Raise your hand if you’ve ever set a crochet goal… and then completely missed it. Maybe you promised yourself you’d finish six blankets for charity, crochet matching hats for your whole family, or finally complete that temperature blanket (don’t even get me started on mine!).
If you’ve been there, I get it. I’ve been there a lot. The truth is, those kinds of goals can create a ton of unnecessary pressure and guilt - and that’s not what crochet is supposed to be about.
Let’s talk about why I think a simple crochet routine can completely change how you feel about your projects.
The Problem With Crochet Goals
When we set crochet goals, they often come from a place of excitement… not experience. We pick an arbitrary number or a deadline that “sounds good,” and then life happens - work, health, family, or just plain old burnout.
Before we know it, we’re behind. We start to feel guilty every time we see that half-finished blanket or unopened yarn haul. And that guilt can drain all the joy out of our fiber time.
I’ve done this to myself so many times - especially around the holidays or the start of a new year. Crochet is supposed to be relaxing, creative, and fun… not another source of stress.
Why a Routine Works Better
A goal is a destination: Finish a temperature blanket.
A routine is a system: Crochet for one hour a night.
See the difference? A goal says, “I’ll be happy when I finish this.” A routine says, “I’ll enjoy doing this every day.”
Routines are flexible. If you have to adjust your schedule, you can. If life throws a curveball - say, you have surgery or a big life change - your system can adapt. You’re still moving forward, just at your own pace.
When I switched to a routine-based mindset, it helped me build habits instead of guilt. And the crazy thing is - I actually finished more projects because I wasn’t constantly starting and stopping out of frustration.
How to Build Your Crochet Routine
If you’re ready to try this, here are a few simple tips that helped me create a crochet routine that works with my life:
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Find your best time.
Maybe it’s 20 quiet minutes in the morning before the house wakes up. Maybe it’s while you watch your favorite show at night. Fit it into your life, don’t force it. -
Start small.
Fifteen minutes a day is enough. Consistency beats intensity every time. You’ll get more done crocheting a little every day than binging for eight hours once a month. -
Keep it accessible.
Have your yarn, hook, scissors, and project bag ready to grab. If you have to hunt for tools, it becomes an obstacle (ask me how I know). -
Pair it with something you love.
Sip your coffee, listen to a podcast, light a candle - make it an experience you look forward to. -
Track it if that helps you.
Some people love checking boxes or adding stickers in their planner. I personally skip this step, but if it motivates you, go for it.
Why You Should Start Now
We’re in the last quarter of the year - and I know how easy it is to say, “I’ll start fresh in January.” But why wait?
If you start now, you can test drive your routine before the new year even starts. You’ll figure out what works and what doesn’t, and by the time January rolls around, you’ll already be in your groove.
Your crochet doesn’t have to follow the calendar. It’s your creative space - and it should feel good year-round.
A Gentle Reminder
Crochet and knitting aren’t races. It’s not about how much you produce, how many blankets you finish, or whether your projects go viral on Instagram. It’s about how you feel when you pick up your yarn.
This is your fiber journey. Go as slow or as fast as you want - just make sure you’re enjoying it.
So tonight, or tomorrow, or whenever you can - start your crochet routine. Don’t wait until January. Find what fits, make it easy, and let it be something you look forward to.
And if you need a little reminder, maybe hit play on one of my videos while you crochet.
Here’s to peaceful stitches, happy yarn, and routines that feel like self-care.
Watch the video HERE!