It happens to all of us. You purchase a pattern and get so excited to work on it… only to get stuck. Sometimes you get stuck while you’re working on it, and sometimes you get stuck before you even get started.
Don’t fret! Here’s what to do to get unstuck:
1. Read the entire pattern. Even the notes.
Remember in school when you weren’t supposed to read ahead in the book? Forget that! When reading a pattern, it can be helpful to read the entire pattern (even the notes!) to get an idea of how the overall construction and stitches build the final piece. It’s easier to get to the destination if you know your overall direction versus just your next turn.
2. Trust the pattern.
Ready for some tough love? Sometimes when you’re reading a pattern and something doesn’t make sense, you assume the pattern is incorrect. Chances are that the pattern is right. No matter how skilled you are, remember that the pattern was probably tested and designed that way for a reason. If you follow it step-by-step, it’ll start to make more sense!
3. Google it!
The internet is your friend when it comes to patterns. It’s super fast and you can get all the help you need without leaving your couch. Whether it’s a stitch or technique you’ve never seen before, look it up! Finding an article or YouTube video can introduce you to the general concept and then it’ll be much easier to understand how the technique applies to the pattern.
4. Put it down.
If you’re still stuck, it’s time to put your project down and walk away for a little bit. When you look at something for too long, you overthink it. Once you come back to the pattern with a fresh perspective, it will probably make a lot more sense!
5. Contact the designer.
As a designer, I can tell you – I’m here to help! The last thing I want is for anyone to have a negative experience with any of my patterns, so I do my best to answer questions for anyone stuck on one of my patterns. Also, remember that no one knows the pattern better than the designer so they’ll also make sure you get the RIGHT answer!
6. Get help in person.
Nothing can replace in-person help. Ask the person who taught you how to knit or crochet for some guidance, or take a lesson at your local yarn store. Think of a pattern as buying a recipe, but sometimes you need a full blown cooking class – that’s what a lesson is. A lesson at your local yarn store can provide personalized help from an expert! Regardless of who you find to teach you, someone sitting with you can show you exactly what to do and explain it multiple times in different ways.
If you’ve ever gotten stuck on a pattern, please know that it happens to everyone! Getting stuck means that you are challenging yourself and I promise you will learn something from it – so don’t give up!
I hope these steps are helpful as you work through different patterns and if you happen to be stuck on one of my patterns, please feel free to reach me on my contact page!
You were so incredibly helpful, when I needed help. I want to thank you for that. I’ve done all of your tips, except 6, I don’t know a lot of people who crochet in my area. I was so nervous to ask you for help, especially when it should’ve been so easy to understand. So taking a break and reaching out to you was the best for me.