My motto, and my favorite tip for crocheters and knitters is “Lay It Down and Admire It.”

Crocheting and knitting are more than just hobbies; they are forms of creative expression that can enrich your life. Yet, amid the joy of creating beautiful pieces, it’s easy to become so absorbed in the process that we overlook the importance of mindfulness. That’s where my favorite crochet tip comes in: “Lay it down and admire it.” This simple yet powerful practice can drastically enhance your crocheting experience, helping you create with intent while ensuring your well-being.

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Why I tell everyone to “Lay It Down and Admire It”

Every crocheter has been in the situation where they’ve dedicated hours or even days to a project, only to discover a mistake several rows back. It can be frustrating to realize that your time and effort might have been wasted. This issue often arises because we become so engrossed in the rhythm of our stitches that we forget to engage with our work. By “laying it down and admiring it” often, you not only safeguard against errors but also cultivate a deeper connection to your creative process.

How to “Lay It Down and Admire It”

Lay Your Work Down After Each Row or Round
At the end of every row or round, set your work down. Yes, that’s right, I said every row/every round. Every single one! I know it sounds like a lot, but after a while it will become second nature.
Look At Your Project With Admiration
Admire your work. Before you start checking, judging, second-guessing, or criticizing yourself, just take a look, and tell yourself, “Wow, look what I made! I did this with my own two hands!” (Feel free to ad lib your words of admiration.) Feel appreciation for this wonderful hobby, the beautiful materials we have to choose from, the time to create, and everything else you love about fiber arts.
Notice
Now that you’ve admired your work, now you can take a moment to check it over. Count your stitches and verify that everything looks correct. If you spot an error, be thankful you caught it early! Acknowledge your effort in identifying the mistake—it’s all part of the learning process. Under no circumstances should you say mean things to yourself!

“Laying It Down And Admiring It” Allows You To…

Tune Into Your Body
Take the opportunity to stretch your hands, fingers, wrists, shoulders, and neck. Pay attention to the signals your body is sending, signals most of us routinely ignore. Are your wrists, shoulders, and back comfortable? If not, it might be time to adjust your posture or take a longer break. Make sure you are getting up out of your chair at least once every 30-45 minutes.
Reflect on Your Feelings
How do you feel about your project? Take a moment to enjoy the texture of the yarn, the stitches you’re making, and the process itself. This mindfulness can transform your experience from a mechanical repetition to an enriching artistic journey.
Consider the Recipient
Who is the finished piece for? Think about what you want them to feel when they receive your creation. If you’re working on something for yourself, approach it with the same care and thoughtfulness.
Give Yourself Grace
It’s normal to experience a love/hate relationship with your projects. If you’re struggling and find yourself frustrated, allow yourself to take a step back. Creative processes can be unpredictable. It’s important to give yourself the permission to pause or even abandon a project if it’s no longer bringing you joy. Again, I repeat, under no circumstances should you say mean things to yourself!

Mindfulness in Crocheting and Knitting: The Benefits

Incorporating mindfulness practices into your crocheting and knitting routine can have numerous benefits:

Reduced Stress: Taking breaks allows you to unwind, recharge, and reduce anxiety.
Increased Focus: Regularly checking your work helps you stay engaged and focused.
Enhanced Creativity: Reflecting on your work can inspire new ideas and approaches, leading to more innovative designs.

Betty McKnit meditating on a 6-Day Superstar Blanket — Blanket – Spring Mixers

Final Thoughts

The fiber arts are deeply fulfilling and creative hobbies that thrive on mindfulness and intention. When you routinely practice “Laying it down and admiring it” you nurture not only your projects but also your well-being as a fiber artist. By taking the time to appreciate your work and connect with your body and feelings, you’ll create pieces that resonate with both love and skill.

Embrace this practice in your fiber arts practice, and watch as it transforms your experience. No matter what project you are working on, remember that life is too short to create things you don’t enjoy. So, lay it down and admire—it’s the small moments of appreciation that can lead to the biggest creative breakthroughs.

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Beth McKee Elliott

aka Betty McKnit

Beth McKee Elliott, also known as Betty McKnit, is a crochet and knitting designer, instructor, community leader, and Master Somatic Movement Therapist and Educator. Her signature style, 6-Day Crochet, is showcased in the viral crochet patterns the 6-Day Kid Blanket and 6-Day Star Blanket.

She specializes in Somatic Crochet and Knitting, a mindfulness practice that combines crochet/knitting with body awareness techniques to prevent injury and promote well-being and creativity in crafting.

In addition to being a crochet designer, Beth is a choreographer. She is the creator and director of Small Plates Choreography Festival, Haven Movement Company, and the Dance Maker Podcast.