How to Make Time for Knitting and Crochet

Do you struggle to find time to knit or crochet?  Have you fallen in love with a pattern that is becoming elusive to complete?  Are you wondering how much time does it take to crochet an item? Many of us have those works in progress (WIPs) lying around the house, just waiting for us to finally finish.  It can be quite a challenge to make time for knitting or crochet when these hobbies are not a priority for us.  Let’s find that time and make the WIP’s a priority, shall we?

Keep reading for ideas on how to save and find that special time for yarn projects…

Make More Time to Knit or Crochet

What are ways to make time for knitting and crochet?

I get the struggle. Maybe you bit off more than you could chew with one knitting pattern, or just never found the right yarn for another. Believe me, I have been there.  As a former software engineer, I have always enjoyed digging into details and planning. One day I came up with a system to help me plan and finish enticing yarn projects.

I call it my ‘secret to success’ and gave it the acronym ‘PSSST’. Pssst….I want to share this secret with you!

The PSSST acronym stands for:

P – Patterns

S – Supplies

S – Stitches

S – Samples

T – Time

The purpose of this article is to help you with the last part: scheduling TIME to work on the projects.  But first I will walk you through the initial 4 pillars of my ‘PSSST’ system to provide time-saving tips for each.

(No time to read this entire post? Check out THIS KNIT AND CROCHET PLANNER that has ALL the help you need to make time for yarn hobbies in your schedule. ) 

Patterns – Choose wisely

You can save yourself a lot of time with knitting or crochet if you choose your patterns well.  Keep in mind your current skill level, stitch expertise, as well as your personal preference for yarn sizes & colors. 

If you are knitting a gift, choose a pattern that you will have time to complete before the gift ‘deadline’.  Gifts, especially, will motivate you to finish your knit or crochet project.  If you are knitting for yourself, choose a pattern that you really want to finish.  You will never make time for ‘so-so’ patterns.    

If you are into classic, farmhouse style, then you may enjoy KNIT PATTERNS and CROCHET PATTERNS in my ETSY SHOP. 

Supplies – Keep knit and crochet supplies handy

Another challenge that will slow down your knit or crochet time is disorganized supplies.  Make sure your inventory of yarn, hooks, needles, etc. is easy to find and well stocked.  You will avoid working on projects if you are missing a critical supply.  It’s a great idea to purchase your favorite yarns in bulk when they’re on sale, then you can grab your go-to yarns at a moment’s notice. 

(If you happen to be looking for yarns, check out my lists of BEST SUMMER YARNS and BEST FALL YARNS)

Try to store your supplies in one easy-to-find place. I repurposed this COMPUTER CABINET TURNED CRAFT CENTER into my personalized escape for crafting. It’s where I store all of my yarn and supplies for easy access:

Stitches – practice knit and crochet stitches

Patterns will slow you down (and you will avoid working on them) if they include stitches that are beyond your skill level.  It’s a good idea to choose a particular stitch you want to learn before starting a pattern with it.   

Practice challenging stitch patterns by watching Youtube videos or referencing your FAVORITE STITCH BOOKS or guides. For instance, check out my FREE GUIDE FOR the 5 BASIC CROCHET STITCHES.

Schedule an hour or so to watch a video or read a reference book on that stitch and take time to practice it with a small swatch. Practicing an unfamiliar knit or crochet stitch will save you time in the long run!

Samples – take time to save time

By far one of the most important ways to save time with knit & crochet projects is to make a gauge sample.  This is a critical way to estimate if your finished project will match the expected finished size, considering which yarn and hook/needle you use.

The good news is that you may not always need to make a gauge sample!  For instance, if you don’t mind what size your finished project will be, you can skip making a gauge sample.  This can apply to dish cloths, towels, small blankets, simple shawls, or coasters. 

However, making a gauge sample is important for wearable items, as you want your finished project to fit the intended person.  It will save you time and headaches.

Finding Time for Knit or Crochet in Your Schedule

How do I find time to knit?  When can I make time to crochet?

The last pillar of my ‘PSSST’ secret system to success is ‘T’ for TIME. 

Couldn’t we all use more hours in the day?  Especially for knitting or crochet projects?

It can be difficult to set aside time for these comforting hobbies.  If we don’t consider them a priority, our WIP’s pile up and get neglected.  How can we change this?

Use a Knit and Crochet Planner

Just like any task that needs to be completed, our hobby tasks should be planned rather than relegated to the “if I have time” category.  Personally, I do all of my scheduling in written planners.  I prefer using pencil and paper to jot down tasks and organize my schedule.  Are you a fan of digital planners?  They provide a modern way to digitally ‘jot down’ all that is important.  Whatever approach you take, consider also scheduling your hobby into these planners.  This will ensure you make more time to knit or crochet. Your hobby deserves a regular spot in your calendar.

• Use an events page to track important birthdays, Baptisms, etc. that you would like to make gifts for
• Track your projects in monthly or weekly planner pages
• Use knit or crochet project planning pages to keep track of details for a particular project
• Use ‘to-do’ lists to keep track of individual tasks that must be completed, or as shopping lists for supplies
• Keep in mind seasonality of projects so that you can schedule them during certain times of the year
• Have an estimate of how long a project will take you.  If you have a general idea of how many hours a particular pattern will take, you will be able to schedule time for it in your planner. 
• Make your projects mobile! Bring them in a project bag wherever you go, sneaking time in waiting rooms, office breaks, playground visits, etc. 
• Replace time-wasting activities with knitting & crochet (avoid scrolling Facebook, internet, silly reality TV shows and work with yarn instead)

I have more time-saving tips and the above-mentioned planning pages in this helpful “KNIT AND CROCHET PROJECTS PLANNER”.  It may be just what you are looking for to organize and plan your yarn projects. You can print out the planning printables and insert them into a 3-ring binder – easy!

Grab it here  =====>

FREE Knit and Crochet Time Estimate Worksheet

Are you interested in a free printable of knit and crochet project time estimates?  I designed this worksheet with average estimates (in hours) for various knitting and crochet projects, such as baby booties, scarves, blankets, etc.  So if you are you wondering “how much time does it take to knit a scarf?”, this time estimates sheet will be a great starting point.

I also include a blank template of this worksheet for you to write your estimates, based on your individual pace.  This will help you plan future projects that are similar.

Get your free printable by subscribing below.  (p.s – it is also included in the “Knit and Crochet Projects Planner”).

Just remember, a knit and/or crochet hobby is worth preserving time for when it brings you joy!