Welcome to my page! I’m Mary, the one-person show behind The Mary Jay.

I first learned how to crochet in college and fell in love with amigurumi. I would make a plushie a day in between schoolwork and gift them to family and friends.

In the fall of 2020, I started sharing my plushies on Tik Tok. Around that time, I was struggling to come to terms with my sexuality and made my first pride bee based on the bisexual pride flag colors in order to help myself feel more okay with who I am. I was terrified to share it, but received so much love from the community and from that little bee, “The Mary Jay” was born.

Soon I was crafting stuffed animals for people all around the world who also wanted a plushie to help themselves (or someone they love) feel more valid, safe, and supported. I especially love making customs and bringing other’s dream plushies to life. During that time, I was also asked to share how I make my plushies and so I did!

In 2022, I started making tutorials on YouTube and after people started asking for the written patterns, I created this blog in order to share my patterns. Designing new plushies and creating crochet patterns have become my new favorite thing. While I do design paid patterns, I remember what it was like when I first started crocheting and how much free crochet patterns helped me explore this new hobby. So I continuously make an effort to design free patterns so that more people can find their love in crocheting. I love creating a range of patterns from easy beginner-friendly crochet patterns to fast crochet makes for those on a time crunch to unique larger pieces that excites the artistic side of crochet. It makes me so happy to see others making their own plushies from my patterns!

I hope my page sparks your creativity and the joy of making your own little yarn friend.