What is a WIP in Crochet?

In the world of crochet, you may well have come across the term ‘WIP,’ and wondered what it means. WIP simply stands for ‘Work in Progress’ and it’s a term used by crocheters to describe projects that are not yet finished, or still ‘in progress’.

This acronym is commonly used in online crochet communities, where crafters share their ongoing work, seek advice, or just chat with fellow crocheters about their creations.

WIPs are a natural part of the crochet process, as many enthusiasts often work on multiple projects at a time. It can be exciting to try new patterns, techniques, or yarn types, leading to several simultaneous works in progress. Additionally, crocheters may set aside a WIP temporarily to focus on a more urgent project or when they face unforeseen challenges that require more time or experience to overcome.

Online platforms, such as social media groups, forums, or craft websites, have turned WIP-sharing into an enjoyable aspect of the crochet community. Sharing WIPs allows for the exchange of ideas, constructive feedback, and encouragement among fellow crafters during their creative journey. It also serves as a platform to gain valuable tips and resources to improve skills and complete WIPs confidently and proudly.

Geo georgie crochet blanket with hook and yarn — *This ‘WIP’ is a Geo Georgie Blanket that has just been started.*

Organizing Your WIPs

Organizing your WIPs not only helps you keep track of what’s on your hook, but also makes it easier to pick up where you left off. This section will discuss various storage solutions and methods for tracking progress.

Storage Solutions

There are several storage options to keep your WIPs organized and tidy:

Project bags: Use separate bags for each project to keep yarn, hooks, and notions together.
Plastic containers: Clear plastic containers or bins can be useful for stacking multiple projects and seeing each project without having to open the container.
Shelves or cubbies: Assign your WIPs to dedicated spaces on shelves or in cubbies to keep them visible and easily accessible.
Yarn bowls or baskets: These help prevent yarn from tangling and keep it away from pets or other potential hazards.

crochet storage — *Think about how you store your WIPs to keep your projects organized*.

Tracking Progress

Tracking the progress of your WIPs ensures that you remember where you left off in each project. A few methods for monitoring progress include:

Row counters: Simple or digital row counters can help keep track of completed rows or pattern repeats.
Stitch markers or clips: Mark your place in a particularly complex pattern or when working with a large or irregularly shaped piece, such as an afghan.
Project notebooks: Maintain a notebook for each project, noting down pattern information, hook sizes, yarn types, and any modifications made along the way. You could either keep this information all in one book or put a slip of paper in with each WIP, listing its key details.
Photos: Snap consistent, dated pictures of your progress, which can be helpful for visualizing changes over time and staying motivated.
Share your progress: Sharing your progress with others, whether on social media, an online forum, or in a local crochet group can also help you keep track of your progress.

Benefits of Multiple WIPs

Although there can of course be drawbacks to having lots of projects on the go at once (more on this below), having several WIPs to choose from can also offer numerous advantages. In this section, we’ll discuss the potential benefits of having multiple WIPs on the go at once.

Reducing Monotony

Working on just one project can become monotonous, especially when dealing with a larger piece that requires repetitive stitches. Having multiple WIPs enables you to switch between projects so you can keep your enthusiasm for crochet alive. For instance, you can:

Switch between color schemes to maintain visual interest.
Vary the stitch patterns and textures to engage your mind and fingers.
Alternate between small and large projects for a change of pace.

Developing Skills

Practicing different techniques and patterns through multiple WIPs is an excellent way to build your crochet skillset. This approach allows you to:

Discover new stitches and techniques, broadening your knowledge.
Improve speed and accuracy by tackling diverse project styles.
Experiment with various yarn types and fibers to better understand their properties.

Managing Deadlines

Having several WIPs can be beneficial when juggling deadlines, such as completing gifts for special occasions or fulfilling custom orders. This strategy helps you:

Break down projects into manageable steps, reducing stress
Work on multiple items simultaneously for improved efficiency
Be prepared for unexpected delays, such as a shortage of yarn

Different WIPs for Different Times and Places

Different projects can be better suited for different situations. Having multiple WIPs to choose from means that you can always have a suitable project to pick up, whatever the situation. For example:

Small WIPs like socks or other small items can be best suited for when your traveling or out-and-about.
Big WIPs like blankets or projects involving multiple yarns can be better to save for when you’re at home.
Easy projects that you know well and require little concentration can be best for when you’re crocheting with others, in a social situation, or even just watching TV.
More complicated projects that require focus and attention are good to save for times when there are little or no distractions.

crochet wips — *Having multiple WIPs on the go means you can always have one ready to pull out for any situation.*

Challenges of Managing Multiple WIPs

Despite the multiple advantages, juggling multiple WIPs can also present various challenges. This section will cover three main obstacles to managing multiple WIPs in crochet: time constraints, staying focused, and space and storage issues.

