Meet the Designer: Aara by Dina

12 minutes ago4 min read

Dina is another wonderful designer from India. I met Dina through the Crochet Designer Community on FB, and through blog hops we have been in together. Please read the interview and check out her pretty patterns! No doubt you will find a new favorite :)

What is your name, business name & where do you live?

I am Dina and my business name is Aara by Dina. I live in Bangalore, India and have lived at the same place all my life.

When/How did you learn to crochet?

I learned to crochet in 2013, with the idea of joining a blanket donation project. I started with The Crochet Crowd’s YouTube videos, learning Granny Squares for the project. From there, through other creators and designers, I wove my way through the craft.What made you decide to start designing patterns?

I never knew ‘designing’ patterns was a thing. Initially, like many others, I was guilty of recreating designs from pictures off the net. Later, I would experiment with them, by making a mix and match of various stitches and shapes, to see what would come from it. During this time, I signed up for a Guinness World Record event to make granny square blankets, where I met some wonderful (and not so wonderful) crochet folk. The wonderful ones were my inspiration to become a designer, they encouraged me to write down my “experiments”, formulating them into patterns. This group has become my trusted band of testers, always jumping to support me with every design.

How would you say that your crochet designing has changed from when you started?

My design journey started formally in 2020 - when I released my first pattern, The Sputnique Beret. At the time, I was just looking to experiment with stitches and approaches. Over the years, I’ve noticed so many designs come out that often end up looking similar to each other. That pushed me to work on designs that offer something different, with a focus on being functional and accessible.

What’s your go-to yarn and crochet hook? Any particular reason why you prefer them?

My go-to yarn for wearables is a local DK yarn- Vardhaman Cotone which is a cotton-acrylic mix. I love the texture and fall of the yarn. And with this yarn, my trusty 5mm hook – with a beautiful wooden handle my brother fashioned after the cheap plastic broke off. For most home decor items I love the Anchor Knitting Cotton for its beautiful sheen and gorgeous colour variety. I pair this with a 2.5 - 3.5 mm Pony Soft Grip/Ergonomic hook.

What are some of your favorite crochet techniques/stitches/ patterns?

I really enjoy experimenting with a variety of crochet techniques, but there are a few that I absolutely love working with.

One of my favourites is using clusters and puff stitches. These techniques allow for such a beautiful texture and depth in the fabric, and I love how they can be used to create intricate patterns without being too complex.

I'm also drawn to post stitches—they add such a dynamic, 3D quality to designs. It’s really satisfying to see how the fabric evolves with these stitches, especially when used in combination with other techniques.

In terms of patterns, filet crochet and mosaic crochet are two that have my heart. Both rely on the simplicity of basic stitches to create intricate and visually stunning results. Filet crochet, with its open spaces and grid-like structure, is great for making delicate, lace-like designs, while mosaic crochet is a fantastic way to achieve vibrant, colourwork patterns with minimal complexity. Both techniques have a certain elegance and timeless appeal that I really appreciate.

Overall, I’m drawn to techniques that let me explore texture and colour while keeping the stitching itself accessible and fun. I think the beauty of crochet is that you can take simple stitches and combine them in unique ways to create something truly beautiful.

Are you a one-project-at-a-time person, or do you have a lot of WIPs on the go?

Recently, I am trying my best to finish one project at a time. It’s a tough task, but I am managing pretty well and restricting myself to not having more than 3 WIPs. (Of course, we have to discount all the old abandoned projects!)

What’s the process like when you design a crochet pattern? What are some words you would use to describe your patterns?

It usually starts with a thought in my head followed by trying out various stitch combinations. I rarely start with a sketch on paper, though I know it’s a good starting point for many. For me, inspiration strikes through blog hops, pattern sales, and my crochet community – where I find a theme or idea to build on.

I like my patterns to be functional, using simple stitches while still looking strikingly different.

Tell us about your favorite make or biggest crochet triumph?

I’d probably classify this in two ways, one through my own design journey, and working with other designers. Designing the Mo Dhaid Scarf was definitely a highlight. It was a challenge to design and I love the outcome; a beautiful amalgamation of two very divergent patterns. When it comes to working with other designers, it would have to be the Scorpio Raglan by CrochetHighway. The sweater pattern incorporated three big challenges for me - short rows, interlocking stitches and was reversible. I dedicated my focus to finishing the project, working on it single minded, with no other WIPS.

Paying it forward, who are some of your favorite crochet designers/ bloggers?

I have a long list! Starting with Vimala (ViVaCrochet) and Rashmi (SaiASmi - Dreamz in Yarn) who got me into designing. Paulina (YNIK Designs), Kath (What About Yarn), and Crystal (JolieKnots) who were some of the first few designers I tested for, who trusted me with their patterns. Some of the wonderful designers with whom I have had the privilege of sharing space on the various hops and sales – Lisa (My Fingers Fly), Malynda (Malynda’s Craft), Farrah (The Crochet Fix), and Ethy (OVC Designs). And the beautiful designers who take the trouble to host amazing hops/sales – Marsha (Marsha YarnDoodles), Regina (Regina P Designs), Malena (Straight Hooked), Tasha (Stardust Gold Crochet), Jo (Jo’s Crafty Hook), Rose (Hookfully), Susanna (Fosbas Designs) and especially you Audrey (Canoe Mtn Designs)