Are you interested in learning how to crochet or knit but don't know where to start?  Have you crocheted or knitted a scarf and are now wondering what to tackle next?  How do you know what's right for you?  We have been there too and here is our guide on projects and some suggestions for what to try!  

If you are a confident crafter or fast learner, you'll likely progress through the levels faster and can also try skipping levels. 

Level 1: Beginners
For beginners, most projects are oriented towards pieces with right angles and lie flat.  Your stiches are likely going to vary quite a bit and you might also find yourself starting over or undoing as you work through common mistakes.  Stay patient, take breaks and relax into the journey!  

Recommendations:  Coasters, Scarves, Hand-knitting Blankets and Pillows
What to know:  Cast on, Cast off, Chain, Single Crochet (crochet), Knit Stitch (Knit), Perl Stitch (Knit), Yarn over, Slip Stitch
Workshop to help you get there:  Beginner Infinity Scarf (Crochet), Hand knitting a Chunky Blanket (Knit)

Level 2:  Advanced Beginners
The next step is typically to tackle something round with a 3 dimensional shape, known as 'working in the round', such as hats, cozies, gloves or a simple piece of garment.  Working with multiple colors (known as color work) is also a fun variation to add.  Your stitches will become more consistent and automatic at this point.  This may also be the first time that you try to read a pattern and splurge on premium yarn such as hand-dyed colors, wool or cashmere.  You are proud of what you make and gift them to close family and friends!

Recommendations:  Key-Hole Scarf, Beanie Hats, Pet Bed, Fingerless Gloves, Simple Tote Bags, Hair Wrap, Storage Basket, Simple dolls
What to know:  How to Increase and decrease stitches, Perl Stitch (knit), Turn your work, Double Crochet, Half Double Crochet, Magic Circle (crochet), Working in the Round, Combining multiple colors, Joining Pieces, Reading patterns
Workshop to help you get there: Amigurumi crochet, Knitting a Hat with Pom Pom, Crochet a Pet Bed

Level 3:  Intermediate
Project complexity and difficulty increase as patterns become more intricate, number of colors increase and the number of components increase.  Perhaps the requirement for precision and consistency between stitches becomes more strict.  People might ask "where did you get that hat / sweater / bag?" as your work takes on a more polished look.  You may start to experiment with modifying patterns to suit your own aesthetic and preferences.  Your speed will increase and maybe you will start to sell your items on Etsy or a local craft fair.  

Recommendations:  Granny Squares (crochet), Sweater Vest, Amigurumi  stuffed animals and dolls (crocheted)
What to know: Rib Stitch, Seeded Stitch (knit), Stockinette Stitch (knit), Counting stitches, Pick up stitches, Problem solving 
Workshop to help you get there:  Granny Squares and Totes

Level 4:  Advanced
Projects at this level tend to be much larger and intricate.  You are very confident in planning and making your own projects without the need of a pattern, although you may still use patterns for reference.  You can pull different parts from multiple patterns to create your own design.  You might share or sell your patterns.  You can reverse engineer a pattern simply by looking at the finished project.  Friends and family want to learn from you!  Perhaps you would teach at a local craft store or explore how to spin your own yarn! 

We'd love to see what you make. 

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