Project Versus Process Knitting and Crochet
What Type of Knitter Are You? How to Choose Knitting Projects
Oct 9, 2009
Some crafters are driven by deadlines and the joy of a finished article. Others love to try out new stitches and wallow in beautiful yarns. And, of course, many fall somewhere in between. By understanding their type, the crafter can create the items that they will love and avoid costly errors.
Project Knitting and Crochet
As the name suggest, people who are project-driven like the satisfaction of the finished object. They enjoy holding their completed garment up and the satisfaction of wearing it, or giving it to a grateful recipient.
Process Knitters and Crocheters
These crafters enjoy the process itself, they like the feel of new yarns, the excitement of new stitch techniques, the subtle differences between different types of cast ons or decreases. These are also the people who enjoy the rhythm of creating stitches; the fact that the item grows into something usable is simply a bonus to them.
What Type of Crafter Are You?
Think about the way that you plan and work your knitted and crocheted projects. Do you have half a dozen almost finished projects around the house, just waiting for you to have the time to put them together? If so, you’re probably a process knitter, less motivated by the goal of the finished object.
However, if you never have more than one or two things on the needles or hook, and you always have a specific item in mind when you buy yarn, then you’re probably a project crafter. These people are also happy to make the same pattern many times, with little or no variation.
Of course, few people are all one type or another, but the more a person understands how they gain pleasure from their hobby, the more likely they are to chose the right project.
Items for a Project Knitter or Crocheter
As the satisfaction for these folks comes from the completed item, then the project crafter will enjoy small items, such as hats or baby clothes, or quick items, using thick yarn and large hooks or needles. Unless the crafter is very taken by a particular stitch or pattern, then making simply shaped items in plain stitches will give them a great amount of pleasure.
Items for the Process Knitter or Crocheter
People who fall under this category enjoy learning new techniques and trying out patterns. Many also find that they rhythm of the craft has a calming effect and so these crafters happily take on larger projects, such as Afghans, or more complicated items, relishing the challenge of acquiring additional skills.
It is by understanding one’s type, that costly mistakes can be avoided. Someone who is an avid project knitter is unlikely to enjoy making an Afghan, whereas a process crocheter would be unhappy making ten identical hats for a sports team.
With this knowledge, the crafter can chose their yarn and projects well and gain even further enjoyment from their craft.
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