Meet the Designer: Edie Eckman

Oh my gosh! I would never have thought that I would feature a designer who has written a book of stitches that I own! Edie has 2 books about borders and I own them both! Use them a lot :)

I had so much fun looking through her patterns, such a variety! Edie also has knitting patterns for those of you who are "bistitchual".

She also has classes, videos and other "help" on her website. There is a lot of see!

Enjoy reading more about Edie and her business.

As usual, the photos link to the pattern. Please follow Edie where you can and give her patterns some love by adding them to your favorites :)

All of her links are at the bottom of the feature.

What is your name, business name & where do you live?

Edie Eckman - everywhere - my name and my business name are the same. I live in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

When/How did you learn to crochet?

I learned as a child. My grandmother lived with us and she taught me to knit, crochet, and embroider.

What made you decide to start designing patterns?

I started as a knitting designer. I owned a yarn shop and would design sweaters to fit customers when they couldn't find a pattern they wanted. This was pre-internet! About the time the shop closed, I decided that I could design as well as the sweaters I was seeing in magazines (back when there were knitting magazines). I submitted a design to a magazine and it was accepted! A couple of years later I wrote The Crochet Answer Book, and started designing for crochet, as well.

How would you say that your crochet designing has changed from when you started?

There are so many more expectations about what a pattern will provide now! I used to be able to just write a pattern with good, edited instructions, using standard pattern language. If the crocheter was confused they got help from a friend or yarn shop or somewhere else. They didn't expect the designer to offer step-by-step tutorials or videos or additional support, other than making sure the pattern was correct. The need to promote via social media, maintain a community, and so on puts a lot more stress on designers now than we had "back in the day". On the other hand, there now more ways than ever to learn about crochet!

When I started, I found it hard to figure out how to use words to give all the information about what type of stitch, where it goes, and so on. And I wasn't using crochet charts. I now find it easier to write pattern instructions, and I try to include a stitch diagram with each design if it is anything besides a basic stitch pattern.

What’s your go-to yarn and crochet hook? Any particular reason why you prefer them?

I prefer fingering or dk weight yarns and a 4.5 mm or 5 mm hook. I like the fabric I get with those yarns, compared to the heavier worsted weight yarn. Unless I'm making an afghan. In that case, I prefer worsted weight and probably a 6 mm hook.

What are some of your favorite crochet techniques/stitches/ patterns?

Oh, this one is hard. My #1 favorite thing to do is to swatch, because it allows me to experiment with all kinds of techniques and stitches without having to commit to a full-sized project. I adore stitch dictionaries and have quite a collection! I tend to go in stages from one type of technique to another. Lately I've been dabbling in colorwork, seeing how the same stitch pattern looks with different color choices. I've also been using yarn that I find challenging, and seeing if we (the yarn and I) can come to an agreement on what it wants to be.

For a few years I was WAY into motifs of all sorts and shapes. That was when I wrote Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs and Connect the Shapes Crochet Motifs. And I spent a lot of time figuring out how to make borders go around corners in Around the Corner Crochet Borders and Every Which Way Crochet Borders.

Are you a one-project-at-a-time person, or do you have a lot of WIPs on the go?

Oh, so many WIPs.

What’s the process like when you design a crochet pattern? What are some words you would use to describe your patterns?

I always start with a swatch and work out most of the details about fabric, patterning, shaping, color and so on. Once I've decided on all that, I measure my gauge and do the math to make the thing. Then I write a draft of the pattern, trying to make it as complete as possible but knowing that I'll be changing and clarifying as I go. I'll create a stitch diagram for anything that is not a basic fabric (sc, dc, etc.). Next step is to crochet from my draft pattern and make notes as I go. Once I've finished the project and updated my pattern, I'll send it to my tech editor and testers. I don't always use testers, but I do always use a tech editor. While that is being done, I take (hopefully) good photos and prepare promotional graphics. Once editing and testing is over, then it's launch time!

My goal is to make my patterns as clear, concise, and correct as possible to all crocheters.

Tell us about your favorite make or biggest crochet triumph?

I have been really gratified with the response to my books, and feeling like I filled a need with them, especially Around the Corner Crochet Borders.

Also, I do a lot of teaching. I am always super happy when a crocheter has an "aha" moment of understanding what's going on. I want crocheters to understand the "why" and not just the "how", because that's what will make you a better and more confident crocheter. When a student starts thinking for themselves and doesn't need me anymore, that's a win!