Different Moments, Different Projects
Making Happens in Real Life
Most knitting and crochet doesn’t happen in long, uninterrupted stretches of time.
Instead, it tends to fit around everything else — a few rows in the evening, a quick round while waiting for the kettle to boil, something easy to work on while chatting or watching a film.
Because of that, different moments often call for different kinds of projects. The piece that works beautifully during a quiet afternoon might not be the one you reach for when you’re tired, travelling, or in company.
Like many makers, I usually have a few projects in progress at the same time, each suited to a slightly different setting.
Different Scenarios Call for Different Projects
Some projects lend themselves naturally to certain situations.
Simple, rhythmic pieces
These are often the ones we reach for in the evenings or when energy is low. Repeating stitches, predictable rows, and familiar techniques make it easy to relax into the motion without needing much concentration.
Small or portable projects
Compact pieces are ideal for travel, waiting rooms, or short pockets of time. They’re easy to pick up, work on briefly, and put away again without losing your place.
More engaging or interesting projects
Some designs benefit from a bit more attention — perhaps a new stitch pattern, shaping, or colourwork. These often suit dedicated making time or craft groups where you can focus more fully.
Long-term, slow-build projects
Some pieces are made in small, manageable sections but are destined to become something substantial — a blanket, a large garment, or a collection of joined motifs. They’re easy to pause mid-row and return to later, and because they aren’t tied to a deadline, they can progress gently in the background over weeks or even months.
Having a mix available means there’s usually something that fits the moment you’re in — whether you have five quiet minutes or a whole evening to yourself.
Why Switching Projects Can Be Beneficial
Moving between projects isn’t necessarily a sign of distraction — it can actually help keep making enjoyable.
A little variety can reduce the fatigue that sometimes comes from repeating the same movement or stitch pattern for long stretches. Returning to a project after working on something else often brings a fresh perspective, and sometimes problems that felt frustrating suddenly feel straightforward again.
Rotating between projects can also help maintain motivation. When progress feels slow on one piece, working on something different — even briefly — can restore momentum.
Permission to Pause (and Adjust)
It’s completely acceptable to put a project down for a while.
Sometimes a pause helps clarify what isn’t quite working — whether that’s the yarn choice, the pattern, or simply the timing. What felt wrong one week might feel perfectly manageable later.
Stepping away doesn’t have to mean abandoning a project entirely. Revisiting with a small adjustment — a different needle or hook size, a colour change, or a revised approach — can often bring new life to something that had stalled. Or it may simply affirm your hunch that this just isn’t the right project for you.
Enjoyment is part of the process, not something that only arrives with the finished object.
Knitting and Crochet — Different Tools for Different Moods
Many makers move between knitting and crochet depending on the situation.
Crochet can be particularly easy to pick up and put down quickly, making it well suited to shorter bursts of time. Knitting often provides a steady, rhythmic flow that can feel very calming during longer, quieter sessions.
Switching between crafts can also help reduce strain from repeating the same hand movements, while keeping skills fresh and varied.
Having both available simply expands the range of projects that might suit any given moment.
What’s in Progress Right Now
At the moment, my own rotation includes a mix of different types of projects:
An easy, textured piece that’s ideal for relaxed evenings — I’m actually making something for myself: a crochet granny stitch cardigan with a little colourwork added in.
A small, portable project that can travel easily — following last week’s Granny Stitch colourwork tutorial, I’ve started putting together a pattern for a set of wrist warmers with little hearts.
A slightly more engaging design that benefits from focused time — a new pattern for a small mosaic knit baby blanket. It takes real concentration.
A long-term, low-pressure project made in small sections — easy to leave mid-row, but gradually growing into something much larger. These mitred squares are destined to become a blanket. They’re wonderfully portable, with a long-term goal.
Each serves a different purpose, and together they make it easier to keep making regularly without forcing any one project to fit every situation.
A Final Thought
Making doesn’t have to be linear. You don’t fail by starting something new while something else sits unfinished. The “right” project is simply the one that fits the moment you’re in right now.
Keeping more than one project on the go isn’t a lack of focus. It’s often a thoughtful, practical way to make sure creativity continues to fit comfortably into everyday life — and remains enjoyable.
FAQ
Is it normal to have multiple knitting or crochet projects at once?
Yes. Many makers rotate between projects depending on time, energy, and setting. Different types of projects suit different situations.
How many projects is too many?
There’s no fixed number. The right amount is whatever feels manageable and enjoyable for you. Some people prefer two projects; others enjoy having several in rotation.
Does switching projects slow progress?
Not necessarily. Moving between projects can prevent fatigue and help maintain motivation, which may actually support long-term progress.
Is it okay to pause a project?
Absolutely. Taking a break can provide clarity. When you return, you may find solutions more easily — or decide on a small adjustment that improves the result.
Should I choose knitting or crochet for portability?
Crochet can be easier to pause mid-row, while knitting often provides a steady rhythm for longer sessions. Both can be portable — it depends on the project size and complexity.
How do I avoid feeling guilty about unfinished projects?
Reframing unfinished projects as “in progress” rather than abandoned can help. Making is a creative process, not a race to completion.
How do you keep track of where you are when you switch back?
Leave yourself a note. A simple scrap of paper, a notebook or in your phone, saying "Row 45, increase next" saves so much time. For crochet, locking stitch markers are invaluable for securing your loop and marking your spot.
Is it okay to unravel a project that has been sitting for years?
Absolutely. If you no longer love it, reclaim the yarn. The time you spent knitting or crocheting it wasn't wasted—it was time spent practicing and enjoying the rhythm. The yarn can go on to become something you love today.