Okay, let’s be real. If you knit or crochet, chances are you have a bit of a “situation” going on. Yarn everywhere. Needles or hooks sticking out from random bags. That one half-finished sweater you started, like, two years ago? Yeah, me too.

We all know that feeling – the thrill of casting on or starting a new row in that gorgeous yarn you couldn’t resist. But somewhere between that blissful start and actually finishing, things get a little…messy. Suddenly, there are WIPs everywhere! So, how many unfinished projects are too many? And more importantly, how do we get out of this gloriously chaotic mess? Let’s dive in!

Why Do We Fall Into the WIP Trap?

The Thrill of the New

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t get a rush when they discover that perfect new pattern or stumble upon a yarn so soft and squishy it practically begs to be made into something? There’s an undeniable thrill in starting a fresh project, filled with possibilities and the promise of a beautiful finished piece. New projects are the ultimate siren song for knitters and crocheters!

Shiny Object Syndrome

Okay, admit it – we’re all a little bit guilty of this. We’re working on a lovely shawl, and suddenly a new sock pattern catches our eye. Or we’re halfway through a sweater when that irresistibly colored yarn starts calling our name. Before we know it, we’ve got another WIP on our hands, and the previous one gets pushed aside…at least for a little while.

Fear of Boredom

Sometimes, that one project we were super excited about can start to feel a bit…repetitive. Maybe it’s a big blanket with endless rows of the same stitch, or a complicated lace pattern that tests our focus. We worry about losing interest, and that WIP slowly migrates to the bottom of the project bag.

Avoiding Challenges

Let’s face it: sometimes we hit a snag. A new technique we need to learn, a pattern that’s not as clear as we thought, or a section that just doesn’t seem to turn out right. Instead of tackling the challenge head-on, it’s tempting to start something new and simpler, promising ourselves we’ll get back to the tough project…eventually.

Signs You Have Too Many WIPs

Overwhelmed and Scattered

You know that feeling? You sit down to knit or crochet, excited to make some progress, but as you start digging through your yarn stash, a sense of overwhelm washes over you. There are projects everywhere, and the sheer number starts to feel more stressful than inspiring.

Guilt and Frustration

Those half-finished projects that have been sitting for ages can start to weigh on us. Instead of bringing joy, they become sources of guilt and frustration. We know we should finish them, but the motivation just isn’t there.

Lost Projects

It happens to the best of us. We get so caught up in new projects that older ones get buried. Suddenly, you have no idea where that half-knitted scarf disappeared to, or worse, you’ve completely forgotten about it. Wasted yarn, wasted effort, and a little bit of sadness.

I am also guilty of taking my needles or hooks away from the project without writing down what I was using… and it becomes a great excuse to banish that project to a dark closet.

Decreased Motivation

The paradox of too many WIPs is that the abundance of choice can be paralyzing. With so many unfinished projects staring back at us, it can be hard to get excited about any of them. The motivation to start new things fades, and even picking up a pair of needles or a hook can feel daunting.

Taking Control of Your WIPs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here is how I handle WIP overload…. it usually works amazingly well for me when I get overwhelmed by the number of WIPs I have. Give it a try!

Step 1: The Great WIP Roundup

Gather all those half-finished projects from their hiding spots! You might be surprised by how many you find… and maybe even rediscover that forgotten set of needles or crochet hook. This is an essential step to face the true extent of your WIP collection and start making a plan.

Step 2: Sorting Time – Be Honest With Yourself!

Divide your WIPs into three piles:

• The “Finish It!” Pile: Projects you genuinely want to complete. These ignite a spark of excitement, and you can see yourself wearing or using the finished item.
• The “Maybe Later” Pile: WIPs you’re unsure about. You might still like them, but there’s a nagging doubt or a reason they’ve been put aside.
• The “Let It Go” Pile”: Projects that no longer make your heart sing. It’s time to admit you’ll never finish these.