Time Constraints

One challenge of managing multiple crochet WIPs is finding enough time to work on them all. By dividing your time between the various WIPs, each project progresses more slowly. To tackle this issue, you could:

Create a schedule to designate specific times for each project.
Set deadlines or goals to complete projects by certain dates.
Prioritize projects based on complexity or urgency.

Alternatively, you may have to simply accept that it will take slightly longer to finish projects if you have more than one on the go at once.

Staying Focused

Maintaining focus is essential for completing crochet projects. However, when you have multiple WIPs, it can be difficult to concentrate on one project. To stay focused, you could:

Choose one project to work on for a set period or until a specific milestone is reached.
Keep good notes on each projects setting out where you’re up to in a pattern and what hook size you’re using so that it’s easy to re-start when you pick it up again.
Reduce distractions by creating a dedicated crochet space.
Join crochet groups or communities for motivation and support.

Space and Storage Issues

Managing WIPs can also involve dealing with space and storage concerns. When several projects are in progress, a lack of organization can lead to tangled yarn, misplaced hooks, or lost patterns. You can address space and storage issues by:

Assigning a separate storage container for each project.
Organizing yarn, hooks, and other tools in designated spaces or organizers.
Using project bags to keep small WIPs with them on the go.

Tips for Finishing WIPs

Sometimes the rate at which new projects are started can far exceed that rate at which old ones are completed. This is natural as there are of course so many tempting new projects out there to start. However, at some point you will want to get some WIPs finished off. In this section, we will discuss three key methods for getting your WIPs completed and out of the WIP pile. These are: setting goals, joining a WIP challenge, and creating deadlines. We discuss each of these in more detail below.

Setting Goals

One of the most effective ways to ensure you finish your WIPs is by setting manageable goals. Break your projects down into smaller parts that can be achieved within a reasonable time frame. This helps maintain motivation and keeps you on track. For instance:

Set a daily or weekly stitching goal, such as completing a specific number of rows or blocks.
Allocate a specific number of hours per day or week to work on your WIP.
Focus on one project at a time, allowing you to steadily progress towards completion.

Remember to keep your goals realistic to prevent any unnecessary frustration and you can always reassess them and adjust if needed.

*Set manageable goals to get WIPs like this Morven Blanket completed.*

Joining a WIP Challenge

Joining a WIP challenge can provide additional motivation and support. Many crochet communities hold challenges or events centered around completing WIPs, where participants can share their progress, tips, and encouragement. To participate:

Search for crochet groups or forums online, such as on Facebook, Instagram, or Ravelry.
Check for WIP challenges happening within these groups.
Sign up, share your WIPs, and cheer on your fellow participants.

The shared enthusiasm and accountability from group participation can really help get those WIPs finished off.

*Some WIP challenges provide printables for you to plan and keep track of your progress.*

Creating Deadlines

Setting deadlines is another really effective way to get your WIPs completed. Deadlines give you a tangible end goal to work towards, increasing your determination and focus. When setting deadlines, it is important to:

Choose a specific date for project completion. This could be a holiday, birthday, or personal milestone.
Keep the deadline realistic by allocating sufficient time for completion.
Record your deadline somewhere visible, such as on a calendar or in a project journal, as a constant reminder.

If you have a particularly large project to finish, break it down into smaller chunks and set intermediate deadlines to keep your work on track.

Conclusion: What is a WIP in Crochet?

In crochet, WIP stands for Work In Progress and refers to any project that has been started but not yet completed.

It’s common for crocheters to have several WIPs on the go at any given time. This can present challenges but also many benefits. It’s also important to manage your WIPs so that ultimately they become finished objects and do not remain in the WIP pile forever!

More Crochet Tips and Advice – Plus Two FREE Patterns

Sign up to my email list to receive a monthly newsletter with crochet news, tips and advice, as well as details of new pattern releases and exclusive discounts. Plus, receive TWO FREE PATTERNS when you sign up here today.

What is a WIP in Crochet?