Creating the perfect name for your crochet pattern can be challenging. However, choosing a name that appeals to your ideal audience can make all the difference in your sales. The name of your design may be the determining factor that prompts a customer to click on the “buy now” button.

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A carefully selected pattern name can tell a story, stir emotions, make your design stand out, and captivate a potential customer. But how can a designer find the correct name in a market with so many patterns? In this blog post, we will discuss ten factors to consider when naming your crochet patterns and how they can enhance the appeal of your design.

1. The First Impression Matters

Imagine you stumble upon two crochet patterns for a comfy blanket. One is called “The Basic Crochet Wave Pattern,” while the other is called “Waves of Grace Blanket Pattern.” Which one would you be more interested in buying? I bet it’s the second one. Choosing a catchy name is super important because it’s the first thing people will see. So, make sure it’s meaningful and really represents your design. Remember, first impressions matter a lot!

2. Tell a Story

Many crochet designers design their crochet pieces through something that inspires them. Whether it was a movie they saw, a book they read, or something in nature. When they create a design, they might want to capture a specific feeling or create a special experience. Your pattern name can hint at the inspiration or experience behind your design. For instance, my Corvidae Cowl pattern was inspired by several stories in the bible where God used ravens (part of the Corvidae Family) to bring provision for his people. You can read more about the inspiration for this pattern HERE. Just remember, your pattern tells a story.

3. Embrace Creativity

Feel free to unleash your creativity and let your imagination soar. Experiment with language, use metaphors and play with alliteration. A catchy and distinctive name has the potential to make your crochet pattern stand out among the rest. Keep in mind, however, that the name should still relate to the design at hand.

4. Reflect Complexity

Have you thought about naming your crochet patterns based on their level of difficulty? For example, calling a pattern “The Effortless Trendy Backpack” implies that it’s stylish and classy but also simple to learn, which could attract a broader audience of crocheters.

5. Consider Your Target Audience

When designing a crochet pattern, it’s important to keep your ideal audience in mind. After all, they are the ones you’re creating it for. Understanding who your ideal audience is will not only result in exceptional designs but will also help you name your patterns. Tailor your pattern name to resonate with your ideal audience. A playful and whimsical name might attract a younger demographic, while a more classic name might appeal to a more traditional crowd. Remember, your ideal audience is the hero in your story!

6. Stay True to Your Style

Your crochet patterns are an extension of your creative identity. If you have a signature style, let it shine through in your pattern names as well. If you have a fondness for old-fashioned charm, modern simplicity, or bohemian vibes, your pattern names can echo that style. For me, my signature style is birds. So, the crochet patterns I design are named after birds or birdie-type things.

7. Don’t Overcomplicate It

Listen, it’s great to let your creativity run wild when choosing a pattern name, but don’t forget that sometimes less is more. If your pattern’s name is too complicated or long, your potential customer might scroll right past it. It’s better to go with a name that sticks in your customer’s minds and is easy to remember. Oh, and don’t overthink your pattern name either. I’ve been guilty of this and ended up missing a release deadline because of it!

8. Get Feedback

Before you finalize a name, bounce it off your tech editor. Ask them for their feedback, which can bring invaluable insights into whether the name captures the essence of your design effectively. After all, your tech editor will know your pattern better than anyone else!

9. Do Your Checks

Check various platforms to make sure the name you chose for your pattern isn’t already taken. You can check Ravelry, Etsy, Patternfish, Instagram, Threads, and Google. Also, check to make sure the name you chose isn’t stepping over ethical boundaries. Do your best to avoid or using sensitive terminology that might offend or hurt others. Also, check to make sure that your pattern name isn’t offensive in another language.

10. Consider SEO

When it comes to naming your crochet pattern in today’s digital age, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is extremely important. An SEO-friendly name can greatly impact pattern sales as it allows your pattern to be seen and ranked by Google’s search engine. To ensure that your pattern is SEO-friendly, it’s important to conduct a keyword search for the type of pattern you’ve designed and add the top-ranking keyword to the name. For example, if you’ve designed a crochet cowl, you can search for the keyword “crochet cowl” and find that roughly 4,400 people search for that term each month. By adding “crochet” to the pattern name, such as “Corvidae Crochet Cowl” instead of “Corvidae Cowl”, the chances of those 4,400 people seeing your pattern increase significantly.

Are you ready to get your pattern edited?

Sources for Finding Unique Pattern Names

• Dictionaries
• Roadmaps
• Atlas
• Music
• Movies/Books
• Science
• Bible Names
• Heroes
• Animals
• People In Your Life