What’s Changing for Fat Lady Crochet in 2026 and Why I’m Doing It on Purpose

Let’s talk about 2026, because Fat Lady Crochet is going to look a little different in a good way, a strategic way, and yes… in a “finally protecting my work” kind of way.

I’ve been doing this a long time. I’ve watched the landscape change, I’ve watched piracy explode, and I’ve watched my own designs pop up on Temu, Facebook groups, and random PDFs passed around like a potluck dish nobody asked for.

So next year?
I’m making some changes.

It’s time to gate my work, elevate the experience for real supporters, and shift my energy into teaching, creating, and sharing in ways that feel sustainable.

Here’s what’s coming:

1. Some Patterns Are Retiring Permanently

I’ve created hundreds of designs over the years, and let’s be honest: not all of them need to live forever.

In 2026, I’ll be retiring a selection of older patterns - the ones that have had their moment, run their course, or no longer align with where Fat Lady Crochet is headed.

If you love something that’s been sitting on your wishlist, this is your friendly nudge:
grab it while you still can.

 

2. Premium Patterns Are Getting Bundled & Gated

This is the big shift.

My premium designs, the big, polished, nostalgia-packed, “holy crap how is this crocheted?” patterns, are moving behind gates.

That means:

• They won’t always be available individually
• They’ll be bundled into curated packs
• Access may rotate or be limited
• And yes, some releases will only be available to members or subscribers

Why?
Because this work gets stolen constantly. Bundling and gating gives me a layer of control, helps prevent piracy, and rewards the people who actually support my art.

It also lets me experiment with bigger, more detailed designs without worrying they’ll end up in a bootleg PDF two days later.

3. A Bigger Pivot Toward Video Tutorials

2026 is going to be the year of video-first teaching for me.

I’m pouring more energy into:

• Full walkthroughs
• Technique videos
• Skill-building tutorials
• And special companion videos for select patterns

This means better learning, more accessibility, and more connection between you and me (minus the algorithm drama).

Video lets me teach the way I used to in classrooms but without anyone having to leave their couch.

4. Why These Changes Matter

Let me be blunt: Creators are drowning in theft.
Every stolen PDF, every screenshot, every shady download chips away at a designer’s livelihood. It’s not dramatic, it’s reality.

So if you love the designers you follow please remember:

• Buy directly from the source
• Don’t share PDFs
• Report stolen listings when you see them
• And call out the “it’s just crochet” crowd, because no, it’s not just anything

We deserve to be paid for our work. Full stop.

5. Moving Into 2026 With Intent

This next chapter for Fat Lady Crochet is about protection, sustainability, and joy.

A tighter catalogue.
A gated premium library.
A stronger emphasis on teaching.
And more creative space to make the weird, nostalgic, and utterly delightful designs you actually want.

If you’re here for the ride, thank you.
If you’ve ever bought a pattern instead of hunting for a free bootleg, thank you.
If you report thieves whenever you see them, THANK YOU. You’re the reason small designers survive.

Let’s make 2026 the year we support the art we love loudly, intentionally, and with a hook in hand.