By Josfyn Uba
Nesketu Ibrahim is a crochet pattern maker with a love for design, creativity, and craftsmanship. Her journey into the craft started as a hobby but over time, it grew into something bigger which she finds as an avenue for self-expression and innovation.
For Nesketu, crochet work is more than a craft. It is a form of expression, storytelling and creativity. It connects people through generations and culture.
She told Daily Sun recently in an interview that whether you are a beginner or an experienced crochet pattern maker, there’s always room to learn something new and explore.
What was your journey like in becoming a crochet pattern maker?
I was first introduced to crochet work when I was in primary three by my classmate, driven by curiosity I started using broom sticks to learn nobody was willing to assist me with crochet materials. Those days in the 90s, most crafts like crochet were seen as wasting of time. Fortunately my mum could knit I usually use her leftover yarn and my broom sticks to learn how to make hair bands and baby socks. Through the years, I was fascinated by the way simple stitches could form intricate designs. I spent countless hours practicing different techniques, then came the era of the internet, I started learning from online tutorials, learning from the internet opened my eyes to a lot about crochet. With this i started experimenting with my own ideas. Eventually, I started designing my own patterns, tweaking them to perfection, and sharing them with others.
What inspired your crochet designs, and can you describe your creative process when developing a new pattern?
My inspiration comes from nature, architecture, fashion, African culture, historical textiles and especially the eco system. When developing a new pattern, I usually start with a concept, sometimes a sketch, sometimes just an idea in my head. I then experiment with different stitches, textures, and yarn types to see what works best. I test the pattern multiple times to refine it before finalizing it for others to use. It’s a process that requires patience and creativity, but it’s always exciting to see the final result.
What types of materials do you prefer to use in your designs, and why?
I prefer working with materials that are eco-friendly like cotton, wool, bamboo, acrylic, because of their durability, softness, vibrant colors, Cotton is great for lightweight and breathable pieces, you can use it to crochet room decor, washcloths, baby wears, and even summer tops. wool is perfect for cozy and warm projects, projects like baby wears, hats, stuffed toys shawls, sweater and bags. while bamboo yarn has a smooth texture that makes it a joy to work with. bamboo yarn is great for shawl, summer tops and T-shirt The choice of yarn depends on the project, but I always prioritize quality. like a vest I made one time for a client he told me what he wanted something very comfortable even during the summer. I had to use cotton yarn and he loved it. Acrylic yarn is in many ways reminiscent of wool, so you can use acrylic yarn in any project you want to use wool for.
What trends are you currently seeing in the crochet world?
Crochet is becoming more popular in the fashion industry, with modern and stylish crochet garments making their way onto runways and social media. Lots of celebrities now dune crochet wears, I could remember early this year when Britney Spears wore a crochet long sleeves mini gown. it blew up. Everybody became obsessed with it. I think the pattern used was granny squares, I liked it too I had to make one for myself. Oversized and textured pieces, like chunky sweaters, cardigans and baggy T shirt are trending, including fashionable bralette, beach wears, earrings, even shoes are not left out. There’s also a strong shift toward eco-friendly and sustainable crochet, with many people choosing organic and recycled yarns. Another exciting trend is digital pattern sharing, like tapestry where crochet pattern makers from all over the world can access and create unique designs.
How do you see the future of crochet pattern making evolving?
I believe crochet pattern making will continue to evolve with digital tools and technology. We’re seeing more interactive patterns with video tutorials, 3D modeling, and AI-assisted designs, crochet pattern creator(tapestry) for example if you want to design your portrait in any crochet wears, this app will help you break the portrait into boxes, the end result is usually mesmerizing to be honest. There’s also a growing demand for customizable patterns, where crochet pattern makers can adjust designs to their own size and style before purchasing them. Sustainability will play a big role, with more eco-conscious materials being used in the industry.
What challenges do you face as a crochet pattern maker in today’s market?
Firstly, one major challenge is standing out in a market that’s filled with both free and paid patterns. It takes effort to create unique, high-quality designs that attract attention. Secondly, pricing is another challenge, many people don’t realize how much time and skill goes into designing a pattern. You can imagine spending a whole full 24 hours on a project and someone will underprice and say, is it not just crochet? Thirdly, sourcing materials is like a herculean task, for example it’s very hard to see a walk in shop, supermarket or shopping mall where you can buy, say a good quality yarn and crochet hooks. You have to order every material you need online. What about people that don’t have access to the internet how will they cope? Additionally, pattern piracy (where people share paid patterns for free) is a big issue. However, staying creative, continuously learning, and connecting with the crochet community helps overcome these challenges.
What advice would you give to someone new to crochet work and interested in creating their own patterns?
Start by mastering the basics—learn different stitches and techniques learn and master how to read crochet charts and practice reading and following patterns before creating your own. Keep a crochet journal where you jot down ideas and stitch counts. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes. That is part of the learning process. Most importantly, be patient—creating a well-structured pattern takes time and practice. As a crochet pattern maker, you need a truck load of patience, making a crochet pattern involves dedication and time too. There are times you will get bored of a particular project, you can give yourself a little break and start something new, I usually start a new exciting project to boost my moral(this method works for me, though I don’t know about others). Additionally, don’t allow people to underprice you, be proud of what you do, don’t allow anyone to look down on your craft. Be persistent, the more you crochet, the more you will have new ideas to create your own pattern. When crocheting at night use a good light. Care for your hands too by applying any good essential oils to massage your fingers to relieve some stiffness. Don’t sit too long in a particular position for long, you can walk around while at it. And lastly, learn to keep to time try as much as possible to meet up to the agreed time you and your clients have already agreed on. Whenever you deliver your job always ask your clients for reviews, if they are satisfied with your creation.
What is your proudest crochet design or accomplishment?
One of my proudest designs was making a rose bag It challenged my skills, took a long time to perfect, and seeing the final piece was an incredibly rewarding experience. I remember I used a paracord to make that bag, I think 5mm thick, my fingers became numb. I could not feel my fingers for two days but I was very happy and proud of the outcome. One of my accomplishments was, I was given limited time to deliver a job, I was able to meet up though.
What is the largest crochet pattern you have ever done?
The largest pattern I’ve created was an intricate tapestry jacket It required careful planning, patience, and a lot of yarn! Large projects like this test your endurance, but they’re also some of the most satisfying to complete. Another one was when a client asked me to make some T shirts and shorts for his family of four to be used for photo shoots, it was not funny to be honest because I had limited time. Thankfully I was able to meet up!
What’s your favorite crochet stitch, and why?
I love the star stitch because it adds texture, looks elegant, creates a strong structure, It’s a versatile stitch that I use in many of my designs, and it always adds a unique touch to the final piece. Over the years, I have worked to refine my crochet skills focusing on making detailed structure. I love creating with variations to create unique effects.