I'm stuck...what now?

What to do when you get stuck in your crafting project?

You finally got started on your next crafting project but then you get stuck! What now?!

I’d sewn half of this project absolutely fine and then this happened three times in a row. Despite after the first time me being extra careful to avoid it. I have no idea what went wrong!

Getting the unpicker out when sewing

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I’ve compiled a list of some of my top tips to try when you get stuck. Feel free to add your own in the comments below. Why not save this post to come back to when you need it in the future.

Search online

There are so many great online resources out there these days. That can be a great place to start when you’re stuck. Search the problem you’re having. Is there a blog post or a video that can help you out?

I was trying to attach my walking foot to my sewing machine the other day for the first time and was grateful to find several videos online of how to do it. It was really straightforward and meant I could carry on with my project.

Ask the community

Whether face-to-face or online I’ve found crafters to be very generous with their advice, happy to help each other out. You may have crafty friends and family you can ask, or staff who work in craft shops. There are also online communities and private groups full of amazing crafters who will be happy to try and help you out.

Ask the brand

If your problem is around a piece of equipment or specific pattern asking the brand may help. Do they have any details on their website or social media accounts that could help? Has someone else made the same thing as you and shared about it?

Face-to-face workshops

If it’s the craft itself (for example, knitting) or a particular technique (e.g. cabling) then face-to-face workshops can be a great way to learn. They will have a cost associated with them, unlike the other ideas I’ve shared. It can be a great help having someone show you there and then and answer your questions.

Kits

Using a kit where you have dedicated instructions and the materials to make something can really help when you’re stuck.

I spent a couple of years, on and off, trying to learn how to crochet. I finally ‘got it’ using a kit. It focused on one stitch which was repeated over and over and by the end of it I could do it! I had the muscle memory in my hands. I was so pleased to have finally cracked it.

Step away

There are time where I’ve found it best to put projects to one side for a while. Maybe for a week or two but sometimes even longer. Coming back to it with fresh eyes, and advice from elsewhere if needed, can make all the difference

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