What kind of knitter or crocheter are you?

It helps to know your own personal preferences and desires so you don’t fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, or get disappointed in yourself for not finishing projects. It also helps you to select patterns more easily!

I’ve heard that there are two types of knitters (or crocheters, of course):

Product Knitters: These types of folks enjoy knitting, but mainly knit to have the finished object.

Process Knitters: If you really just enjoy the process of knitting more than actually having the finished object, then this is you!

I never could really decide which I was and I think it’s because I’m not really either. I knit and crochet for a mix of reasons. I’ve narrowed it down to these and I encourage you to do the same with your crafting:

1. EASY- I prefer projects that are relatively easy in that I don’t have to follow some complicated chart or whatnot. REASON: I like to be able to talk or watch a movie while knitting, so complicated patterns usually don’t work for me.

2. QUICK- If a project can be finished in under, oh…let’s say 2 weeks (preferably 1), of an hour or two a day or less, then I’m good. REASON: If it takes longer than that, I get bored and end up finishing the project out of a feeling of obligation, rather than joy and excitement.

3. USEFUL- I do like to have a purpose for what I create, so I usually make accessories or any other item I’ll actually use. REASON: I just like to use what I make because it’s a reminder of the hours I spent on it…and thus makes me feel very self-loved!

4. SOMETHING NEW- I like for my project to have something new about it… maybe it’s a new pattern, or a color or yarn I’ve never worked with, etc. REASON: It keeps it exciting and I wonder what it will turn out to be like!

5. SOMETHING TO LEARN- I like to learn a new technique or two. REASON: It adds to my arsenal of tricks for future projects, keeps things exciting and makes me feel pretty darn smart!

So, now that I’ve narrowed down my preferences for a knitting project, it makes it much easier when I’m looking at potential projects.

I figure as long as a project meets 4 or 5 of those criteria, I should enjoy it fairly well or maybe even immensely! If it only meets 1 or 2 or 3, then perhaps I shouldn’t do that project.

For example, I’ve been considering knitting a dress or a sweater lately. This really doesn’t fit #1 or #2, so… chances are, I’ll just buy one. It seems exciting NOW, but I know after I get a few hours into it, I’ll be bored with it and just want the sweater. And when I can buy a cute sweater or dress for $12 brand new at a “used” store…well, there ya go.

So how do you figure out what type of knitter you are?

Here are some helpful tips:

1. EASE: Do you prefer easy, not-much-thinking-required projects, like scarves or hats? Or do you love complex charts and pattern structures, like Estonian lace shawls or cabled sweaters?

2. SPEED: Do you like to finish projects quickly and move onto the next one, or do you savor 100 hours spent on an heirloom wedding shawl?

3. USE: Do you prefer useful items you can use or wear, like fingerless mitts or dishcloths? Or do you like to just knit or crochet for the enjoyment of it, making things you might not “use” frequently, like doilies or amigurumi (cute little creatures and what-not)?

4. NEWNESS: Do you like new patterns, new yarns, etc, or do you enjoy the comfort of familiar patterns and yarns?

5. LEARNING: Do you like to learn new techniques, like new cable designs, lace, working in the round, etc, or you do prefer to stick with what you know?

I’m sure there are more aspects you could comptemplate on, but these should get you started.

So once you know what type of crafter you are, you can much more easily and confidently choose your patterns and yarns, decide on projects and have more fulfillment in your knitting and crocheting experience!

P.S. The picture above is a stealth crochet project I’m working on! Check back to see what it actually is!


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