Molla Mills: “Crochet is a way to spread joy”
With its bright colours, checks, stripes and floral patterns, Molla Mills’ Hook Out! is one of those books that instantly brings a smile to your face. For the beloved crochet designer, the book also marks a new creative chapter: it’s the first time Molla has designed crocheted garments. The collection’s 22 patterns include yoke sweaters, trousers, skirts and cardigans — even socks!
We asked Molla to tell us more about the book and her work.
Hi Molla, could you introduce yourself briefly?
“I’m Molla Mills — a crocheter, craft book author and community education student. I live mainly in Helsinki, Finland, but my work has often taken me around the world to teach crochet. Crochet is both my work and my way of life; my days revolve around yarn, ideas and studying. I started my community education studies last autumn, so you can often find me in the library with my nose buried in a book.”
Tell us your story as a crocheter in a nutshell! How did you first pick up a hook – and how quickly did you get hooked?
“I learned to crochet as a little girl, taught by my mother, and the hook has been in my hand ever since. I was instantly captivated once I realised crochet could be used for more than lace — it could be full of colour, shape and my own personal style.”
You have a long career as a designer and have written numerous crochet books. Yet Hook Out! is your first foray into crocheted garments. Why now?
“I used to focus on accessories and home decor, but now I wanted to bring crochet into clothing. The timing felt right, as crochet is having a moment and people want to make their own clothes. For a long time, I thought crocheted garments were stiff and inflexible, but while working on Hook Out! I proved myself wrong — crocheted garments can be perfect for everyday wear.”
What was it like to crochet garments?
“It was like learning to speak a familiar language with a new dialect. With garments, you have to think about movement, shape and fit in a different way. I came to appreciate simple constructions — that’s where true comfort and elegance lie.”
Is there a garment from your book that has become a personal favourite?
“Right now, I wear the Gladys sweater a lot — it has these wonderful batwing sleeves. It goes with so many outfits and is the kind of trusted piece that always looks a little new, depending on the colours you pair it with. The sweater is crocheted from a warm mohair blend — perfect for autumn.”
Your book is full of colour, joy and playfulness. Does that reflect your personality?
“Yes, absolutely! I love colours and contrasts — they’re essential for brightening everyday life. For me, crochet is a way to spread joy, not just to make something beautiful and functional.”
Do you think we’ll ever see a Molla Mills book filled with grey, beige and white crochet projects?
“Maybe one day — if I figure out how to make beige rebellious. But colours are part of who I am; they stay with me, even if the world sometimes turns grey.”
Every pattern in your book is actually a character, with names such as Muriel, Avery and Blanche, and you created a personality and a little backstory for each of them. Which character reflects you the most?
“Definitely Winifred — she’s a bold experimenter who isn’t afraid to stand out. She has the same curiosity and energy that I seek in crochet and in life. Winifred is also very methodical, just like me — although I’m trying to learn a bit of Stella’s airiness and wild spirit.”
The photos in your book are set on tennis courts and in gym halls. Do you do sports as a counterbalance to crochet?
“Movement is very important to me, because crochet involves sitting still for long periods. I go to the gym, cycle and walk a lot — often my best ideas come to me while I’m on the move.”
As a publisher, Laine is best known for its knitting books, and many in our audience may find crochet less familiar. What’s your advice for knitters who’d like to learn to crochet?
“Start small and let the rhythm of crochet take over. The hook moves differently from the needles, but once you find that flow, you won’t want to let go. The stitches can’t escape, and crochet gives you a lot of room for your own style — it’s the perfect way to create something truly unique and personal.”
Text: Maija Kangasluoma
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