How do you choose your next crochet and knit project? There are lots of great matrix to consider when you're roaming Raverly looking for your next project. Do you look at the popularity of a design on Ravelry? Do you seek out projects your friends are making? These are both great ways to pick your next project. Here are the 5 factors I consider for choosing my next crochet and knit project.
5 Tips: How To Choose Your Next Crochet and Knit Project:
1. Interesting Shape and Construction
Learning new techniques is big for me. It doesn't necessarily have to be a complete restructuring of crochet and knit processes. However, it helps to have a unique and smart way of using existing stitches and techniques to create something wholly new.
2. Pattern Details
Popularity and photography are not a major factor for me. I don't tend to go with popular designs just because everyone else is making it. And I don't judge the quality of the design based on the photography, knowing the costs of high quality photos. The quality of the photo doesn't give the full picture of the design. Good photos doesn't necessarily equate to quality of the design and the pattern. Having said all that, what is actually photographed is important. The details that are pictured and the information presented up-front in the pattern description is a big must-have. If the hat has an interested stitch pattern, that need to be seem. I don't want to be surprise that there is a cable up one side while expecting all stockinette. Without the option to touch the item, turn it around and see all that it is, having all the information about the design and construction, whether photo or written, is crucial to conveying the details of the design.3. Size Range and Measurements
When I go looking for a design, sometimes having just one size listed is enough. I'm a good crocheter and knitter, I can modify patterns as needed. However, having "one size fit all" is not acceptable for me. There is a slight difference here. For example, a cowl listed as "one size fit all" is fine, but what are the measurements. Just because it will fit all, doesn't mean that it will fit everyone appropriately. Having actually dimensions will better help me to determine if that particular items will fit all of me at the right proportions.4. Pattern Reviews
See what others are saying. What did they like? What did they have trouble with? Was the instructions written clearly or was the technique difficult to understand? Consider all reviews, but be objective. Read any responses the designer might post in response to problems. This will help you to understand how the designer takes care of the people making their designs and give you a better insight into the personality of the designer. So, of course what others say about a design is helpful. But like anything else, reviews need to be taken with a grain of salt.5. Finished Projects Notes and Photo
Sometimes, design photos are not appealing to me. Maybe it's the color of the sample or maybe the yarn choice. Seeing what others have done can be a huge selling point. If the recommended yarn is no longer available or not in my budget, what are others using? Maybe another knitter used handspun instead of a commercially made yarn. I have plenty of handspun, so having seen how that knitter made the design their own individual piece can inspiring. Also, the notes provided by the knitter indicating what they did to adjust the pattern (change the number of cast on stitches, went up or down a needle size, etc) to accommodate their changes is valuable as a starting point to how you might make your own adjustments.Join my email mailing list {The Weekly Yarn}
Bonus Tip #6. Try Before You Buy
The experience of the designer shouldn't matter, just as long as the design is intriguing to you and the instructions are clear. If the designer is brand new to you, don't let that be a deterrent. See if they have published any free patterns or designs in a magazine you have. Take them for a test drive to see if your learning style, the way you best want design instructions to be presented are met. Everyone need to start somewhere, right? Don't discount them because they are new and untested. They could very well be the next design superstarThe bottom line is, go crochet and knit what you feel will speak to you. What will make you happy?
OTHER PATTERNS YOU MIGHT LIKE!
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{Freeport Cardigan} |
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{Candeo Shawl} |
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