Have you ever started a crochet project with big dreams — maybe a beautiful cardigan or lacy top — only to end up stuffing it half-finished into a project bag? Same.
I’ll admit it: I’ve fallen in love with stunning garment patterns more times than I can count. I buy the pattern, pick out the perfect yarn (sometimes a little too fancy for its own good), and dive in with excitement. But somewhere along the way, things go sideways. The fit looks off, the drape isn’t what I imagined, or the stitches just don’t come together like in the photos.
Sometimes the issue is the pattern — maybe it skips a detail or assumes a skill level I don’t have that day. And sometimes, it’s just me. I lose patience, doubt my skills, and wonder if I’m “bad” at garments. My confession? I’ve left quite a few beautiful pieces unfinished, even after investing time, effort, and yarn I truly loved.
That’s actually one of the reasons I don’t design many garment patterns myself. I admire designers who do — it takes so much precision and testing to make a piece that fits and flatters all body types. For me, I’ve learned that my joy in crochet lives more in pattern design that’s expressive, creative, and forgiving — like filet crochet table runners, curtains, bags, and motifs where I can focus on texture, shape, and storytelling.
But all is not lost! Recently, I finally finished the Bobble Crop Top pattern by Evelyn & Peter for my niece — and it turned out beautifully. It fits her perfectly and might just be the best garment I’ve ever crocheted. That project reminded me that sometimes it just takes the right pattern, the right yarn (Lion Brand Coboo), and the right reason to finish. It was a little victory that restored my confidence and reminded me why I fell in love with crochet in the first place.
And here’s the thing: struggling with a pattern doesn’t make any of us less skilled. Crochet is full of learning curves — and every “failed” project teaches something. I’ve learned how important clear instructions are, how much yarn choice affects results, and that sometimes, it’s perfectly okay to let a project go unfinished. Not everything we start has to end in perfection.
So if you’ve ever felt that sinking feeling — when your project isn’t turning out like you hoped — know that you’re not alone. Even designers have their crochet confessions.
PS. It’s not all lost, though
💬 Your turn: Have you ever invested time and yarn into a pattern that just didn’t work out? Was it the pattern, the yarn, or something else entirely? Share your story in the comments — let’s chat about the lessons behind those “almost finished” projects.
