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth , which goes into much more detail on scaling! 🔆 Join Our Skool Community 🔆 Learn to Crochet Course 🔆 Shop My Crochet Patterns 🔆 Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book marcymade.co
Have you ever looked around and felt like every other maker, crochet designer, or creative business owner is growing faster than you? Maybe they are releasing new patterns, posting consistently, launching collections, and showing up online while you feel like you can barely keep up with real life. In this episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast , I’m sharing a personal mindset reset after taking nearly two months away from the podcast. At the beginning of the year, I had big goals for my crochet business, but after our family made the decision to relocate, the next few months were full of moving logistics, realtors, buying and selling a house, packing, unpacking, working full-time, childcare, sickness, and trying to settle into a new season. If this episode encourages you, share it with a crochet friend, maker, or creative business owner who needs the reminder that she is not behind. Find beginner-friendly crochet patterns at marcymade.co .
If Mother’s Day snuck up on you this year, don't worry, you aren't alone. In this episode of Simply Hooked, I’m sharing nine of my favorite last-minute crochet gift ideas that are quick to make but still feel incredibly meaningful. From practical self-care items to beautiful handmade accessories, these are projects you can realistically finish in an hour or two. Enjoy links to patterns mentioned below! Soap Saver Face Scrubbies Flower Jewelry Tray Daisy Flower Earrings Farmer’s Market Bag Potted Plant Cozy (Yarnspirations here , BHooked here ) Daisy Bookmark Modern Wrap Towel Holder Cozy Crochet Socks A last-minute gift doesn’t mean a meaningless one. Grab your yarn and let’s create something from the heart for the moms we love. Pre-order my new farm crochet pattern bundle here ! It will be released on May 9, 2026. For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth , which goes into much more detail on scaling! 🔆 Join Our Skool Community 🔆 Learn to Crochet Course 🔆 Shop My Crochet Patterns 🔆 Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book 🧶 Grab Some Crochet Merch
Have you ever looked at a gorgeous, speckled skein and wondered how it’s actually made? I’m going down a rabbit hole to explore the chemistry and creativity behind indie-dyed yarn. In this episode, I break down the basics of yarn dyeing for beginners, including: Fiber Types: Why wool and animal fibers take dye differently than cotton or acrylic. Dyeing Techniques: The difference between immersion dyeing , hand-painting , and creating those trendy variegated and tonal looks. The Science: How acid dyes , heat, and pH levels bond color to fiber. Safety Tips: How to experiment with DIY yarn dyeing without ruining your kitchen. Whether you're a knitter , crocheter , or just a lover of fiber arts , join me as I discover how a little vinegar and heat can turn a plain skein into a work of art. Are you ready to try dyeing your own yarn, or are you just here for the beautiful colors? For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth , which goes into much more detail on scaling! 🔆 Join Our Skool Community 🔆 Learn to Crochet Course 🔆 Shop My Crochet Patterns 🔆 Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book
In this episode, I’m sharing a mindset shift that honestly stopped me in my tracks: “God feeds the birds, but He doesn’t drop the worms in their nests.” It challenged me to think about where I’ve been waiting instead of moving, and I have a feeling I’m not the only one. If you’ve been feeling stuck in your crochet business or creative journey, this episode is for you. I’m talking about the difference between trusting God’s provision and staying passive, and what it really looks like to partner faith with action. I’ll encourage you to step out of the “nest,” take messy action, and start building the business and life you’ve been dreaming about, because the opportunities are out there, and you already have what you need to go get them. For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth , which goes into much more detail on scaling! 🔆 Join Our Skool Community 🔆 Learn to Crochet Course 🔆 Shop My Crochet Patterns 🔆 Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book
