Let’s face it: there are going to be times where you feel like you are in a crochet rut. It happens to the best of us, including me. There are times when I’m stuck on a project that I can’t figure out or I have no idea what I want to crochet next. If this sounds like you, what do you do? If you have a full-time job like me, you can’t afford to be in a crochet rut as time is precious and you need to use it to crochet as much as possible.
Today I’m going to talk about finding motivation in a crochet rut. Even though you love crochet, I’m sure there are times where you feel very frustrated with it. I know I can sometimes. It’s natural and there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s good to recognize it, though, before it gets to a point where you have gone days without crocheting. Let’s talk about what you can do to find inspiration again.
TRY NEW PATTERNS
Sometimes all you need to get inspired again is a quick one-skein or less project. For those times, here are some great crochet ideas that don’t take up a lot of yarn or time to complete. You might even find a new favorite crochet project!
- Crochet Hats-hats are a great project if you’re looking for something quick and easy that you can finish in a few hours. Not only are they useful, but you can choose from a wide range of colors, too. Here is one of my favorite hat patterns.
- Crochet Cowls-a quick crochet cowl is a great project to make, especially during the cold winter months. However, you can use thinner yarn and make a lightweight cowl for the cool spring/fall nights. Here is one of my favorite cowl patterns.
- Crochet Scarf-you might not think a scarf is a one-skein project, but if you use some lacy stitches, it can be. Here is one of my favorite scarf patterns.
- Crochet Amigurumi-amigurumi is the art of creating stuffed animals using crochet. There are so many different creatures and patterns online to choose from. Here are two of my favorite patterns: Coffee Cup Keychain and WeeBee Doll.
For those of you looking for a larger crochet project, I suggest making a blanket. This is by far one of my favorite things to crochet. There are many designs and patterns out there to try, and the best thing is that you can try so many different color combinations. One of my favorites is this chevron pattern. I’ll also include my Floating Squares Blanket, Cozy Stripe Blanket, and Caron Cake Blanket that I designed, if you’re interested in checking those out as well. That’s the wonderful thing about the Internet. If you search and look hard enough, you’ll find something you like and something that catches your attention.
TRY A NEW YARN FIBER
Maybe all you need to do to help get yourself out of a crochet rut is to try some different yarn. Maybe you’re tired of working with the same yarn all the time. It’s important with yarn to have balance. It’s also vital with crochet to keep changing it up so you’re not just crocheting for the sake of it. You need to get something out of it and be stimulated. Why not try switching it up with a new yarn you never worked with before?
When it comes to choosing yarn, there are so many great options out there. Sometimes all you need to do is get your hands on a new yarn, especially one with a new feel, can get you excited about crocheting again. Here are some of my favorites: Caron Cake, Bernat Softee Baby, and Deborah Norville. Some yarns can be slippery and frustrating to work with, so maybe try a cotton yarn instead. If you’re feeling unmotivated, it’s a good idea to avoid frustration-inducing barriers when possible.
LEARN A NEW STITCH
Sometimes all you need is to learn a new stitch. You may feel like you’re in a crochet rut because you’re not being challenged. You’ve worked on the same projects time and time again, but you might be getting a little bored of it. Instead, try out a new stitch to improve your crochet skills. The more skills you have, the more the world of crochet opens up for you. I HIGHLY recommend Crochet Stitch Dictionary by Sarah Hazel for this purpose. I love looking through this book and becoming inspired.
CROCHET FOR CHARITY
Do you love to crochet, but have run out of people to crochet for? If this sounds like you, why not make something for someone in need? There are so many different charities out there that would love your handmade donated items. Visit your local nursing homes, hospitals, animal shelters, cancer centers, etc. and see what items are on their wish list. Donating to someone in need can feel very good and it makes a difference in someone’s life. That’s a win-win!
Just like a writer getting writers block, a crocheter can sometimes find themselves uninspired and ready to throw down their crochet hooks. If you find yourself getting tired of all of your usual projects, try something new before you give crocheting a break. You may find that simply finding some new crochet ideas can re-spire you and make you want to create again.
Leave me a comment and let me know what you do when you find yourself in a crochet rut. I’d love to hear from you!
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