Today we’re talking to crochet designer Claire Crouzet, who contributed the Maddie crochet pattern featured in our Fall 2025 issue.
Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired your design for this month?
Among the inspirations offered by Crochet Foundry were these very pretty sleeveless, asymmetrical cardigans. I loved them; they immediately inspired me!
I love playing with my crochet hook to create pretty raised patterns and textures. I sometimes find inspiration in stitch books or on social media.
Cables, with raised stitches, are my guilty pleasure. When well-placed, they enhance the curves of a garment. I was just missing a stitch to create texture for the cardigan.
What were some challenges about designing this piece?
Surprisingly, the real challenge for me wasn’t the design, but the writing of the instructions.
Let me explain! Usually, I create patterns that fit all body types. You won’t find any standard sizes in my instructions. People have to take their measurements and, based on calculations I provide, they deduce the number of stitches and rows needed. This really allows for a custom fit for all body types.
But this time, I had to conform to the magazine’s standards, its writing style, and American sizing (I’m French, our standards aren’t really the same). And for me, that was the real challenge! Getting out of what I’m used to and out of my comfort zone.
What is your crochet origin story? How did you learn to crochet?
I learned to knit when I was a teenager with my mother. I practiced this activity sporadically until my daughter was born.
Before her first birthday, I tried crocheting with a set of 10 crochet hooks for €20 (for the record, I still use those hooks^^) and YouTube videos. I literally fell into it and couldn’t stop. I started with a shawl I still have and quickly began creating my own patterns.
Today, I’m more and more of a fan of what I create. My creative and writing style improves with each creation and is more personal.
Is there anything you’d like to learn how to make?
There’s always something we’d like to learn. That’s the beauty of crochet: you never stop learning.
I’ve been crocheting for six years, I’ve learned a lot, and I know I still have so much to learn. Through our creations, our mistakes, and our encounters, we learn again and again…
What is your dream crochet project?
In my sweetest dreams, two projects are vying for first place: making a dress and publishing a book.
A dress is such a long project. I’m tall and curvy, I know it will take a long time, which is why I’ve always put it off.
I dream of one day publishing a book with designs for all body types, for people like me who can never find clothes that fit, who rework patterns because tops are too short, too long, not wide enough, or too narrow.
What is the most important thing you would want someone who’s just starting out to know?
A few things come to mind:
- It takes time to be satisfied with what you crochet. You won’t be able to do it as well as your neighbor in 5 minutes. But stick with it, it’s worth it.
- Having the right materials can help you enjoy crocheting more.
- Crocheting isn’t just for women. You can find patterns for men.
- You’ll keep learning for a long time.
Do you crochet more for yourself or for others?
I crochet more for myself. I love wearing things I’ve made and hearing that what I’m wearing is so beautiful! 😀
But I sometimes make sweaters for my husband or small accessories for my daughter.
Do you crochet only at home? If not, what experiences have you had crocheting in public?
My two children are neurodiverse, so I regularly crochet in waiting rooms.
Aside from a few people who mention I knit, I’ve never received much comment about my activity. It’s a shame, because it’s an activity I love to share, and discussing it with people can be so enjoyable.
Do you have a favorite hook size or brand?
I have two wooden crochet hooks from the Furls brand that I bought from a French colleague when they were still exporting to Europe. They’re my favorites! I love their shape and their lightness!
I mainly work with hooks ranging in size from 3 to 5.5. The yarns are neither too thick nor too thin. I love the lightness of the yarns and the way the project looks.
How do you decide what to crochet next?
I have a wish list that I update based on new ideas, yarn availability, collaborations, the seasons, and my desires. When I reach the end of a project, I take a look at it and choose a project from it.
How can our readers find you online and on social media?
I publish on social media under the name “Le Crochet De Mamily.”
Readers of Crochet Foundry can find me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube using the @lecrochetdemamily hashtag. All my direct links are at https://lnk.bio/lecrochetdemamily.
Are you a crochet designer who wants to contribute to Crochet Foundry Magazine? We work with independent crochet designers to produce the gorgeous designs featured in our magazine. To find out more, visit our Submit a Design page and be sure to sign up for our Designer Calls be notified of design opportunities.