I published my first crochet book!! (christmas festive themed)

Hi guys!

Yes — as you read, I just self-published my very first crochet book! Following the festive season, it’s a Christmas related pattern collection, and I still can’t quite believe it’s real.

✨ From Digital Patterns to a Printed Book

For the last four years, I’ve been creating and sharing crochet patterns through my Etsy shop, idrawyoursmile. What started as a small side project — designing crochet flowers and bouquets — slowly became a big part of my life. Every month, I’d release a new flower pattern, photograph it carefully, write the instructions, and connect with crocheters from all over the world.

Publishing digitally always felt comfortable. I could edit, upload, and instantly share a new design. But a physical book? That was another story. I always admired those who managed to transform their craft into something you could actually hold in your hands. Still, I hesitated. I wasn’t sure where to start, or whether anyone would even want my designs in book form.

This year, I finally decided to take the leap — starting small, with a Christmas-themed pattern collection, as my first experiment in Amazon KDP self-publishing.

🎁 The Inspiration Behind the Book

Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. It’s cozy, full of light, and filled with handmade details — which makes it the perfect season for crochet projects. Every year I’d crochet a few ornaments or small gifts for friends, so turning that tradition into my first book felt natural.

I wanted the book to capture that same spirit of warmth and joy. The project became a collection of mini patterns that could be used as keychains, Christmas tree ornaments, or small gifts. The idea was to make something versatile: simple enough to finish in an evening, but detailed enough to look special and meaningful. My very first christmas crochet book.

🧶 What’s Inside my christmas crochet book

The book includes step-by-step instructions to create a Christmas wreath and 15 matching accessories. Here’s a little preview of what you’ll find inside:

• Wreath pattern – the centerpiece of the collection, customizable in any color

• Christmas bell – with a cute shape and optional charm

• Holly and bow tie – perfect for adding to gift wraps or ornaments (I call it mistletoe but realised its not the same thing)

  🎄 Free Christmas Mistletoe Crochet Pattern – A Quick 10-Minute Holiday DIY Project

• Star charm and gift charm – small details that sparkle up any crochet project

• Santa Klaus pin, hat, and mitten – ideal for little brooches or festive keychains

• Snowflake and gingerbread man – classics that always bring a smile

• Christmas tree, candy, and candy cane – colorful mini designs for your décor

• Stockings – small but adorable, great for garlands

• Also my mini wreath patterns for keychains

Each pattern is explained in English (US crochet terms) and includes:

• Clear written instructions

• Step-by-step photos

• Video links for the trickier parts

• A list of materials and tools

• Abbreviation meanings for easy reference

The difficulty level is marked as intermediate, but even confident beginners could try it with patience and guidance from the photos and videos.

🧵 Materials Used

To make everything look delicate yet sturdy, I used 4-5 ply yarn and a 3–3.5 mm hook. Many of the patterns can also be made using leftover yarn from other projects — it’s a great way to use those small amounts that are too pretty to throw away!

You’ll also find two versions for some items: one as a keychain (with a small metal ring) and one as a hanging ornament. I also included optional Christmas charms that can be attached for an extra festive touch — I’ve linked to a few sources inside the pattern.

The Essential Crochet Tools Every Beginner Needs

💡 Learning to Self-Publish on Amazon KDP

One of the most exciting (and honestly intimidating) parts of this journey was learning how Amazon KDP works. I had to figure out everything — from formatting the PDF for print, to adjusting margins, to choosing paper color and cover size.

I decided on an 8×10-inch book format, large enough for comfortable reading and big, clear photos. I designed everything in Canva, where I could adjust the layout, font sizes, and illustrations to keep the pages visually balanced.

Then came the technical steps: uploading to KDP, setting the bleed margins, checking the preview, fixing typos, and waiting nervously for the approval email. It took a few tries to get everything just right — but when I finally held the proof copy in my hands, I almost cried. Seeing my crochet work printed and bound felt like a dream come true.

🌟 Why This Book Means So Much to Me

This isn’t just a pattern collection — it’s a milestone. It represents all the nights I stayed up designing, testing, and photographing; all the people who supported me by buying my Etsy patterns; and all the creative risks I didn’t take before but finally dared to.

It might be a small start, but it’s my first baby step into the world of publishing. And I’m already learning so much from it: how to organize larger projects, how to think visually about design flow, and how to bring my digital work into the physical world. Lately the sales on my Etsy for my digital patterns has gone down, with a very big difference, I went from making daily sales to barely no sales at all, and it is very frustrating, thus why I am trying a new path that is exciting too.

🎅 What’s Next

I plan to keep exploring this path — maybe a flower collection next (since that’s what started it all). I’d love to create a series of crochet books over time, each one with a theme and its own personality.

For now, though, I’m just enjoying the moment — flipping through the pages, reading the feedback, and celebrating this little victory.

If you’d like to get your own copy, the book is now available on Amazon. I hope it inspires you to create something beautiful this Christmas and reminds you that small steps can lead to big things.

Thank you for following my crochet journey — whether through Etsy, social media, or here on the blog. Your support truly means the world to me.

Wishing you all a cozy, creative, and joyful holiday season! 🎄❤️

— Lucy @ idrawyoursmile