Why Should I Tip for Free Patterns?
What Do I Get for Tipping?
Besides a bunch of free patterns?! When you tip¹, you become a Knot Trying Supporter, and that comes with some extra benefits²:
Early Releases: Access to new patterns before the general public
Exclusive Releases (coming soon!): Patterns that aren’t available to the public, or digital download versions of patterns shared on Instagram or as blog posts
Become Part of the Process: Opportunities to help make pattern decisions, name patterns, and more
Creating these free patterns takes considerable time and resources. Become a supporter by sending a tip and help the development of new patterns. Plus, you’ll gain access to early releases and exclusive content—make sure you opt-in or subscribe to emails to be notified. Learn more about tipping.
Why Do You Ask for Tips?
To Reduce Pressure
When you’re just starting your crochet journey, diving in to new patterns can feel both exciting and overwhelming. It’s natural to hesitate when it comes to purchasing patterns, especially if you’re unsure whether you’ll be able to complete them. That’s why I offer my beginner(ish) and some intermediate patterns for free. I believe that learning should be accessible, and free patterns help foster that spirit of creativity and exploration without financial pressure.
To Keep the Website Ad-free
I know from experience that trying to learn from blogs overloaded with ads makes navigation frustrating, especially for beginners trying to follow along with detailed instructions. Pop-ups, blinking banners, and auto-play videos can break concentration and disrupt the learning flow. By keeping my blog ad-free, and providing most of my patterns as free digital downloads, I aim to create a clean, welcoming space where you can focus entirely on your creative journey without distractions.
Pattern Writing Takes Time and Effort
Creating these patterns is a labor of love—and a considerable one at that. I pour countless hours into each design to ensure that it’s clear, enjoyable, and easy to follow. Let me break down what goes into crafting a single pattern:
Planning and Conceptualizing an Idea: This can take several days or even weeks, depending on the complexity.
Crocheting and Testing: This isn’t a one-and-done process. It often involves frogging (ripping out stitches) and starting over multiple times until the design feels just right.
Drafting and Editing the Pattern: Writing clear, step-by-step instructions that anyone can follow takes 2–3 days of focused work.
Photography: Capturing each step visually requires about a day, plus an extra day for editing those images so they’re crisp and helpful.
Remaking the Pattern: After all that, I remake the item to ensure the pattern works seamlessly.
Pattern Testing: Once I’m confident others can follow the pattern, I find pattern testers, communicate with them, gather feedback, and make necessary revisions—a process that spans about a week.
Final Edits: Incorporating tester feedback and polishing the pattern takes another full day before the pattern is ready to be shared with the public.
To Keep the Patterns Coming!
While I love sharing my passion with you, all this time and effort adds up. That’s why I humbly ask for tips. If a pattern or an ad-free blog post has helped you, inspired you, or brought you joy, your tip is a way to say, "Thank you." It supports my work, helps me keep the blog ad-free, and allows me to continue creating more patterns for the community.
Think of it like leaving a tip for your favorite barista—it’s a small gesture that means the world.
Thank you for appreciating the work that goes into each stitch, photo, and written word. Your support keeps the creativity flowing!
¹If you send a tip or purchase a paid pattern, you will become a Supporter.
²To receive Supporter benefits, you must remain subscribed to the Knot Trying Newsletter.