But why can’t I finish? 5 Tips for finishing craft projects.

A recent article in the Washington Post examined data from the popular social crafting platform, Ravelry, to explore the seasonality of crochet projects as well as the types of projects that are most likely to be finished.

Key takeaways include: December is the month most projects are finished; Project creation is at its highest in January; And, it’s no surprise - more complicated, longer projects are the least likely to be completed.

Regular crafters usually have more than one project on the go at a time and plenty of “UFOs”  (Un-Finished Objects) but how do you make sure that these longer, more complicated projects actually get finished?

Here are five tips to help you stay on track, overcome barriers, and successfully get them finished.

1) Set achievable deadlines

Work out smaller steps and set mini-deadlines that will help you see the progress you are making. Be flexible with your deadlines, but try not to let them slip too much.

2) Define an organised craft space

A well-organised, defined space to craft will save time looking for supplies and encourage you to craft more. This can be as simple as putting all the project supplies on a tray next to your favourite chair.

3) Enjoy the journey!

It may sound like a cliché but focusing on the process can beat the overwhelm of big projects. Try committing to a specific amount of time to spend crafting each day. Even doing 15 minutes a day can really help you progress surprisingly quickly. 

Recognising your progress, no matter how small, will boost your confidence and motivate you to keep going. Reviewing and sharing progress pictures with friends or in crafting communities is a great way to find encouragement and feedback to keep you motivated.

4) Embrace Mistakes and Learn from Them

Most of us learn crafts by doing them, so mistakes are inevitable even if you have been crafting for a long time. Don’t let them set you back. Work out what went wrong and try to learn from it. If you’re feeling really fed up with one section can you work on a different part of the make for a while? The good news is - if you are making mistakes, you are probably honing your skills.

5) Connect and collaborate

Connect with fellow crafters, in person or online, through social media, clubs or classes. It will provide you with a strong support system, help you stay accountable and provide valuable insights. 

Get together to chat whilst you work on individual projects or collaborate on a joint project. You could also consider joining a make-along where you all work individually following the same pattern. 

Completing craft projects can require perseverance and dedication, but the sense of accomplishment makes it all worthwhile. 

By setting achievable deadlines, defining a craft space, enjoying the process, embracing mistakes, and connecting with other crafters, you'll be better equipped to navigate the challenges and see your craft projects through to completion.

DMC inspires makers to create and connect more often to fulfil their aspirations and needs. We believe that what we do is more than craft. This article is the first in a series we’ll be posting that explores what needlecraft means to makers and how working with thread and yarn helps them in diverse and sometimes unexpected ways.