Crochet lovers, you’re in for a treat. 🍬 We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Sarah-Jayne, the creative force behind Bella Coco Crochet, about her new yarn collab with Hobbii.
With a signature palette of soft pastels, cozy neutrals, and playful brights, these yarns are designed especially with crocheters in mind – Z twist and all. 👀🎨🌀
In this cozy conversation, Sarah-Jayne shares her crochet journey, what makes merino wool so special, and the creative process behind this stunning new yarn. Are you ready to get all the details? 🧶
Meet Sarah-Jayne, the Maker Behind the Yarn
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you started crocheting?
“My name is Sarah-Jayne and I began crocheting around 10 years ago (probably more) when I found myself with more time on my hands after I had finished my teacher training. After seeing lots of people crocheting in the crafting circle on Instagram, I decided to give it a go… and I never stopped since.”
What do you love most about being part of someone’s crafting journey?
“I love it when people share what they have made using my tutorials. I love seeing their progress and their confidence build with every project. But most of all, it feels really nice to hear how crocheting has helped them through tough times.”
Do you remember the first thing you crocheted?
“Besides a few swatches, I made a giant granny square blanket that I gifted to my grandma.”
Designing the Dream Yarn
What was the inspiration behind Bella Coco Merino?
“I’ve always loved Merino, so it sprung to my mind straight away when we first spoke about the collaboration. I love the softness, the fact that it’s Z twist and perhaps most of all… the colors!”
What makes Merino wool so special to you?
“I’m a very sensory person. It doesn’t really go much deeper than the fact that I love to work with its softness!”
For anyone new to natural fibers or Merino, do you have any words of encouragement?
“I think it can feel like a bit of a splurge if you’re trying natural fibers for the first time. Having a project in mind for it is certainly a good idea. I have designed some projects to get you started if you need some ideas!”
Explore the new patterns for Bella Coco Merino here ➜
What were some must-have features for this yarn?
“I’ve always loved Z twist yarn and the fact that it’s designed with crocheters in mind. There’s nothing worse than loving a yarn but it splits as you’re working with it, making the experience a little frustrating. So I’m pleased we were able to incorporate it in Bella Coco Merino.”
What is Z twist, and why does it matter?
“The majority of yarn on the market is spun in an S twist, which is great for knitters. However, due to how crocheters work their stitches, it goes against the natural twist of the yarn. A Z twist yarn is spun in the opposite direction, which drastically reduces splitting and gives us crocheters a helping hand.”
Curious to learn more about the nerdy details of Z twist yarns? Read our full blog post explaining why Z twist yarns are so crochet-friendly ➜
What do you hope crocheters feel when they pick up a skein of Bella Coco Merino?
“When I opened the yarn for the first time, I gasped! I was so excited, the colors were just stunning and I couldn't wait to use it. Can only hope other crocheters have the same excitement.”
Playing with Color: The Palette Behind the Yarn
How did you put together the color palette?
“I spent a long time going through color options. I began by looking at images and illustrations to pull out colors I loved and put them all together. From there, I started grouping colors, which began to form a story. It was a process that came together the more I played around with the colors. Eventually I settled on having three shades within the color groups and I’m so pleased with how it turned out.”
Any favorite color combos?
“Honestly, no. They all work so well together and there are endless combinations. I have to stop myself from looking at them sometimes because I have too many ideas and not enough time!”
Crochet Projects You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
Are you ready to get stitching? Sarah-Jayne has designed four beautiful patterns using Bella Coco Merino and Bella Coco Merino Print, and they’re all FREE and available for download now! 🥰
Let’s hear what makes each of them special, straight from the designer herself:
“I have designed a scarf, shawl, blanket and wrist warmers which are all really fun and easy makes.”
The Wrenly Scarf
“The scarf uses the moss stitch and can be made in both adult and children’s sizes. The way it’s made creates a lovely striped appearance which really shows off the colors.”
The Amarah Shawl
“The shawl is made using simple increases and decreases in order to create the boomerang shape. You can choose to color block the scarf or let the print yarns do the work and make it in one shade with multiple colors.”
The Little Waves Baby Blanket
“The baby blanket comes in smaller lovey sizes and a pram-size blanket. Its gentle waves create a solid blanket to prevent little fingers from getting stuck in it. My daughter (who modeled this) loves it—she said it was so soft and cozy.”
The Coffee and Cream Wrist Warmers
“And finally, the wrist warmers. They are a really fun project that gives such amazing texture. Using the cobble stitch but changing color each row gives a really unique look. I always love a pretty yet practical make.”
Why is Bella Coco Merino a great fit for baby projects?
“Merino is such a great choice for a baby blanket due to its natural temperature-regulating properties. It’s soft and gentle on the skin and easy to clean with it being superwash.”
Which patterns would you recommend starting with?
“I think the baby blanket or the scarf are a great place to start.”
How do you keep your designs simple enough for beginners but still fun for experienced crocheters?
“I think when it comes to the designs, I wanted to keep them clean and simple with the ability for people to put their own twist on them with their color choice.”
Ready For Your Next Project?
This yarn collab is truly something special. ✨ With thoughtful details like Z twist and a palette that invites creativity, Bella Coco Merino and Bella Coco Merino Print are here to make every stitch feel like magic.
Ready to make something beautiful? Explore the yarns and patterns, and let your crochet journey begin 💖 Check it all out right here ➜
