Tian Connaughton

Tian Connaughton

I am the crochet and knitwear designer, and tech editor behind KnitDesigns by Tian. I live in a small town in Western Massachusetts with my fantasy author husband, Daniel and son, Aidan. Teaching is at the heart of how I approach design. While my style tends toward classic shapes and silhouettes, my designs are intended to provide learning opportunities featuring interesting and unique details. I blog about crochet, knit, and design at knitdesignsbytian.blogspot.com.

Projects by Tian Connaughton

How do I block my projects?

From the issue

Hi Carol,

I use to never block my finished crochet projects. I didn’t understand the point of it. I would finish a project and be so excited, and impatient, to wear or send off to its intended recipient. But after many years of crocheting I’ve come to learn the noticeable transformation blocking makes on the final

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“I cannot seem to make a motif more than four sides. My triangles are triangles and squares are squares. But when supposed to be five or more sides, mine end up round! What can I do?”

From the issue

Crocheters love motifs. Motifs are fun, great little projects to carry around, and quick to complete for that instant gratification. They also offer so much versatility in shape, color, and texture. The possibilities are endless.

But motifs can be tricky to work. And Carol, you are not alone in your quest to make those corners not

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Berry Colada Top

From the issue

Turn a simple tunic into a unique work of art with gorgeous floral hexagon motifs at the neckline and side slits at hem. Using cotton thread, this tunic is lightweight and comfortable for summer evenings.

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Wild Child Tunic

From the issue

Colorful granny square motifs make the top of this tunic truly amazing. When transitioning to fall, this is a great top to pair with leggings when it’s just a little cold out but summer is still lingering.

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Palm & Collected Bag

From the issue

Take this classic motif and bag style and make it modern and fresh with these fun and bright colors. It’s the perfect summer bag for all of your adventures.

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Café Sunshine Cardigan

From the issue

Timelessly classy, this short-sleeved cardigan is perfect for those invigorating spring days spent at a café or strolling through the park. The yoke is a simple lace pattern worked with interval chain space rows, and the whole piece is worked from the top down.

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Morning Glory Sweater

From the issue

Turn heads with this stylish and chic sweater. It is one of those sweaters that looks complicated but is fun to make and wear. This will be a staple go-to piece in every wardrobe.

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Lace Gradient Cowl

From the issue

Gradient yarns are great, but you can achieve a similar look using your own color combinations for a result that’s unique and stylish. This Lace Gradient Cowl is created your own gradient by combining shades of the same color family to make this fun lace cowl.

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Pumpkin Patch Cowl

From the issue

Stay warm in this fun and stylish cowl. One side of this cowl has dots that remind us of pumpkins and the other side of ridges reminiscent of harvested fields. Combine two simple stitch patterns to create this interestingly textured cowl.

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