Friends, spring is just around the corner! I’m finally seeing those first green blades of grass peeking through the yard, and I cannot wait for those perfect 75-degree days. For us crocheters, this is a huge season. You likely haven't done a market since the Christmas rush, and you’ve spent the last three months experimenting with new stitches, but now, it’s time to get down to business. I know that prepping for spring markets can feel a little overwhelming. You’re looking at your yarn stash and your calendar, wondering: What should I actually be making right now? In today’s episode, I’ve curated a list of 12 quick, easy, and strategic crochet makes designed to stop people in their tracks and turn "just looking" into a sale. From impulse-buy keychains to my favorite long-eared bunny plushies, we’re breaking down the patterns that fill your tables without burning you out. Patterns Mentioned in This Episode: Flower Power Keychains by Lavender Loop Crochet Plushie Peeps by Jessica Cooper (Crochet It Creations) Mini Easter Baskets by Jo to the World Creations Bouquet of Flowers by Cuteville Toys Flower Coasters by One Dog Woof Bunny Coasters by Krista (Easy Crochet) Daisy Granny Squares by Laura (Tillie Tulip) Naztazia 5 Ways to Connect Granny Squares Easter Eggs and Carrots by Kristi Tullus Flower Frog Plushie by Allison (Wonder Crochet) Long-Eared Bunny Plushie with Carrot by Marcy Gardner The Day-to-Day Bucket Hat by Jess (Make & Do Crew) Sunflower Mug Cozy by Marcy Gardner SIMPLY HOOKED LINKS & RESOURCES For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth , which goes into much more detail on scaling! 🔆 Join Our Skool Community 🔆 Learn to Crochet Course 🔆 Shop My Crochet Patterns 🔆 Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book
In this episode, we’re diving into the critical mindset shift every handmade business owner needs to make to see consistent growth. If you’ve spent months "hoping" for sales or waiting for the algorithm to finally favor your Etsy shop, it’s time to take back control. We discuss why deciding to grow is the essential first step toward scaling your brand and moving beyond the "hope and pray" method. LINKS & RESOURCES 🔆 Join Our Skool Community 🔆 Learn to Crochet Course 🔆 Shop My Crochet Patterns 🔆 Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book 🧶 Grab Some Crochet Merch
I started this crochet podcast with nothing more than an idea and the courage to press record. One year and 69 episodes later, I’m reflecting on how what began as a simple experiment to connect with the crochet community became something much bigger. Along the way, the podcast turned into a place where I could share the real journey of building a handmade business while raising a family, the messy, beautiful, behind-the-scenes moments that rarely get talked about. In this episode, I’m sharing the biggest lessons I learned from a year of podcasting, including how public accountability can help you finally start, how niching down helps your content grow, why podcast titles and SEO matter, and how podcasting unexpectedly became a time capsule of this season of my life. If you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast, growing a handmade business, or sharing your voice with the creative community, this episode is your reminder to stop waiting for perfect and simply press record. For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth , which goes into much more detail on scaling! 🔆 Join Our Community on Skool! 🔆 Learn to Crochet Course 🔆 Shop My Crochet Patterns 🔆 Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book
Does the "backend" of your website feel like a foreign language? You aren't alone. For years, I avoided the technical side of my crochet business because I thought I needed a computer science degree (or a massive budget) to understand it. I was wrong. In today’s episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the most powerful, free tool in your business arsenal: SEO (Search Engine Optimization). While social media algorithms change overnight, SEO is a long-term asset that works while you sleep, pairing eager customers with your patterns and kits 24/7. In this episode, we break down: The 5 Pillars of On-Page SEO: Learn why Meta Titles, Descriptions, Headers, Filenames, and Alt Text are the "digital signposts" that lead Google to your shop. The Secret of Indexing: Why your beautiful crochet work might be "invisible" to the world and how to fix it. Google Search Console (GSC) 101: How to use this free tool to read Google’s mind. Finding "Hidden Gems": My favorite strategy for finding keywords you’re almost ranking for and nudging them onto Page One. Stop guessing what your customers want and start using data to grow your handmade brand. It's time to stop being afraid of the tech and start building an engine for free, consistent traffic. LINKS AND RESOURCES 🔆 Join Our Skool Community 🔆 Learn to Crochet Course 🔆 Shop My Crochet Patterns 🔆 Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book 🧶 Grab Some Crochet Merch
