4 Limiting Beliefs That Are Holding You Back from Starting Your Dream Knitting or Crochet Project

You know what?

There’s a whole lot of misinformation in the crafting world, especially when it comes to starting a big knitting or crochet project—something that truly excites you.

Before I learned how to actually follow through on those dream projects (you know the ones—you buy the perfect yarn and then... freeze), I tried every guide and pattern I could find.

Expert #1 would say “just swatch and cast on,” and expert #2 would insist I had to find the perfect pattern and the exact yarn weight.

Many people think that “you have to wait for the right time” is the best way to avoid failure because you’ll be more prepared. In life as well as in stitching.

Others believe they need to be more skilled, more patient, or more experienced, which makes it harder to just begin.

I learned that the truth is this: every big project starts exactly the same way—with a single stitch. A single step.

You absolutely should NOT wait for the stars to align or your confidence to magically appear!

I struggled with analysis paralysis, fear of messing up expensive yarn, and thinking I didn’t “deserve” to work with beautiful fibers until I was more advanced. Who am I kidding, I still struggle with this :)!

Once I finally just cast on with curiosity instead of perfectionism, everything changed. I gave myself permission to make mistakes, and it felt freeing.

You can do it too!

Read on for some sneaky limiting beliefs that may be holding you back from casting on, and how to turn them into your creative superpowers.

Limiting Belief #1: I Need to Be a Better Knitter or Crocheter First

If you’re used to telling yourself “I’m not good enough yet,” this one probably rings true.

How to turn it into your superpower

Challenge that thought! There’s no rulebook that says you have to reach a certain skill level before enjoying beautiful yarn or ambitious patterns.

Ask yourself: what does “better” really mean to you? More even tension? Memorizing lace charts? None of those things actually matter when you're crafting for joy.

What would it be like to embrace the learning process as part of the project? To celebrate your progress instead of chasing perfection?

Limiting Belief #2: I Have to Finish Other Projects First

“I’ll start that cardigan as soon as I finish my WIP bag/basket/closet.”

Sound familiar?

We all want to be “responsible crafters,” but if you’ve been putting off a dream project for months (or years), it’s time to check in with your priorities.

Are you really waiting for more time, or are you afraid of starting something you really care about?

Sometimes the things that scare us most are the ones we care about the most—and that’s okay.

How to turn it into your superpower

1. Give yourself permission to be multi-project minded. Starting something new doesn’t mean abandoning old work. Sometimes it does, and that's OK too. If it doesn't bring you joy, frog it!

2. Set boundaries: try the “two project rule” or create a start date for your dream project—even if others are still in progress.

3. Reframe it: starting something meaningful can reignite your crafting joy and give you energy to finish those older WIPs too.

   
   

Limiting Belief #3: I’ll Mess It Up

How many times have you looked at that precious hand-dyed yarn and thought, “I can’t use it—I’ll ruin it”?

You’re not alone. This belief stems from fear of waste and fear of failure.

But here's the thing—yarn is meant to be used, not hoarded.

How to turn it into your superpower

Think of another time you tried something new in your craft—maybe cables, colorwork, or socks. You might’ve made mistakes, but you learned and improved.

Try these baby steps:

• Use your special yarn for a small project first (like a cowl or hat) to build confidence.

• Practice new techniques on scrap yarn, then return to the real thing.

  
  

Limiting Belief #4: I Don’t Have Time

“I want to, but life is just too busy.”

If you believe you’re too swamped to cast on, you’ll always find reasons not to. Saying you don’t have time often means it’s not feeling like a priority.

The truth is, knitting or crocheting doesn’t require hours at a stretch—it just needs a few intentional moments.

How to turn it into a superpower

You don’t need a whole afternoon. You just need 10–15 minutes to start a swatch or choose your yarn.

Try this:

1. Keep a small project in a visible, easy-access place.

2. Set a 10-minute “craft break” during your day to cast on or do a row.

3. Combine it with a habit you already love—like morning coffee or your favorite show.

   
   

Those small stitches add up, and soon enough, your dream project is taking shape.

You’re making great progress!

It’s time to flip your limiting beliefs into empowering truths. If you find yourself stalling on that project you really want to make, pause and write down the beliefs holding you back.

Then remind yourself: you deserve to create with joy. Your yarn is waiting.

Will you cast on anyway, even if it’s a little scary? Yes, you will. 💛