5 Black Crochet Designers You Need to Know

Even though we make an effort to support black businesses all year long, one of the many things we have enjoyed during this Black History Month is learning more about other black businesses and sharing them with you. Supporting these talented Black artists by trying out their gorgeous patterns has been even more fun.

Jonah Larson of Jonah’s Hands

Jonah Larson is a 12 year old crochet prodigy from LaCrosse, Wisconsin. His infectious enthusiasm and commitment to giving back have earned him a worldwide following. His story has been featured in hundreds of articles including in the New York Times, The Times of London, Forbes, Oprah Magazine, People and the USA Today. He has appeared on the Today Show, Little Big Shots with Melissa McCarthy, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Drew Barrymore Show, and Pickler & Ben. At age 11, Jonah authored his first book called “Hello, Crochet Friends!”. His second book called “Giving Back Crochet” will be released June 2020. Jonah is most proud of his philanthropic work and has funded his first Jonah’s Hands Library in Ethiopia in the rural village where he was born. He is currently raising money to build those same children a science lab. Jonah speaks nationally about doing what makes you happy and the importance of inclusivity. He has won hundreds of awards for his crochet pieces and designs. Jonah often sells these items to raise money for his philanthropic work in his community. Jonah also started his own business called Jonah’s Hands, LLC at age 11. On his website, he features tutorials teaching others to learn crochet. Jonah’s family consists of an older brother (Leif), a younger sister (Mercy), his mother (Jennifer), his father. (Christopher) and his two dogs (Bella & Charlie).  Jonah’s most famous phrase is “Crochet Brings The World Together One Stitch At a Time”.

Check him out at Jonah's Hands Website, Youtube, or Instagram.

Toni Lipsy of TL Yarn Crafts

Toni Lipsey is the designer, instructor, and author behind TL Yarn Crafts. She shares crochet inspiration and education for makers of all skill levels, including tips and tricks, roundups of her favorite things, and more. Toni designed over 100+ chic and practical crochet patterns for modern makers. She started blogging about crochet in 2013, but in 2015, She found herself frustrated while searching for the ideal slouchy beanie pattern. Unable to find what she was looking for, she created her perfect beanie pattern. Several months and a few dozen discarded samples later, the Mega Pom Beanie was born, and so was a crochet designer. Since then, she has designed 30+ accessories, garments, and amigurumi dolls. She shifted her focus solely to designing in early 2017 and quit her day job later that year to pursue it full-time.

Check her out at TL Yarn Crafts Website, Youtube, or Instagram.

Sheila of Shyler Crochet

Sheila, who changed the spelling of her name to make it a little bit more exciting and unique for the brand, started Shyler Crochets after completing college in 2017. She enjoyed creating unique pieces through crochet. According to Sheila, Shylercrochets is a mix of creations made in Uganda by Sheila and a few other local artisans on her team, which is growing daily. Her pieces are trendy, sexy, and perfect for your summertime vacation wardrobe.

Check her out at Shyler Crochet Website, Youtube, Instagram, or Etsy.

Natalia McHayle of Talia’s Crochet Creations

Natalia McHayle is an independent Crochet Designer from New York. She received her B.A. in Small Business Management in 2015 and went on to work in the Construction industry for a few years. During her college education and professional career, Natalia designed and sold unique handmade pieces to her customer base. It wasn’t until 2017 that she decided to take on pattern designing. Her passion for art and fashion drives her to create unique pieces to share with you. When she doesn’t have a crochet hook glued to her hand, you can find her curled up with a good book or writing poetry. Natalia now resides in Virginia with her family.

Check her out at Talia's Crochet Creations Website, Youtube, or Instagram.

Coletta Peterson of A Touch of Blu Designs

Coletta Peterson, the owner of A Touch of Blu Designs, makes beautiful black and brown handcrafted crocheted dolls. Coletta started crocheting as a means to beat boredom while in between jobs.

She learned the basics and made hats, dish towels, and scarves. An expectant friend then asked her for a doll, and she has been “hooked” ever since. According to Peterson, doll-making allows her the freedom to be everything she wanted to be as a child: a ballerina doctor who is also a firefighter and a veterinarian. She says that being a Black woman who primarily makes Black and Brown dolls allows her to showcase the beauty, style, talent, and creativity of a group of people that society sometimes overlooks.

Check her out here: A Touch of Blu Designs Website, Etsy, or Instagram.