Are you ready to scale your crochet business and step into your CEO era? In this episode of Simply Hooked , I’m sharing the exact Shopify apps and automation tools that power my multi-six-figure handmade business. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by manual tasks, stuck on Etsy , or dreaming of turning your crochet patterns and kits into real passive income, this episode is your complete Shopify tech stack masterclass. I walk you through the 12 must-have Shopify apps for crochet designers, digital product sellers, and handmade business owners who want to automate their store, increase conversions, and grow revenue without working more hours. In this episode, you’ll learn: How I automate digital crochet pattern delivery so I can make sales while I sleep My strategy for “magazine-style” crochet blog posts that rank on Google and convert readers into buyers Why customer photos and crochet project reviews are the most powerful sales tool for handmade brands How I built trust and credibility when transitioning from Etsy to Shopify The Shopify tools I use to increase average order value with bundles, upsells, and pre-orders My exact tech stack for scaling a handmade business into a real ecommerce brand My Simply Hooked Must-Have Shopify App Stack (Crochet Business Edition) Filemonk – Secure digital download delivery for crochet patterns and PDFs Avada SEO Suite – Automated SEO, image optimization, and Google ranking support Avada Boost Sales – Trust badges, urgency notifications, and social proof popups Bloggle – Drag-and-drop blog builder for SEO-friendly crochet tutorials and content marketing EA Sticky Cart – Keeps the “Add to Cart” button visible to reduce friction and boost conversions Kaching Upsell – “Buy More, Save More” bundles to increase average order value PageFly – High-converting landing pages for launches, courses, and funnels Loox Reviews – Visual reviews with customer photos of finished crochet projects Stoq – Pre-order management for physical crochet kits and limited releases Lably – Visual badges for best-sellers, new patterns, and trending products Shopify Search & Discovery – Smart filters to help customers navigate large pattern vaults Etsy Reviews – Import Etsy reviews to instantly build credibility on Shopify LINKS & RESOURCES 🔆 Get Hank the Hippo's Kit + Storybook 🔆 Join Our Skool Community 🔆 Learn to Crochet Course 🔆 Shop My Crochet Patterns 🔆 Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book 🧶 Grab Crochet Merch
"What a privilege to be tired from work you once begged the universe for." When I first heard those words, I burst into tears. If you are a crochet business owner , a mom of little ones, or a creative entrepreneur juggling a full-time career on top of your dreams, I know you feel this in your bones. In this episode, I’m getting vulnerable about the "Founder’s Prayer" (referenced by Miles Adcox) and how it perfectly describes the "beautiful chaos" of my life right now. We often talk about business growth and scaling a handmade brand , but we don’t always talk about the tension of living inside an answered prayer, even when that prayer includes laundry piles, toddler arguments over spoon colors, and a never-ending to-do list. In this episode, we explore: Why exhaustion is often proof of a life built on purpose. Reframing overwhelm as a sign of the growth you once dreamed about. The reality of "outgrowing" the versions of ourselves that used to settle for less. Finding a quiet sense of gratitude in the middle of solo parenting and business deadlines. Whether you’re currently packing orders, designing your next amigurumi pattern , or just trying to survive the bedtime rush, I hope this episode reminds you that it’s okay to be tired. The weight you’re carrying is the weight of a life you once prayed for. For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth , which goes into much more detail on scaling! 🔆 Join Our Skool Community 🔆 Learn to Crochet Course 🔆 Shop My Crochet Patterns 🔆 Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book 🧶 Grab Some Crochet Merch
