How to Choose the Perfect Crochet Pattern When You’re Busy
I’m a busy lady, but I love to crochet in the evenings. This means that I always have a project on my hook, and I often find myself looking for new crochet patterns. Choosing a crochet pattern for your next project might seem easy enough at first. I mean, you just go to the internet, type in a description of the kind of pattern you’re looking for, and choose one…right?
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Choosing a Crochet Pattern When You’re Busy
If you’ve ever gone through that process, you know that it’s possible to search through blog posts, Etsy listings, and Pinterest pins for hours. Many times you either come up empty handed or with a list of projects that will take you years to complete. While it’s amazing that we live in a world where there are so many options, sometimes the massive number of choices can lead to a place of overwhelm and indecision, especially when you’re busy.
I love learning new things, and I have an extensive list of patterns pinned, saved, and bookmarked to try later. Some of them are patterns I could start today, and others would require me to learn a new skill, try a new technique, or would simply require more time than I have available at the moment. Those are the ones I save for when I’m on vacation, or when I have time and mental energy to try new things.
Since over the years I find myself busy more often than not, I’ve come up with a list of questions I ask myself as I’m looking through patterns and listings that help me determine which pattern is the best one for my next project.
Things to ask yourself when you’re busy and choosing a crochet pattern
Question 1: Do I have the correct crochet tools for this pattern?
Crochet patterns always have a section that tells you which tools you’ll need. This information includes hook size and other necessary notions such as stitch markers or yarn needles. Most marketplace listings on platforms like Etsy or Ravelry also include this information. If you’re busy, and you’re trying to select a pattern to get started on quickly, check to see if you already have all of the necessary tools.
Question 2: Do I already have the necessary yarn in my stash?
If you’re looking to get started on a pattern immediately, you’ll also need to already have the necessary yarn in your stash. I actually don’t keep an extensive yarn stash, so I often ask myself an alternate version of this question – “Can I get this yarn in-store today or tomorrow?”. I often look online to see if the appropriate yarn is available for same-day pick-up instead of checking my stash.
Question 3: Do I know all of the stitches and techniques required for this crochet pattern?
I’m a firm believer that any person can learn to crochet anything, but when I’m busy, I don’t always want to learn a new stitch or technique. I always look through the list of stitch abbreviations provided in a pattern to see if I already know all of the necessary skills. I’m willing to branch out and try new things during a busy season if photo or video tutorial support is provided for stitches or techniques that are new to me. This is actually one of the reasons that the Premium PDF version of Measured and Stitched patterns includes photo tutorials!
Handy tip: Look for patterns with photo or video tutorials!
If you want to try a new stitch or technique, look for patterns with photo or video tutorials. Patterns that provide support help you feel confident about techniques that may be new to you, or that you’re still working to master.
Question 4: Will this crochet project keep my interest?
This is a really personal question, and one that’s tough to answer. Each person has their own preferences that determine whether or not a project will keep their interest. Some folks get frustrated when crochet patterns are intricate and require them to constantly do something different, and others can’t stand mindless patterns that are repetitive. No matter what type of pattern you prefer, be sure to ask yourself this question so that you can walk away from patterns that you know have the potential to sit in time out and go un-finished.
Question 5: How long will it take me to complete this crochet project?
If you’re busy, and you’re looking for a project to finish within the week, a throw blanket pattern might not be the best choice. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a project to work on in the evenings that will keep you entertained for a while, you might not want to choose a dishcloth or scarf pattern. Consider how long you have to complete the project or how long you want the project to last when choosing a crochet pattern.
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Question 6: What will I do with the finished item?
Most of the time, I am searching for a crochet pattern with an end result already in mind. I’m either making something specific for my house like a placemat, or I’m making a gift for someone like a baby blanket for a baby shower gift. However, sometimes I’m just looking for something to do, and I’m aimlessly looking through patterns. When I find myself in that situation, I often ask this question in order to make sure the project has purpose when I’m finished.
Crochet Patterns for Busy Women
Here are a few patterns that are easy to follow and perfect for a busy crocheter!
Making the Decision: Choosing the Pattern
So, after thinking through all of these questions, which pattern should you choose? Ultimately, you can’t go wrong. No matter which pattern you choose or which project you start, you’ve made the right decision. These questions are meant to help you think through some common roadblocks you might run into when you’re busy and trying to start a new project. One of the amazing things about crochet is that what you choose to make is completely up to you.
Happy Stitching!
Becky
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