By: John Glover (MBA)
You can do hard things. Life is full of surprises and obstacles that are out of your control, and it can be hard to adjust to that. There are times when roadblocks feel impossible to overcome, but it’s important to stay persistent no matter what you are working towards. This is especially true when it comes to crafting and crocheting, because there are times when everything seems to be slipping through your fingers. Perhaps you messed up a stitch and have to start your project over, or maybe you just can’t keep track of your supplies. Sometimes things don’t always go according to plan, but there is a light at the end of the crochet tunnel.
Did you know that at least 45 million Americans know how to crochet? The art of crocheting has gained a lot of popularity over the past few months and years, largely due to social media. Creators on TikTok and Instagram have been making a following by showing off their work and skills, and in turn, this is inspiring newcomers to take on the craft. All of this is to say that it’s very likely that a lot of people have run into the same obstacles as you when it comes to crocheting. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep you on the right track, and to help you stay persistent with the craft. Just because you run into roadblocks on the way, doesn’t mean you should give up something you enjoy.
Stock Up on Supplies
The biggest piece of advice is to make sure you are buying enough of your supplies on the same shopping trip. The worst thing that could happen is you are crocheting something, you run out of yarn, and the store doesn’t have enough in stock. Then what do you do?
Taking accurate measurements of how much yarn your project will need, will help minimize these outstanding costs. It will also help you maximize your time because you don’t have to waste it making extra trips to the store or perhaps starting your project over from scratch. Crocheting doesn’t need to be expensive, so taking the extra step to make sure you have enough yarn can help you make sure you are not wasting supplies, money and time.
Stay Organized
You can really never be too organized when it comes to crafting. Chances are you’ve lost a crochet hook or two during your time as a crocheter, it happens to the best of us. The premier way to make sure you are not losing hooks is to make sure they have a specific home. People lose hooks because they just set them down anywhere and forget.
Keeping a designated bag or box for crochet hooks can make sure your supply does not dwindle. This doesn’t have to be something super extravagant, but it helps you stay organized and is a good reminder of where your supplies are. Making a little effort to keep track of your resources will help you be a more efficient crocheter.
Keep Consistent Tension
Having consistent tension can make or break your project. Tension is really a personal preference, but it can also depend on the project you are working on. Loose tension might look good on some projects while a tight tension looks better on other projects like stuffed animals.
The main thing you want to accomplish is a consistent tension for the project, if you start off with a tight tension keep it tight the full way through to make the work look even and neat. If you lose focus and switch things up, it can lead to a potentially messy-looking project. Crocheting is a tricky craft to learn, and you want to show off your hard work in a positive light. Consistent tension can help you seem like a master crafter.
The biggest piece of advice when crocheting is to have fun and express yourself. It might take some time to perfect your skills, but sometimes it’s about the journey not the destination. Crocheting can help people be more in tune with themselves, giving them purpose and a sense of accomplishment. It’s a craft for anyone and everyone, and is a true outlet for creativity.
“The premier thing about crocheting is that you get out of it, what you put into it. Some people crochet just for fun, or to practice self care, or even to sell their masterpieces in a small business. The more effort you put in to test your skills and try new things, the more opportunities are out there for you to create. There is nothing universal about crafting and that’s what makes it so unique for everybody,” says Corey Pearson, Chief Quilt Artist and Brand Ambassador at Linda’s.
Following these tips can help you be proactive about potential mistakes. You will still face obstacles no matter what, but thinking about these tips can help you stay a little more prepared and can give you a kickstart on your creative journey. What will be the first thing you stitch together?
Published by: Holy Minoza
