Cassie Ward, the creative force behind The Missing Yarn, brings bold color, playful motifs, and modern style to the world of crochet. From discovering the calming rhythm of stitches during a tough time to designing statement-making wearables, Cassie shares her journey, inspirations, and the joy of making.
How did you start crocheting? Have you always been a creative person?
I first picked up a crochet hook back in 2011. At the time, I was struggling with anxiety and needed something calming to focus on. I was working at a sewing magazine and, at a show, a lovely Irish lady taught me the basics right there on the spot. From that moment, I was hooked.
The rhythm of crochet and the simple act of counting stitches was incredibly soothing for me. I’ve always been creative—even as a child, I was always drawing, painting, sewing, knitting, or embroidering.
Making has always been at the heart of who I am.
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Tell us more about designing your own patterns. What inspired you to make your own designs and sell crochet patterns?
When I first started, I often found that the patterns available didn’t quite fit my personal style. I loved bold fashion, festivals, and vintage clothing, so I began experimenting with my own ideas.
Over time, that grew into creating original patterns that felt modern, fun, and wearable. Designing became a way to express myself, and I wanted to share that joy with others, which is how The Missing Yarn was born.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
I draw inspiration from fashion, music festivals, and vintage clothing.
Colour is probably my biggest muse—I love mixing bold and unexpected palettes. Sometimes I’ll see a piece of fabric, an outfit, or even a mood from a festival, and it sparks an idea.
Is there a common theme across all of your crochet designs?
Yes—I’d say my work is always bold, wearable, and fun.
I love creating statement pieces that people can actually wear in their everyday lives but that also feel like little works of art. Motifs and bright palettes are a big part of my design identity.
Tell us more about your new book,100 Essential Crochet Motifs. What can readers expect to gain?
I’m so excited about this book. It’s a collection of 100 versatile motifs—from classic granny squares to more modern shapes—with instructions, charts, and clear photography.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, there’s something in there for you. It’s designed to be a resource you can dip into for inspiration and use to build your own projects.
When is your most productive creative time?
Honestly, whenever I can grab a quiet moment! I don’t tend to use my studio—I usually curl up in comfy clothes on the sofa with a box set playing in the background. Those little cozy moments are when I get the most done.
How often do you start a new project? Do you work actively on more than one project at a time?
I nearly always have more than one project on the go. I love having a motif-based or colour-play project that I can dip into when I want something soothing, alongside a bigger design that requires more focus.
Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of one of your works? How does a new work come about?
For me, inspiration usually begins with colour. My Kaleidoscope Cardigan, for example, came from a desire to play with vibrant palettes and really let the colours shine through motifs.
Once I have an idea, I start experimenting with shapes, motifs, and colour combinations until it clicks.
The crochet itself is always my favourite part, but then comes the pattern-writing stage, which is more challenging because it means making sure everything works across multiple sizes.
Which part of the design process is your favorite? Which part is a challenge for you?
I love the making—the feel of the yarn, the colours, and watching something come to life in my hands.
The challenge for me is always the pattern writing, especially grading patterns into multiple sizes. It’s very maths-heavy and less intuitive, but it’s such an important part of the process.
How do you make time for creating? Do you try to create daily?
I try to create a little every day, even if it’s just a few stitches in front of the TV. Crochet is such a grounding practice for me that I find it hard to go without it for too long.
How do you keep all of the balls in the air—busy mom, crochet pattern designer, and author?
It can definitely be a juggle! I’m a mum to identical twin boys. They are grown up now but are still at home, so life is busy.
I try to make the most of small pockets of time and not put too much pressure on myself to do everything perfectly. Crochet helps keep me balanced, so I always make space for it, even in the chaos.
Do you prefer the kind of project that is challenging and requires attention, or the kind where you get in your meditative zone and enjoy the process?
Both! I love having a challenging design to really sink my teeth into, but I also need those meditative, repetitive projects that I can do without overthinking. They balance each other out.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?
Colour and wearability keep me inspired. There’s nothing more motivating than seeing someone wear one of my designs and feel amazing in it. That’s what keeps me going.
Where can people see your work?
You can find me online at themissingyarn.co.uk, on Ravelry, LoveCrafts, Etsy and in magazines like Inside Crochet, Simply Crochet, crochet now. My books, My Crochet Wardrobe, Granny Square Fashion and 100 Essential Crochet Motifs, are available from most major bookshops, including Amazon, Waterstones, and Black Sheep Wools. And on Instagram @themissingyarn
Interview posted September 2025
Browse through more crochet projects and inspiration on Create Whimsy.