Mexico-born, Italy-raised, bilingual Monica Nanni – who recently joined paper republic’s social media team – is a crochet queen.
We spoke to her to unpick the threads of her yarn and learn about the world of crochet patterns, hooks and stitch markers, plus how her paper republic journal helps with her designs and running her business.
You don’t just crochet. You create crochet patterns for crocheters. Tell us more.
I’m a crochet pattern designer. So I create and sell micro-shape crochet patterns. I mainly make toys and accessories, and I work with the Danish company – Hobbii Yarn– to come up with new designs for crochet items. I work out the pattern, which other people then use to crochet the item themselves.
When and how did you start your crochet journey?
I was already making a few things and then two years ago, I started to document every step of my crochet projects on Instagram. The Danish company liked what I was doing and got in touch about working together. That really encouraged me to get into crocheting more deeply. I started investing in my accessories and began working on it more seriously.
What sort of things do you make with crocheting?
When I first started I made a lot of clothing, but it’s hard to do patterns for clothes because the pattern changes for every different size. So I started to make toys, accessories, blankets and home decor. You might be surprised what can be done with crochet!
How long does each new pattern take?
Doing the actual crocheting doesn’t take me very long. The real work is the long process of writing the pattern, because I need to count the stitches, and I have to be very precise with my instructions. I have to be sure everything is exact; if I make a mistake, my customers would repeat the mistake in their project too. So I am very thorough and precise with recording everything, and that’s where my note taking comes in.
How do you use your paper republic journal for your crocheting?
I used to use a specific knitting journal for recording my patterns but it was big and bulky which meant it was hard to bring it with me everywhere. Also, because it was designed for knitting and not crochet, it was not ideal.
With my paper republic journal, I was able to customize it for my type of craft. I actually just got a little le loop which is perfect for my crochet hook. And I adapted some ideas from my old knitting book, and added some sheets with blank models that I use for designing.
I also punched some little holes in the paper refills, so I can tie the lengths of yarn that I'm currently using so I don’t lose track.
How does the process of creating a new crochet pattern unfold?
It starts with choosing the product then sketching the idea in my notebook. It normally goes through a few iterations before I’m happy. Then I have to consider materials. Because different products need different types of yarn. For example, for toys, you need a sturdy, washable yarn. Or if I was creating something for a dog, I would choose yarn that’s comfortable against their skin.
So, I sketch a lot, plan the size, plan what materials I'm going to use, and come up with a name. And sometimes I have to rethink parts because of unforeseen issues that I discover during this prototyping process.
What are the crochet projects you are most proud of?
That’s a tough question! It’s probably the duffel bag I designed for the gym. It’s very unusual and uses a very unique style of crochet. I used a t shirt yarn because it’s easy to clean and very thick. I also used a very thick hook which creates a heavy type of stitch. It was really fun to make and I was really happy with how it turned out.
What journal did you choose and why?
I went for a grand voyageur [xl] in chestnut. The size is perfect for what I do with crochet, and I liked that I could customize it even more. I have a plain notebook refill for sketches, and a planner. I added a card & cash holder which works perfectly for my crochet accessories. Then I customized it with some charms. I have a special charm which I made myself which doubles as a stitch marker.
What crochet project are you working on right now?
I'm working on the baby blanket for the spring collection, using the Hobbii’s cotton yarn. I can’t say too much more right now but it will be very colourful.
What would your dream crochet project be?
Well, I do already have a long running dream project. I started doing a crochet portrait of Cher. But I haven’t finished it, because it's very long process and it's very difficult to really capture a person's essence.
It's also a different type of crochet that I cannot do via a pattern; it’s freeform crochet! You have to go by memory and by hand. It’s like drawing with crochet. This has already taken me many years. My dream is to finish it!
What is your advice for people who want to start crocheting?
Start simple and make sure you finish. It’s easier for beginners to use very large hooks and large yarn types. I think completing your first item is the most difficult part. But once you’ve finished one project, you will feel motivated to do another. So focus on the finish!
What advice would you give other crafters about choosing a journal?
For me, and probably a lot of people doing craft, get something with pockets. Crochet has lots of little accessories which you need to use all the time so having a good, organized system to store these really helps. That’s why I love the card and cash holder and why I modified my journal so it can hold other tools.
I also use a grand voyageur [pocket] in olive green for my day job. I use a very simple set up; just a plain notebook refill, and a ruled book refill. I also have a calligraphy refill (which we don’t produce any more) and I have an extra ribbon to hold it in place. I got it embossed in gold with my name.
What are your future plans for your crochet projects?
Right now I am really enjoying it as a hobby. So for the time being, I will keep doing what I am doing. As for the future, who knows where the threads will lead…
