Matt Spiers
Digital Assistant, Gathered
Matt Spiers is a crochet artist and designer who has been overseeing Gathered's crochet section since it's launch. He previously worked as Digital Assistant for Simply Crochet magazine and is our in house video editing pro. What started as a hobby a decade ago led to Matt developing a passion (and then a career) with crochet. As well as still regularly writing and designing for Simply Crochet magazine, Matt is a crochet artist in his own right, having displayed and created crochet installations at festivals and fibre events across the UK.
Recent articles by Matt Spiers
Save time with the best knitting machines to buy in 2025
Let technology take your stitches to the next level with a knitting machine!
The best crochet dress patterns, including that Taylor Swift dress!
From everyday style to special occasions, you’re guaranteed to impress with these amazing crochet dress patterns.
40+ beginner crochet projects
Whether you're a complete crochet beginner or are looking to start your first crochet project, you'll find loads of inspiration in our list of easy crochet projects!
35+ patterns of amigurumi crochet animals
From cats and dogs to owls and otters, you'll find plenty of crochet animals to make with the help of these 30+ crochet animal patterns!
20 free crochet coaster patterns to try today
Protect your surfaces from spills with these stylish crochet coasters!
Crochet bag patterns for every occasion
Hook up the ultimate accessory with these free crochet bag patterns!
Sewing shop
23 best crochet kits in 2025 for beginners & pros
From crochet kits for beginners to entertaining projects for experienced crocheters, everybody loves a fun crochet kit!
20 of the best mosaic crochet patterns
Discover another level of amazing crochet designs with these mosaic crochet patterns.
How to do Irish Crochet
Learn some basic techniques of how to Irish Crochet and get creative with textured motifs!
10 free granny square blanket patterns
You can’t beat a granny square blanket for a classic crochet project. Here’s 10 free crochet patterns to inspire your next make!
40 things to make with a granny square
Not sure what to do with granny squares? Then check out our favourite granny square projects – from cosy footwear to vintage kitchen chic.
Pinch pot ideas and techniques
Get stuck into sculptural ceramic hand building with our pinch pot technique and collection of pinch pot ideas.
Capture nature with the latest craft trend – crochet flower granny squares!
Take inspiration from beautiful blooms with these fabulous flower granny square patterns.
Knitting vs crochet: What's the difference and which is easier?
Find out what makes knitting and crochet different, discover the pros and cons of each, and choose the right yarn craft for you!
30+ Free Granny Square Patterns
Whether you want to learn how to crochet a Granny Square, or something more challenging, here's our collection of free crochet Granny Square patterns!
Review: A machine that can laser, cut, print, draw and more? That’s the xTool M1 Ultra!
I tested out the new xTool M1 ultra to see if this modular machine really is the ultimate tool for crafters.
Cross stitch shop
How to crochet a triangle
Triangles are a quick and easy shape to crochet, so we're going to show you how to crochet a triangle in two different ways!
21 cyanotype ideas to inspire you this spring!
From ingenious techniques to cyanotype art inspiration, there’s plenty of fun sun print ideas to try!
Aldi just dropped an Easter snack that’s over 80% cheaper than M&S' viral option – will you make the swap?
How to crochet a granny square
Use our step-by-step guide to learn how to make a granny square – even if you've never picked up a crochet hook before!
Top 50+ Free Easter Crochet patterns
From amigurumi egg cosies to beautiful baskets, lambs to bunnies - you'll find loads of inspiration with these free Easter crochet patterns!
How to preserve flowers for wedding memories and home decor
Keep your blooms for much longer with these flower preservation techniques!