Crochet Speed, Does it Matter?
Let me start by saying I do not regularly time myself when I crochet or craft of any sort because I do it to relax and enjoy the creative process. This being said, I do see the value of timing yourself if you are going to be selling your items or want to know how long it will take to complete a project with a deadline.
If you are not in the practice of selling items or need to be able to account for time spent for some other reason, I suggest you don’t time yourself and never compare yourself to others who seem to be able to crochet faster than you. Crochet is about the creative process and enjoying what you are making. Afterall if it isn’t fun why do it? Do not put pressure on yourself to compete with others who may for many reasons crochet quickly. Years of practice and skill level are attributed to speed, being able to just know the stitches and how the yarn works up is a learned skill and no one starts off very fast.
I myself, after over 20 years of crocheting, still do not feel I am all too quick but to a person just starting out I am very fast. Remember perspective is everything. If you enjoy a craft, do it for the pure enjoyment of creativity and do not put pressure on yourself to compare to others. Ask yourself, why do I crochet? What is the purpose for me to increase how fast I complete a project? Do I need to rush or is it just for the joy of the art? Am I just trying to compete with others? Once you can answer these questions you can decide if the process of timing is right for you.
I have tested a few timing methods and find that using a stopwatch on my phone with a written log works the best for me as there is no app to download and I can stop and start easily. I begin by starting the timer when I begin to stitch and pause whenever I take a break or get interrupted. All of you parents out there I am sure can relate to the need to address one crisis or another during your me-time. When I decide to stop for the day or need to stop for any length of time, I note my time and row/round count in a notebook. If you are going by stitches, you can use a stitch counter to aid it how many stitches you have completed. I personally prefer the electronic type you put on your finger like a ring and press the button with each stitch or row such as the Susan Bates or Read Heart Digital Row counter. These can be found on Amazon or at your local craft and big box store. I continue this process of time, record repeat until I have an accurate representation of my speed for that project. Remember not all stitches are created equal, and some may take longer than others just because they are more complex.
Digital Row Counter from Hobbi
If you prefer to use an app for your timing I suggest Row Counter – Knit and Crochet by Annapurnapp technologies from the Google app store. It has a place to time and count rows, or stitches and you can have more than one project going at a time. There are also free patterns available on the site to get you started. By using the RC patterns tab or you can access project ideas from the My projects/New Project tab. At this stage you can import projects from Ravelry or by clicking the import from Ravelry link you can search for patterns to upload from a variety of external sources, such as Lovecrafts and Hobbi. You can also add patterns from your device, Dropbox and Google drive. You will also be asked to name your project and select the style you will be working in (knit, crochet, machine or loom).
Once you have the pattern you want to make, a name created and have chosen your stitching style you are ready to begin. You can count your rows or stitches by pressing the plus or minus buttons, use voice control, and start and stop your timer for each project separately. I prefer this app as it is user friendly and very straight forward in functionality.
Always remember that we are all unique and live life at our own speed, the creative process is no different. Never compare yourself to others as there is only one you and for that you should be grateful. Never underestimate or undervalue your skill and individuality.
April - The Pastel Blonde
Disclaimers:Affiliate Disclaimer: All item links may provide me with a small monetary gain from any purchased items. These links are for the sole purpose of providing easy access to the items I have used and in no way is an endorsement of the seller or products they provide.Content Disclaimer: Content is provided for informative purposes only. All opinions and outcomes provided are from my personal experience and beliefs and do not reflect the actual outcome you may experience.