We all know that magic feeling of getting lost in the rhythm of a new project and for Sue Rawlinson, the creative heart behind Sweetpea Family, that rhythm became so much more than just a hobby. After stepping away from a busycareer in the NHS, Sue found a new kind of calm in her crochet hook, eventually turning it into a beautiful, full-time design journey.
Today, our latest crochet designer interview features the lovely Sue Rawlinson of Sweetpea Family Crochet. Sue is joining me to talk about how her confidence has grown over the years, why she thinks handmade gifts are the ultimate love language, and her best advice for anyone wanting to design their own patterns (hint: always keep a notebook handy!). Whether you’re looking for a bit of creative inspiration or just want to hear from a lovely, down-to-earth maker, I know you’re going to adore this chat.
10 Crafty Questions · Sue Rawlinson // Sweetpea Family Crochet
Sue, you transitioned from a demanding career in the NHS into full-time crochet design. Looking back, what was the exact moment where you realized crochet wasn’t just a hobby anymore, but something you could do full time?
I don’t think there was ever one defining moment for me because I’ve never really viewed crochet as a career. I had to leave the NHS because of my health, which was a very difficult time for me. I loved my job, my colleagues and the friendships I’d built over the years.
Crochet gradually became something that helped fill that gap, it started as a hobby and slowly evolved into something more important to me. It wasn’t a planned business journey; it happened very organically.
Friends encouraged me to start teaching crochet and from there the designing seemed to naturally follow. Even now, I still think of it as a successful hobby rather than a business. I’ve met lots of lovely people, and I feel very grateful for where it has taken me.
Did you grow up in a creative household? Who originally taught you to crochet, and what was the very first thing you remember making that you were actually proud of?
My mum was good at making things, she knitted and crocheted and taught me both knitting and crochet when I was quite young.
One of my earliest memories is making clothes for my Cindy dolls. I always enjoyed making things but during the busy years of working and raising my three daughters I put craft on the back burner. I think leaving work was what sparked and rekindled my love of making things and my love of yarn. The first things I started to make were simple blankets, crochet beanies and bootees.
Your very first released pattern was a circular cushion adorned with flowers. When you look at that design today compared to your Crochet-Alongs (CALs) and book projects, how do you feel your personal style and confidence have evolved?
When I look back at that first cushion design, I’m not sure my style has changed dramatically. I’ve always been drawn to simple designs and crochet projects that feel enjoyable and relaxing to make.
What has evolved is my confidence. Crochet has always been a mindful pastime for me. The simple, rhythmic stitches help calm my mind, and that has been especially important since leaving the NHS. Over the years I’ve become more confident in my abilities as a designer and teacher.
One of my greatest joys is seeing other people make my designs. Social media, particularly Instagram, has allowed me to share my work with a wider audience, and seeing someone’s finished project appear on my feed feels so rewarding.
Your book Sweet Pea Crochet focuses on coordinated baby bundles and tiny finishing touches like pompom blanket ties. Why is the “gifting” aspect of crochet so close to your heart, and what do you think makes a handmade baby gift so uniquely special?
The gifting aspect is incredibly important to me; I love those extra thoughtful details that make something feel special. Years ago, my friend Carole and I ran crochet afternoon teas, and we worked so hard to make every event feel memorable. We knew many women found it difficult to take time for themselves, so if they were spending three hours with us enjoying crochet, cake and good company, we wanted every detail to feel special.
I think that carries through into my designs. As a child, we didn’t have a lot of money, so many gifts were handmade. There was always so much love and thought behind them.
When I gift a crochet blanket, I feel like a little piece of me is stitched into every row. The time, care and thought that go into making it are part of the gift. Adding a handmade tag, a crochet flower or a heart, or tying it up with a crochet cord simply adds another layer of thoughtfulness and love. That’s what makes handmade baby gifts so special.
You’ve conquered gorgeous blankets, accessories, and softies. Is there a particular technique, yarn fiber, or type of project you haven’t tackled yet but are dying to experiment with in the future?
I’m actually quite relaxed about what comes next. (I am also getting quite old; my eldest grandson is 23!)
My crochet journey has always evolved naturally rather than through careful planning. I tend to follow whatever captures my interest at the time.
As for yarn, I could never choose just one fibre. I love cotton, merino and acrylic, and I think they all have their place.
Do you remember the very first post or pattern that suddenly took off on social media and brought a massive wave of new makers to the Sweetpea Family?
