Are you a planner? If you are, then you and I understand each other. If you are not, there will be ideas that I’m sure would be of value to you. When you decide to start a crochet project, having a game plan can help. It helps in keeping things from being overwhelming and having you focused on the task at hand.

Step 1: Pick your project

The first step in planning your crochet project might seem obvious but this is where you can get overwhelmed.

Picking the type of project before choosing the pattern is more helpful and not let things get overwhelming. There are so many cool and lovely patterns out there and you get stuck on starting because you don’t know which one to start first.

So, narrow things down first and choose the type of project you want to crochet.

Will it be a hat, scarf, clothes, blanket, etc? The season you are currently in can help you narrow things down. If it’s winter time, a hat, scarf, or gloves will do.

Or perhaps you are making a gift for a special occasion. If it’s for a baby shower, baby clothes or a blanket will do.

You get the idea. Start with the type of project you want to do first and then the real fun begins.

Step 2: Choose the pattern

Now that you know what type of project you want to do, you need a pattern to help you create the project. This can be really fun because you can go on websites and Pinterest to see which to pattern to follow. There are a lot of patterns out there that caters to various styles. You’ll find one that fits your style or the style of the person that will receive this awesome gift.

Or, if you know the basics of how certain types of projects created, you can forgo finding a pattern and make your own. Let your imagination go wild!

Depending on the type of project you are doing, how much time you put in any given day, and how fast you crochet, it can take an hour to weeks.

There are hats that you can do in an hour and there are blankets that you can make for a queen-sized bed can take weeks. If you are in a time crunch, choose a project that you know that you can meet within the time frame that you have to finish a project.

If you find a pattern that you want to make but won’t be able to finish it within a certain time frame, save it for your next project or for when you have ample time to do it.

Step 3: Gather the supplies

The next step after choosing your crochet project and pattern, you need to gather your supplies, or notions, together including the yarn.

Most patterns will tell you exactly what you will need to make that pattern including the yarn that was used to create the project. I’m a firm believer that you don’t have to use the same yarn that the pattern calls for as long as you use the same weight.

If a pattern uses a yarn that’s super bulky, but you either can’t find that particular yarn or you want to use a different color, then choose a yarn that’s super bulky. To use a different weight will change the dimensions of the project. Stick with the same weight class.

If you are creating your own pattern or you want to build your crochet “toolbox”, check out my post on the 7 Must-Have Tools to Start Crocheting. It lists the tools/notions you should have in your “toolbox” as it will make the project flow smoothly. Also, check out my post on the Top 7 Items to Have on Any Crocheter’s Wish List. These items are not a must but they are really nice to have.

Now, it can be tempting to want to get all of these tools at once, but don’t feel that you have to buy it all at once. Believe me, I know. Just build up as you go along your crochet journey. I mean, you can if you want to, but you don’t have to.

Step 4: Start crocheting

Okay, you know what you want to do and you gathered your supplies, all you need to do is follow the pattern and start crocheting! If you’re a beginner and don’t like that you’re not a fast crocheter, don’t fret. Speed will come as you crochet more and more. Just keep crocheting!

Some patterns will call for you to do a gauge before you start following the pattern. Gauges are extremely helpful which fitting is important.

If you are creating a sweater, the fitting of the finished project has to be on point if it is to fit the wearer properly. You might have a tighter tension or a looser tension than the person who created the pattern so you would need to adjust on how you will proceed (usually accomplished with using a different hook size).

But, you won’t know that unless you do the gauge first. It is heartbreaking to find out that it won’t fit when you are done with the project.

If you haven’t noticed this before, crocheting can be a relaxing way to pass the time and a stress reliever as I noted in my first post, Top 5 Reasons to Start Crocheting. Have fun and enjoy the process of creating something out of yarn!

Step 5: Finish the project

Once you are done crocheting, it’s time to finish it up. I like to block my finished projects to help relax the yarn, gives the project its shape, and set the stitches. When you look at the finished project, you might see that the edges are not completing straight or that the yarn is stiff.

Blocking can take care of all of those issues. You can either use a blocking mat with pins or use a steamer/iron.

If you like to learn more about blocking, click on over to How to Finish Up Your Project.

Congratulations! You’ve finished your project! Doesn’t it feel awesome to have created something out of yarn? I know when I finish a project, I have a feeling of a sense of accomplishment. I’m proud of myself… and why not?

Comment below and let me know if this checklist helps in starting your projects. Do you have any tips that should be added to this checklist?

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