Ever looked at a ball of yarn and wondered how it actually happened? It seems like such a simple thing, but the journey from a sheep’s back (or a scientist’s lab!) to your crochet hook is kind of mind-blowing. In this episode of Simply Hooked , I’m taking you behind the scenes of the fiber world. We’re digging into the "glow-up" process of natural fibers—from the shearing and scouring of raw wool to the rhythmic magic of carding and spinning. I even share a bit about my own (very humbling) experience with an Ashford spinning wheel a decade ago! What we’re covering today: Animal vs. Plant vs. Synthetic: The major differences between wool, cotton, and acrylic. The Cleaning Process: Why you can’t just rinse wool in the sink (unless you want a giant clump of felt). The Science of Synthetic: How petroleum-based materials become the soft amigurumi yarn we love. Plies & Twists: Why some yarns are sturdier than others and how they’re finished for the craft store shelf. Every stitch we make is the final chapter of a story that started long before the yarn hit our stash. Let’s explore that story together! The Lifetime All-Access Pattern Vault : Get every pattern I’ve ever made (and every future release!) for one single price. Hank the Hippo Signature Crochet Kit : Grab the preorder for the kit and the "Do You Know Hank the Hippo?" children’s book! 🔆 Join Our Skool Community 🔆 Learn to Crochet Course 🔆 Shop My Crochet Patterns 🔆 Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book 🧶 Grab Some Crochet Merch
What if your thoughts were the "pattern" for your entire life? In this episode of Threads of Wisdom , we explore Earl Nightingale’s transformative concept from The Strangest Secret : "We become what we think about." Discover how to weed out "mental knots" and plant the seeds for a life you love. For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth , which goes into much more detail on scaling! 🔆 Join Our Skool Community 🔆 Learn to Crochet Course 🔆 Shop My Crochet Patterns 🔆 Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book 🧶 Grab Some Crochet Merch
Can a marriage survive a 5:30 AM market-day pack-out and a house full of amigurumi? In this special episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast , I’m sitting down with my favorite guest—my husband! He’s seen the entire evolution of my journey from the very first stitch I made in 2012 to the creative business I run today. We’re pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like to live with a full-time crochet designer and entrepreneur. In this episode, we discuss: The Origin Story The Business of Crochet The "Stash" Reality Whether you’re a fellow maker looking for tips on involving your partner in your business or you just want a good laugh about the chaos of the creative life, this episode is for you! 🔆 Join the Lifetime All-Access Pattern Vault : Get instant access to over 99 patterns PLUS every new pattern I release in the future. For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth , which goes into much more detail on scaling! 🔆 Join Our Skool Community 🔆 Join The Next Crochet Kit Club 🔆 Learn to Crochet Course 🔆 Shop My Crochet Patterns 🔆 Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book
If you feel stuck in the "daily grind," this episode is for you. We explore why many creative entrepreneurs self-sabotage just as they start to see success. Using the framework from The Big Leap , we break down how to stop doing the tasks that drain you and start focusing on the work that actually moves the needle for your shop. Identify your Zone of Genius: The secret to scaling without burning out. Break Through the Ceiling: Practical tips for crochet designers to allow more success and happiness into their business. Mindset for Makers: Overcoming the fear of "The Big Leap." For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth , which goes into much more detail on scaling! 🔆 Join Our Skool Community 🔆 Learn to Crochet Course 🔆 Shop My Crochet Patterns 🔆 Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book 🧶 Grab Some Crochet Merch
Have you ever opened a crochet pattern, taken one look at all the abbreviations, brackets, parentheses, and numbers, and immediately felt overwhelmed? You are not alone. In this episode, we’re breaking down how to read crochet patterns for beginners and explaining why crochet patterns look so complicated in the first place . If you’ve ever wondered what stitches like sc, inc, dec, ch, sts , or instructions like [inc, sc in 3] x8 (40) actually mean, this episode will help it all finally click. You’ll learn: ● Why crochet patterns are written in shorthand ● The real reason abbreviations exist (and why they’re actually helpful) ● How to understand brackets, repeats, and stitch counts ● What parentheses at the end of a round are really telling you ● Why the notes section at the beginning of a crochet pattern matters more than you think ● The difference between US vs UK crochet terms and how using the wrong one can completely change your project ● A simple 3-step approach to reading any crochet pattern without feeling intimidated Whether you’re brand new to crochet, struggling to follow amigurumi patterns, or just want to feel more confident reading written instructions, this episode will help you stop feeling stuck and start understanding crochet patterns like a pro. For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth , which goes into much more detail on scaling! 🔆 Join Our Skool Community 🔆 Learn to Crochet Course 🔆 Shop My Crochet Patterns 🔆 Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book 🧶 Grab Some Crochet Merch