I don’t think there was one particular post that suddenly changed everything. Growth for Sweetpea Family has always been steady and gradual, much like my crochet journey itself. What I do remember is how exciting it was when people started sharing their finished projects. Seeing someone choose my pattern, spend hours making it and then proudly share it online, is such a lovely feeling. Every new follower or comment I receive still feels very important.
When I wrote a CAL for Sirdar, that felt a big thing. I had underestimated how far and wide it went. People from all over the world were making my blanket; it was incredible.
My DMs went through the roof, I answered every single question and comment. My phone was pinging all day and night. I was thrilled with how popular it was but I also had some negative feedback. I found this really hard. I could read 99 lovely comments and then 1 negative one but that one bad comment would stay with me. I don’t mean that I can’t take criticism, that’s important but I think online some people feel they can say anything. Some comments were very personal and hurtful. It has put me off engaging in that arena again. But it did help me build a tougher skin and realise that no matter how hard you try you can’t please everyone.
I think my most successful pattern has been my granny heart pattern; I’ve released this in a few colour combinations and people still love it.
The crochet community has exploded and changed so much over the last few years with trends, new yarn tech, and new designers. How do you see the world of crochet evolving next, and how do you plan to adapt Sweetpea Family to it?
If I’m honest, I don’t spend a great deal of time thinking about trends or where crochet is heading next. My approach has always been to stay true to myself and create what I enjoy creating.
The last year has been particularly challenging following the loss of my mum. It has left a huge hole in my life, and alongside that my dad now needs a lot of care and support. Thankfully, I have two wonderful sisters and we’re navigating this journey together.
Because of that, Sweetpea Family has taken more of a back seat. I’ve mostly been sharing what I’m working on rather than launching lots of new designs.
Crochet is still very much a part of my daily life and helps me work through difficult or emotional times. I might not be actively designing but will always have yarn and a hook close by. What often happens is that I will be having a play with some new yarn and I will share it on Instagram (I like to keep connected with my lovely crochet community) then someone will ask if I have a pattern and then it sort of germinates a life of its own and I’ve designed another pattern without actively planning it.
For now, I’m happy to let things evolve naturally, just as they always have.
If you were to design a masterclass course for aspiring crochet designers who want to follow in your footsteps, what is the single most important lesson or piece of advice you would build the entire curriculum around?
The most important lesson would be to stay true to yourself.
It’s easy to compare yourself to others or feel like you need to keep up with what everyone else is doing, but building a presence in the crochet community takes time. Slow growth is absolutely okay.
I would encourage people to be authentic. Share the real person behind your designs. People connect with honesty and kindness far more than perfection. If you’re genuine and passionate about what you do, the right audience will find you.
I think it is important to be consistent, be that posting on social media daily or once a week. If you start to engage with your followers, it is important that you turn up when you say you will. Life does get in the way and it is easy to overstretch. My advice would be to share that, say I thought I could catch up with you daily but unfortunately, I’m going to have to cut back to twice a week. That is really ok.
Also don’t get disheartened, I think social media has really changed, so maybe experiment with a number of different platforms. I have seen a huge reduction in my engagement from a year ago. You will have heard about the dreaded algorithms, but it affects us all so don’t take it personally.
Some designers work entirely on paper or digital charting software first, while others just grab a hook and start playing. Could you talk us through your design process?
I’m definitely in the “grab a hook and start playing” camp!
Most of my ideas begin with some yarn, a hook and I experiment. I enjoy seeing where the stitches take me and allowing the design to develop.
The one thing I’ve learned over the years is to write everything down as I go. Every single step. There have been far too many occasions when I’ve become completely absorbed in a new design, convinced I’d remember exactly how I’d made it, only to discover later that I hadn’t a clue! So, my biggest design tip is simple: always keep notes.
Finally, if a yarn company gave you a blank check to develop your absolute dream, signature yarn line from scratch, what would the fiber blend be, and what would the color palette look like?
My dream yarn line would definitely include a range rather than a single fibre. I’d want cottons, wools and acrylics which would allow different makers to enjoy the range.
A soft range of pastel colours would be perfect, I think they are timeless rather than trendy. I don’t think I’ve ever been trendy. I always want crochet to be as inclusive as possible, so that would mean creating yarn options that suit different budgets.
Thanks so much to Sue for taking the time to answer my questions… ♡
Don’t forget to follow Sue on her Instagram and check out her website for more information and to follow her work. You can also buy her book here.
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