Welcome to the very first edition of Maker Spotlight, a new series here on The Crafty Exchange celebrating the talented people behind the handmade community
Every maker has a story. Behind every pattern, project and finished piece is a person with their own creative journey, inspirations, challenges and moments of triumph. Through this series, we'll be chatting to designers, artists, makers and creators from across the UK to discover what inspires them, what they've learned along the way and why making means so much to them.
Our first spotlight shines on Kate, the crochet designer behind Harriet's Duck.
From a self-confessed serial crafter to an established crochet designer whose colourful creations have featured in magazines and collaborations with leading yarn brands, Kate's journey is one of perseverance, curiosity and a genuine love of creating. We spoke to her about discovering crochet, finding inspiration in everything from nature to Bridgerton, why granny squares never go out of style, and the positive impact crochet has had on her mental wellbeing.
So, grab a cuppa, settle in and get to know the maker behind Harriet's Duck...
Tell us a little about yourself and the story behind Harriet’s Duck
I’m Kate, a craft addict who lives on the South coast of England with my family. I discovered the crafting community on Instagram in 2018 and started crocheting and sharing my makes. Making evolved into designing! I now sell my own patterns and have designed for yarn brands and crochet magazines. The name ‘Harriet’s Duck’ comes from a soft toy belonging to my daughter, it’s quite random but the name has stuck!
When and how did you first get into crochet?
I first tried to crochet in 2012 but just found it really challenging and gave up! I think my mistake was starting with amigurumi, which I found difficult to understand as a newbie. I picked up a hook again in 2018, and with the help of YouTube, finally got the hang of it! Flat things are my forte!
Do you remember the first thing you ever crocheted?
It was a very holey scarf! And I did somehow manage an amigurumi mouse!
Was there a moment where you realised crochet had become more than just a hobby for you?
I am a serial crafter – I want to try all the crafts, but I’ve never stuck at one particular thing. Crochet was different and has been the only craft that I have stuck with and have been excited about getting back to each day, and I really wanted to share my ideas and designs with others.
Your work has such a recognisable style and colour palette - what inspires you creatively?
I think I’m inspired by pretty much everything! I notice so much about patterns, textures and colours in everyday objects and I always have this urge to replicate them and make something. Social media has played a huge part in my creativity – I’m continually inspired by the crafting community and all the amazing makers out there.
Where do you usually find inspiration for new makes or pattern designs?
Nature and the seasons are my main inspiration for colours and textures. Now and then something random will inspire me, like the costume colours of the Bridgerton TV series which inspired the colours and patterns in my Diamond of the Season Granny Square Blanket!
Read all about the Diamond of the Season Blanket here: https://www.harrietsduck.com/post/diamond-of-the-season-blanket
What does your creative process typically look like? Do you carefully plan projects, or do they evolve as you go?)
Ideas for new projects live in my head for quite a while before I do anything. I tend to plan a project nowadays, and I like to swatch ideas and choose colours before starting. But as all creatives know, things often evolve or change completely once you start making something – no matter how much you plan, sometimes things just don’t work, so I will undo my work and start again if it doesn’t feel right!
Are there any particular yarns, stitches or techniques you especially love working with?
I have mostly worked with budget acrylic yarns, but I also love cotton and cotton/acrylic mixes. I’ve worked with some wonderful brands. Simple stitches are my go-to. I especially love classic patterns like granny squares, and use colours and placements to create a more modern feel.
What’s your favourite thing about designing crochet patterns?
I enjoy the creative process from start to finish but my absolute favourite thing is when someone makes one of my designs and they say they enjoyed it. That makes me happy.
What’s the make or design you’re most proud of, and why?
I don’t think I can choose one! It’s too hard! I always feel proud of everything I make or design.
Have you ever had a project go completely wrong or not turn out how you imagined?
What happened?
Many times! I used to hate admitting defeat but have learnt that undoing your work (even if it’s a lot!) and starting again is okay. You’ve not wasted your time, and the end result will be so much better!
What advice would you give to someone feeling frustrated with a project or worried they’re “not good enough” at crochet?
Like with most things, it’s easy to compare yourself with others but with crochet you don’t have to use complicated patterns or expensive yarns to create something beautiful! Most things I make use simple, classic stitches, which are beginner friendly and are a joy to make.
What’s been one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned through crochet or running a creative business?
I’ve learnt there’s not enough hours in the day to create all the ideas in my head! Does that count!?
Many people describe crochet as calming or therapeutic - what does crochet do for you personally?
Crochet has had a positive impact on my mental health – it’s a mindful craft, it’s brings me into the present moment, creating a sense of calm. Crochet is also something fun and rewarding to focus on, and I can’t wait to pick up my hook each day.
Do you think crafting changes how we experience stress, focus or everyday life?
For sure, see above answer! I’m a huge advocate for crafting for mental health.
Why do you think so many people are reconnecting with handmade crafts right now?
I think people are in need of a break from the stresses of daily life and also from the digital world. Handmade crafts are a creative outlet to help to reduce stress, provide a sense of calm, and unwind. They can also be fun and sociable too!
What advice would you give to someone just starting out with crochet?
There’s so much advice I could give! My main advice would be don’t rush and enjoy the journey!
Is there anything you wish you’d known earlier in your crochet journey? Any hacks or tips you’ve learnt along the way?
My top tips would be:
Know that there are 2 different sets of terms for crochet stitches – UK and US.
Take your time to learn, practice and get comfortable with all the basic stitches.
YouTube is your friend – there are hundreds of amazing makers posting fantastic crochet tutorials.
Use stitch markers… and ALWAYS count your stitches!
What would you say to someone who wants to start creating, but feels intimidated or worries they aren’t creative enough?
I have never really considered myself as ‘creative’, I just like to make things! So, if you fancy trying a craft, then go for it! Everyone must start at the beginning… and if it doesn’t bring you joy, try something else 😊
Discover More from Harriet's Duck
A huge thank you to Kate for taking the time to share her creative journey with us and for being the very first maker to feature in our Maker Spotlight series.
If you'd like to explore more of Kate's beautiful work, you'll find her supplier profile here on The Crafty Exchange.
You can also join the 66,000 creatives following Harriet's Duck on Instagram (link in profile above), where Kate shares colourful crochet inspiration, behind-the-scenes glimpses into her design process, new pattern releases and plenty of encouragement to pick up a hook and enjoy the mindful rhythm of making.
We can't wait to see what Kate creates next! 💜
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Could You Be Our Next Maker Spotlight?
We're always looking to celebrate the incredible people behind the UK's creative community. Whether you're a crochet designer, quilter, sewist, textile artist, embroiderer, printer, yarn dyer or maker of any kind, we'd love to hear your story.
If you'd like to be considered, please get in touch with us. It's a chance to share your creative journey, inspire fellow makers and introduce your work to The Crafty Exchange community.
📩 Interested? Contact us to find out more.