Let's face it. There are a lot of crochet patterns out there and a lot of them look basically the same. Different sizes, different colors, slight variations in stitch patterns, sleeves, neck openings, collars. This is not a bad thing, though. There are lots of basic crochet designs that are absolutely great to make over and over again.

As a crochet designer, I want to be unique so that my crochet designs appear fresh and new to yarn companies, publishers, editors and my customers. I know sometimes it can be hard to decide how to make something that is different from the rest. This is why I always say it is important to find your Crochet Voice. Your Crochet Voice is how your yarn and your hook speak to express your creativity through crochet.

Do you know what you would like to say with yarn? There are times for me when a direction is not clear, and I cannot hear my Crochet Voice. When I am stuck I use these exercises.

Design for Yourself

This is what I like to do personally. I tend to make things that I would wear or that I want to use. One downside of this is that sometimes your vision is not going to match with what publishers want so you may have to deal with rejection, or you may not have as favorable a response from your customers. Just know that every design isn't going to be a hit, and you have to keep on designing. You can always use those designs as learning experiences and maybe take the good parts and turn them into new designs.

Look at Your Wardrobe/Home Décor

Which colors are you drawn to? Which pieces are your favorites? What style of furniture decorates your home? What types of shapes do you wear -- loose and flowing, architectural/structured garments, casual, elaborately embellished, etc.? Do you like natural fibers, or do you go for the shine and bling?

Your Other Secret Persona

What about her? You know, that other part of yourself who you may not get to show on a regular basis. That one who you would love to be on a regular basis if you suddenly hit the big lottery? Why not design for that person? Indulge your fantasies and create some of the wonderful things that you know that secret side would love.