Step 3: Dealing with the “Let It Go” Pile

This is the toughest part. For each project, ask yourself these questions:

• The Yarn: Can you get more if you ran out? Is it a yarn you still love?
• The Pattern: Did you dislike it (too hard, boring pattern, etc.), or was it just put aside temporarily?
• The Feeling: Does the idea of this project still excite you?

Now, your options:

• Frog and Recycle: If you love the yarn but not the project, rip it out (“frogging”) and save the yarn for something even better.
• Donate: Carefully unwind the yarn for donation if that feels right.
• Trash It: A painful but sometimes necessary step. If the yarn is unusable and the project brings no joy, it’s okay to let it go.

Step 4: Organizing the “Maybe Later” Pile”

These WIPs deserve good storage. Use those cloth bags, label them clearly, and put them aside. They might get a second chance with renewed inspiration.

Step 5: Tackling the “Finish It!” Pile with the WIP Challenge

Let’s get those projects completed! Here’s a variation of the Gideon Method for both knitters and crocheters:

1. Choose Your Warriors: Select 3-5 WIPs from the “Finish It!” pile. Pick a number that motivates you without being overwhelming.
2. The 6-Hour Cycle: Work on one WIP at a time. Set a timer for actual knitting/crochet time (not just time spent with the project in your hands).
3. Rotate and Reward: If you finish a project within the 6-hour cycle – fantastic! If not, it moves to the end of your WIP challenge pile. Grab the next project and start a new cycle.

Important Notes:

• Adjust the Time: If 6 hours is too long or short, change the time limit to suit you.
• This Isn’t Forever: This method is for getting through your backlog. Once done, you can manage your WIP count more easily.
• Challenge Yourself: See if this helps you finally finish those projects you truly want!

The Joy of Finishing

Sense of Accomplishment

There’s something uniquely satisfying about finally finishing a knitting or crochet project. Holding that completed sweater, shawl, or pair of socks – something you created stitch by stitch – brings a deep sense of accomplishment. It’s a testament to your skill, patience, and dedication.

Building Confidence

Each finished piece is a victory. It proves you can overcome challenges, complete what you start, and that your skills are constantly improving. That confidence boost can be the push you need to tackle those more complex patterns or ambitious projects that may have intimidated you before.

Freeing Up Creative Space

Unfinished WIPs can feel like creative weights. Finishing them not only declutters your physical space, but also clears your mental space. Suddenly there’s room to breathe, to imagine, and to get genuinely excited about new ideas and possibilities.

The Gift of Giving

Handmade gifts are truly special. Sharing a cozy blanket you crocheted, or a pair of beautifully knit socks with someone you love is more than just giving a physical item; it’s sharing a piece of yourself, your time, and your talent. Seeing the joy on their faces is its own unique reward.

Final Thoughts on WIPs: It’s Your Craft, Your Joy

It’s a Personal Journey

There’s no magic number when it comes to how many WIPs are the “right” amount. Some creative souls thrive with a little variety, while others love focusing on a single project at a time. The key is finding that balance that keeps you inspired and motivated, not overwhelmed.

Embrace the Process

Knitting and crocheting are more than just the finished items. They’re a source of creative mindfulness and joy. Remember to savor the process – the rhythm of stitches, the feel of yarn through your fingers. The journey can be just as fulfilling as the destination.

Tips for a Fresh Start

We all hit occasional slumps. Here are quick tips to regain your WIP mojo:

• Rotate Projects: If one piece loses its spark, switching to a different WIP can renew interest.
• Mini-Deadlines: Set small goals (“finish this sleeve by the weekend”) for that extra push.

Call to Action

Ready to tame your WIP pile? Dive into that project stash and start the inventory! Choose the strategies that resonate most with you, and remember, the goal is to find the joy in your craft. Whether you have one WIP or a few, let them inspire you, not overwhelm you.

Happy Knitting or Crocheting!
Amanda