Intro – Today we’re talking to crochet designer Smitha Crasta, who contributed the Floral Edge crochet pattern featured in our March 2025 issue.
Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired your design for this month?
The inspiration for my Floral Edge Set came from the blossoming beauty of springtime gardens. I wanted to create a piece that embodies the essence of renewal, lightness, and joy, which are hallmarks of the season. The floral motif along the edges reflects nature’s delicate patterns, while the warm, earthy tones of the color theory yarn evoke the vibrancy of blooming flowers under the spring sun. My goal was to design something versatile, stylish, and distinctly feminine that could transition effortlessly from casual outings to special occasions.
What were some challenges about designing this piece?
One of the biggest challenges in designing the Floral Edge Set was achieving the perfect balance between structure and delicacy. The floral cutout details needed to be bold enough to stand out but also intricate and lightweight to match the spring aesthetic. Ensuring that these motifs integrated seamlessly with the rest of the garment while maintaining durability and wearability required careful attention to stitch selection and placement.
Another challenge was working with color theory yarn to highlight the design’s springtime theme. I had to experiment with different hues and combinations to find the right tones that would enhance the floral motifs and flatter a variety of skin tones. Lastly, I focused on making the pattern accessible to crocheters of different skill levels while retaining the sophistication of the design. This meant providing clear instructions and adaptable sizing options, which involved several rounds of revisions and testing.
What benefits has crochet brought into your life?
Crochet has been such a transformative part of my life. It has given me a creative outlet where I can express myself through texture, color, and design. Beyond the joy of creating, crochet provides a sense of calm and mindfulness—there’s something meditative about the rhythm of stitching that helps me unwind and center myself after a busy day.
It’s also brought me a wonderful sense of community. Through crochet, I’ve connected with like-minded makers, shared ideas, and formed friendships with people from all over the world. Designing has added another layer of fulfillment, as I get to see others bring my patterns to life in their unique ways.
Where do you hope to go with your crochet?
I hope to continue designing unique, inspiring patterns, grow my presence in the crochet community, and empower others to explore their creativity through this beautiful art form.
Do you do any other crafts? How do they compare to crochet?
Yes, I also knit, scrapbook, journal, and enjoy punch needle crafts. Each of these brings something unique to the table—knitting is great for creating smooth, stretchy fabrics, while crochet offers more freedom to shape intricate designs. Scrapbooking and journaling allow me to preserve memories and express my creativity in a more visual and narrative way, and punch needle is a relaxing way to create textured art. Crochet, however, remains my favorite because of its versatility and how easily it lets me bring my garment ideas to life.
How can our readers find you on social media?
Readers can find me on multiple platforms! On Pinterest, I’m at Crasta Smitha, and you can follow my updates on Facebook at The Crazy Aunt Co. I’m also active on Instagram as @the_crazyaunt, where I share my crochet projects and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Lastly, my patterns are available on Ravelry under Smitha Crasta. I’d love for readers to connect with me and follow along on my creative journey!
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.