Does standing in the yarn aisle feel a bit like trying to read a foreign language? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re cracking the code on those cryptic yarn label symbols so you can choose your next skein with total confidence. I’ll break down the critical difference between yarn weight and skein weight, explain why yardage matters more than the number of balls, and demystify dye lots and fiber content. Tune in to turn that confusion into clarity and ensure your hard work results in a project you love. Yarn Weight vs. Skein Weight: We clear up the common confusion between the thickness of the strand (categories 0-7) and the physical weight of the ball. The Yardage Rule: Learn why buying based on the "number of skeins" is a mistake and how to use yardage to ensure you never run out mid-project. Decoding Dye Lots: Discover why checking this tiny number is the secret to professional-looking blankets and garments without mismatched colors. For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth , which goes into much more detail on scaling! 🔆 Join Our Skool Community 🔆 Learn to Crochet Course 🔆 Shop My Crochet Patterns 🔆 Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book
The new year does not need to start with pressure or hustle. This gentle New Year reset for crocheters is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and move forward with intention. In this episode, we talk about awareness, creativity, and why you are not behind. Whether crochet is your hobby, your business, or something in between, this conversation will help you reconnect with what matters most and choose a focused path forward without overwhelm. In this episode, you’ll explore: ● Why awareness always comes before change ● How to release pressure and unrealistic New Year goals ● A gentle reflection on your crochet life over the past year ● How the 12 Week Year framework helps creatives stay focused without burnout ● Choosing one meaningful twelve week intention instead of planning an entire year ● Expanding your awareness and allowing yourself to imagine what is possible This episode is a calming reset for creative women, crocheters, and moms who want growth that feels aligned, peaceful, and sustainable. RESOURCES AND LINKS For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth , which goes into much more detail on scaling! 🔆 Join Our Skool Community 🔆 Join The Next Crochet Kit Club 🔆 Learn to Crochet Course 🔆 Shop My Crochet Patterns 🔆 Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book 🧶 Grab Some Crochet Merch
Have you ever wondered where crochet actually came from? When you dig into the archives, you won’t find ancient Roman ruins or Egyptian tombs—instead, you’ll find one of the biggest mysteries in the fiber world. In this episode, we are taking a deep dive into the fascinating, rebellious, and survival-driven history of crochet. From the rugged origins of "Shepherd’s Knitting" in Scotland to the trenches of World War I, we explore how this craft has always shown up exactly when humanity needed it most. In this episode, we cover: The Ancient Mystery: Why crochet appears out of nowhere in the 19th century and the theories behind Shepherd’s Knitting and Tambour Embroidery. Royal Influence: The story of Queen Victoria personally crocheting scarves for soldiers during the Boer War at age 81. Crochet as Survival: How the Red Cross used crochet for WWI trench gear and how soldiers used it to cope with "shell shock" (PTSD). The Revolution: How the humble Granny Square went from a "make do and mend" necessity to a symbol of 1970s counterculture and fashion. For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth , which goes into much more detail on scaling! 🔆 Join Our Skool Community 🔆 Join The Next Crochet Kit Club 🔆 Learn to Crochet Course 🔆 Shop My Crochet Patterns 🔆 Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book 🧶 Grab Some Crochet Merch
Producer's note
Steal the structure. Not the show.
Keep the useful structure, then change the audience, point of view, and voice until the idea is unmistakably yours.
