Zoe Potrac
Zoe Potrac is such a well-known crochet designer, you are bound to have come across one of her designs if you’ve ever picked up a crochet magazine! Read our quick q&a with her to find out who she’s inspired by and what led her into a life of crochet!
When did you learn to crochet, and how did that turn into designing your own patterns?
Like lots of children, my grandma taught me when I was very little, but it wasn’t until my mother-in-law showed me again as an adult that I really got into it. I soon found that I could create whatever I wanted once I’d learned a few basic stitches, and this slowly turned into writing out the patterns, and I got my first published pattern in Crochet Now a couple of years ago.
What is your favourite thing to make?
I’ve a slight obsession with cushions. I need more seats to put them all on! As for colours, left to my own devices I always find a way to sneak neon pink in. I’ll be trying for a more subtle palette, and then I’ll just feel there’s something missing, and neon pink makes its way in there again!
Which other designers do you admire?
So many! Emma Leith for her brilliant colour choices, Leonie Morgan for her clever stitches (did you see the autumn leaves and mushrooms in 4 seasons?) and Alison Holloway for her super cute amigurumi.
How many WIPs do you have?
Usually only one or two at a time – I’ve had to become lots more disciplined about finishing things before starting others as a designer with deadlines.
Who do you like to make crochet gifts for?
Close friends and family who I know will appreciate the effort that goes into a crochet piece!
What piece of advice would you give to a new crocheter?
Try to get yourself to a workshop or knit and natter and learn from someone who’s willing to show you how- videos and books are fantastic for learning new stitches, but only once you’ve got the very basics down. A video can’t show you your mistake and how to fix it!
What are your crochet plans for the rest of the year?
Well, all the Christmas crochet was done back in the summer, so in the run up to Christmas I suppose I’ll be making things for spring in light colours…probably more cushions!
Where can people find out more about you?
You can find me on Instagram (@zoepotrac), at my website www.zoepotrac.com or in my Deramores designer shop.
Tell us something unexpected about you!
I have a degree in Japanese (although it’s a little rusty now!)
