Vincent Green-Hite is self-taught crochet artist and pattern designer. After discovering crochet tutorials on YouTube, he began to focus on amigurumi, the Japanese art of knitted or crocheted stuffed animals. After posting his creations on Instagram, Vincent began growing his social media audience, finding a diversity of like-minded creatives who were also embracing amigurumi. As his following grew, Vincent started offering his patterns on Ravelry and Etsy, along with YouTube crochet tutorials. Vincent is the author of Knot Bad Amigurumi. We asked him a few questions about his creative process.

Quarto Creates: How did you first become interested in crochet and crafting?

Vincent Green-Hite: I remember being interested about crochet in high school when I was told there was someone in my school who was selling crochet hats. I never met this person or saw their work but that was when it was first on my radar - I had asked someone to help teach me but I couldn’t get it. Fast forward to college, I still thought about picking it up and even asked my best friend's mom to teach me. We spent a few summer nights trying to get it down but my hands were just not cooperating once again. It wasn’t until I had come home from college that I was finally determined to learn how to do the absolute basics and I wouldn’t leave my computer until I learned at least one thing. Learning to do the most basic technique, the chain, took me 7 hours of trying! I did just quit school and my job so I was very adamant about making sure I did this. I am definitely not naturally gifted but I am glad I stuck with it - after my hands finally understood, everything else made much more sense.

QC: Who was your most influential teacher?

VGH: I don’t think I can really pinpoint just a singular teacher as I have been learning and trying to hone in on my crochet skills through numerous outlets! It’s humbling that I now teach people how to crochet, in person and online, but I do have some influential figures who helped me get my feet off the ground when it comes to the craft. Ms. Harris helped me learn how to hold the hook and yarn which was helpful during my first marathon of learning when I was on my own! Some influential blogs that I followed were from 53stitches and AllAboutAmi - they’re easy to follow patterns that helped me explore amigurumi and inspired me to pick up designing! Now, I have the honor of learning so much from my colleagues and my readers.

QC: How has being a crafter changed the way you view the world?

VGH: Being a crafter has really made me appreciate what handmade means in such a capitalistic society. People that take the time to create something from their own imagination deserve to be more recognized and paid their worth, which almost feels like it goes against what people expect. As someone who sells, I think many other crafters can agree! I am also able to really appreciate other crafts, no matter the medium. As many crafters can make it look so easy, I just automatically know there are hundreds of hours poured into their work to get to a point where it looks that way. Overall I am just more appreciative of the arts.

QC: Where do you find inspiration for your crochet projects?

VGH: It really depends on what I am trying to make! When it comes to designing amigurumi, it usually just ends up becoming what fits that particular season. This is generally because I have to focus on internet clicks so I need to adjust throughout the year but it isn’t too difficult to take a look around me. It’s easier to make things that I enjoy in real life, such as my favorite desserts, drinks, etc. I don’t usually gravitate towards ideas that involve too many details, I like to keep it simple. Even generic google searches can go far! In my book, it’s all taken from my surroundings. However, I have been very fortunate that I am sometimes able to come up with some creative projects in my dreams! I do have to wonder how many I may have forgotten though.

If I am working on wearable projects such as scarves, I tend to draw inspiration from streetwear and I draw inspiration from fun clothing options that I see in anime that I am watching. I like how exaggerated it can be and I personally like to think crochet is dramatic.  

QC: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned from creating?

VGH: The most important lesson I have learned from crocheting is that important things take time. Crochet is a great way to test your patience. In a world where we are always expecting that immediate satisfaction all the time, this craft slows you down. How you spend your time with your craft cannot be replicated and I can still remember the vast majority of the process of my designs. Those memories will always sit with me and I remember them with more detail than I do when I finish. Crochet is important to me and I don’t mind letting it have all my time!

Learn more about Vincent's work at knotbadami.com, on TikTok @knotbad, and on Instagram @knot.bad.