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How to Overcome Overthinking And Get Out Of Your Own Way

 Stop Overthinking


As an overthinker, I totally understand how easy it is to get stuck in the cycle of indecision. As crocheters and knitters, we often want to dive into projects, but get overwhelmed by all the choices—yarn, colors, patterns, and so much more. It can be incredibly frustrating to want to crochet but find yourself paralyzed by too many options. If you’re like me and have found yourself scrolling endlessly through Pinterest, Etsy, or YouTube without actually starting anything, you're not alone!

Here are a few practical steps I've been using to break free from the overthinking cycle and start creating:

1. Narrow Down Your Color Palette

The first step is often to decide on the colors you want to work with. I know it sounds simple, but trust me—if you're an overthinker, narrowing down your color choices can help tremendously. For example, I love autumnal tones, so I focus on colors in that palette when shopping for yarn. If you're someone who struggles with choosing colors, try picking a few key shades or patterns you love, like rainbow tones, and stick to those.

If you have a yarn stash with lots of colors you don’t love, consider donating or giving away the yarn you know you’ll never use. Create a space for the yarns you adore, whether that’s a dedicated shelf or a bin. If you’re shopping for a project, take photos of the yarns you love and keep them on your phone as a reference. Having that color palette in hand can save you from being distracted by new options at the store or online.

2. Choose the Yarn Fiber and Size You Like

Once you've decided on colors, it’s time to figure out what types of yarn you prefer. The more you know about the fibers you enjoy working with—whether it's wool, cotton, or acrylic—the easier it becomes to choose patterns that align with your preferences. The same goes for yarn size. Knowing whether you love working with bulky yarn or prefer lighter weights helps narrow down your pattern choices.

If you’re on a budget and have to stick with acrylic yarn, that’s totally fine! Just find patterns that work well with acrylic fibers, and don't feel pressured to splurge on fancy yarns. Budget-friendly crochet can still produce beautiful, wearable items!

3. Define the Types of Projects You Love

The next step is to pinpoint the types of projects you truly enjoy making. When I first started crocheting, I made all sorts of things without thinking about how useful they would be. Over time, I’ve realized I prefer wearable crochet—things like sweaters, vests, and scarves—because they actually fit into my lifestyle.

If you’re deep into your crochet journey, take a look through your wardrobe and figure out what's missing. Maybe you have enough vests but could use a few belts or scarves instead. This helps keep you focused on projects that you’ll wear and use, rather than adding to a pile of crocheted items that just sit around.

4. Choose the Right Tutorial Format

Finding the right learning style is key to breaking the cycle of overthinking. Whether you prefer written patterns or video tutorials, knowing how you learn best can drastically reduce your decision fatigue. I personally love video tutorials—seeing the process visually makes it easier for me to understand, especially when verbal instructions don’t quite click.

If you’re someone who struggles with written instructions, don’t be afraid to skip them entirely and focus on YouTube tutorials or blog posts that include step-by-step visuals. There’s no right or wrong way to learn; it’s about finding the format that works for you and sticking with it.

5. Stop Overcomplicating the Process

Overthinking often stems from trying to make everything perfect. As crocheters, we tend to think we need the exact yarn and color the designer used in a pattern. The truth is, you can always swap out colors and yarns based on what you already have or what fits your style better.

One of the biggest breakthroughs for me was learning that I don’t have to follow patterns exactly. As long as I’m using yarns that work well with the pattern’s fiber and construction, I can personalize the piece in my own way. This mindset shift has allowed me to enjoy the process without getting bogged down by perfection.

If you’re struggling to get started on your next crochet project, I hope these tips help you break free from the cycle of overthinking. By narrowing your focus to your favorite colors, yarns, and types of projects, you’ll find that decision fatigue disappears, leaving you with more time to create and enjoy the process!

Watch the YouTube video here!




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