The Comparison Pitfall

The Comparison Pitfall
Spread the love

Do you ever look at another crocheter’s work and instantly feel deflated? Maybe you’re scrolling through Facebook or Instagram, admiring a gorgeous blanket or an intricate shawl, and suddenly that little voice in your head whispers, “I could never make that…”

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. So many crocheters—especially beginners—find themselves stuck in the comparison pitfall. We look at what others are creating and instantly doubt our own abilities. But here’s the thing: crochet isn’t a competition. It’s a journey—and every single one of us is on a different path.

This post will help you shake off comparison, embrace your creativity, and find your crochet confidence again.


The Sneaky Comparison Trap

It can sneak up on anyone. Have you ever:

  • Checked out your Facebook feed and thought, “I’ll never be that good”?

  • Started a project, decided it didn’t look right, and left it sitting in the “naughty corner”?

  • Frogged your work because it didn’t look as perfect as the picture—or as neat as the one Sandra posted online?

  • Dreamed of designing or selling your crochet but stopped yourself because there are already “too many people doing it”?

Yep, I’ve been there too. We all have.

Comparison is so easy, especially when we’re still learning, have limited time to crochet, or are feeling stuck creatively. In fact, it is human nature!!

But here’s the truth: comparison doesn’t build skill—it steals joy.


No Two Crochet Journeys Are the Same

I once heard something that really resonated with me:
No two people are ever at the same place in their crochet journey.

It’s so true! Every crocheter has different experiences, techniques, and time to practice. Even seasoned designers still have things they want to learn.

If you’ve read my Hooking With features, you’ll know how many designers say things like, “I really want to learn Tunisian crochet,” or “I’d love to try mosaic crochet someday.”

So if you catch yourself thinking, “I’ll never be able to do that,” remember—you absolutely can. You might need to learn a new stitch, a new technique, or simply take your time, but it’s all achievable. You’re always capable of growing, learning, and improving.


Crochet at Your Own Pace

One of the most common things I hear is:
“That would take me forever to make!”

But guess what? That’s completely fine. Crochet isn’t about how fast you can finish—it’s about enjoying the process.

We all crochet for different reasons. Yet I’ve never met a crocheter who said they wanted to be the fastest crocheter in the world!

For some, it’s a creative outlet or a way to relax at the end of a long day. For others, it’s a way to make thoughtful gifts that will be cherished for years. Whether you crochet one row a day or three projects a month, you’re still creating something beautiful and meaningful.

There’s no “fast lane” in crochet—only your pace, your progress, and your purpose.


Turning Crochet Dreams into Reality

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking your crochet further—maybe starting a blog, designing patterns, opening an Etsy shop, or sharing tutorials on YouTube—then this is your sign to go for it!

The crochet community is one of the most welcoming, supportive places online. There’s room for every voice, every style, and every maker. You don’t have to compete—you just have to create.

And if you ever need help finding your footing, I’d be more than happy to point you toward resources, groups, and communities where you can learn, connect, and grow. Sometimes, all it takes is a small nudge and a little encouragement to realize how capable you already are.


You Just Do You

So whatever your particular comparison pitfall may be, remember this:

You just do you, because you are awesome.

Your crochet journey is yours alone. Every stitch you make builds skill, confidence, and creativity. Every mistake teaches you something new. Every project—big or small—carries your love and effort.

You don’t need to be the fastest, the neatest, or the most original. You just need to keep going, keep learning, and keep creating with joy.

So pick up your hook and crochet with confidence. You’ve got this.


“Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.”
Keep creating, keep learning, and keep loving the process—because someone out there is looking at yourwork thinking, “I wish I could do that.”


Share the Crochet Confidence

If this post encouraged you, pin it to your Crochet Inspiration board or share it with a friend who might need a little boost of crochet confidence today. Let’s lift each other up and keep spreading the joy of crochet—one stitch (and one kind word) at a time. 💛

Whatever your particular pitfall, just remember

You just do you because you are awesome!

I will leave you with some more wise words from people much wiser than me …

Posted on July 2, 2020