Crochet Designer Showcase: Salena Baca: American Crochet Association

Featured Designer: Salena Baca
Business Name: American Crochet Association
American Crochet Association Website

Favorite Quote or Motto: “Peace, Love, Crochet.”

Following is a written interview with Salena. Enjoy.

Salena, what types of programs do you offer?

At the American Crochet Association, we focus on providing resources to help crocheters learn, grow, and thrive in their craft. In our shop, you’ll find digital crochet patterns, courses, and guides designed to build skills and confidence for crocheters at every level.

Our school offers a variety of educational tools, including stitch tutorials, project-based lessons, and in-depth courses like pattern writing and crochet business development. My goal is to give crocheters everything they need to turn their passion into mastery, whether they’re learning for fun or building a business.
Each item in our school is thoughtfully created to be easy to follow, frustration-free, and packed with value. Whether you’re looking to learn a new stitch, improve your skills, or grow your crochet career, we’ve got you covered!

Please share the story of how you got started crocheting:

I learned to crochet when I was just 5 years old and, honestly, haven’t put my hook down since! What started as a fun hobby turned into a lifelong passion. Since 2009, I’ve been lucky enough to publish over 450 patterns, write 12 crochet books (including my Learn How to Crochet book), teach two Craftsy courses, and launch the American Crochet Association. My mission is simple: I want to pass this incredible art to the next generation in even better hands than we found it. Crochet has brought so much joy and purpose to my life, and I love connecting with others who share that same passion.

What would you like readers to know about your crochet journey and/or the patterns / products you create.:
My crochet journey started with a passion for creativity and a need to turn that into something meaningful. Over the years, crochet has been my constant companion—not just as a hobby, but as a way to connect with others, share knowledge, and build something special. I created the American Crochet Association because I wanted to provide a space where everyone—from beginners to seasoned crocheters—could learn, grow, and find the resources they need to succeed.

As for the patterns I create, they’re all about making crochet accessible, fun, and rewarding. I design with the intention of helping people feel confident while creating something they will love (whether they’re working on their first project or honing advanced skills). My patterns are designed to be clear, detailed, and approachable because I want you to enjoy the process, not just the finished product.

Whether you’re learning through my courses or picking up one of my patterns, I hope you feel inspired and excited to see what you can create with yarn, hooks, and a little bit of creativity!

What is the biggest crochet tip you can share?

If I had to share one huge tip for your crochet journey, it would definitely be learning how to identify and count your stitches in both rows and rounds. Sounds basic, right? But trust me, mastering this skill can seriously transform your crochet game!

When you can accurately identify and count the first stitch in each row or round, you’ll catch mistakes before they snowball into bigger issues. My tip is to use a stitch marker to help (yes, even if you’re using basic stitches in row). This will help keep your projects looking neat and your patterns on track.

Practicing this will give you more confidence and consistency in your work, and it makes tackling any pattern a breeze.

Salena, you are a prolific, published author. Which book would you most like for people to know about?

Learn to Crochet in 10 Easy Lessons: All the stitches and techniques you need to know, plus 28 patterns to make right away! After readers complete these 10 essential crochet lessons, they’ll have the confidence and skill to complete any other projects they choose!

Where can people go to find out more about you and your programs?
Go here to learn more about Salena and the American Crochet Association.