Tackling Unfinished Crochet Objects: Organizing and Setting Goals for 2025
Welcome to the first Secret Yarnery podcast of 2025! It's a brand-new year, and I’m thrilled to jumpstart the organization journey. This year feels different—I’m prepared, motivated, and ready to tackle not only life but also my ever-growing pile of unfinished crochet objects (UFOs). Let’s dive straight into sorting, organizing, and setting goals to make our crochet spaces a joy to work in.
What Are UFOs (Unfinished Crochet Objects)?
If you’re new to the term, UFOs are those projects we started with enthusiasm but never quite finished. They’re a staple of every crocheter’s journey. It's easy to get carried away by new ideas or sidetracked by life, leaving behind a pile of half-started projects.
The catch? Over time, these UFO piles can feel overwhelming, almost like a mountain. That’s why kicking off the year with an organized approach helps us reconnect with what we love: crochet.
UFOs vs. WIPs: What’s the Difference?
First, let’s clarify the distinction between UFOs and Works-In-Progress (WIPs). A WIP is an active project you’re currently working on. UFOs, on the other hand, are projects that were set aside and forgotten—perhaps even for years. It’s like the difference between a book you’re actively reading and one that’s gathering dust on your shelf.
For my stash, I categorize these based on whether I’ve stopped working on them entirely or if there’s still hope for completion. For instance, my unfinished "pressed flower granny squares" feel like lifetime UFOs, while some granny square-based designs are technically still WIPs because I revisit them often.
Start by Gathering All Your UFOs in One Place
Here’s step one: gather every single UFO. Yes, even the projects you’ve conveniently “forgotten” in the back of your closet. Lay it all out and marvel (or cringe) at the abundance of creativity that once sparked joy.
I found not just one, but two cupboards filled with UFOs—everything from small zipper bags to shelf-stuffing projects. My guess was that I had 70, but after counting (you’ll find out below), I realized I wasn’t even close.
Why January Is Perfect for UFO Organization
January is a time for renewal—a fresh start. It’s when many of us feel inspired to set goals for the year ahead. For me, this extends beyond my personal life to reorganizing my home and repurposing every space, including my crochet supplies.
Even if you’re not a fan of resolutions (same here—they feel like set-ups for failure), setting small, achievable goals feels uplifting. Goals channel your energy into something tangible. And frankly, nothing feels better than a tidy, thoughtful crochet space where you actually want to create.
For some ideas on staying organized throughout the year, the Crochet Life & Productivity Planner 2025 is an excellent tool to track projects and manage your crochet goals.
Sorting Your UFO Pile: What Stays and What Goes?
Now, it’s time for the fun (and sometimes tough) part—sorting. I sorted my mountain of UFOs into three main categories:
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Keep and Finish: These are projects that spark joy or have clear potential. Examples include my Northern Diamond Blanket and my pressed flower granny squares. Yes, these are “lifetime” UFOs, but they’re staying.
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Frog for Yarn: Some projects no longer resonate with me, but the yarn is worth reclaiming. For instance, I decided to frog my unused gelato shawl because while the design is lovely, I want to use the yarn for something else.
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Toss or Donate: Projects that don’t excite me anymore or don’t have usable yarn go in this pile. This includes my once-beloved "Frank the Blanket," which had run its course.
Questions to ask yourself during sorting:
- Does this project still resonate with me?
- Am I excited to finish it?
- Is the yarn or design worth saving?
Joy-Filled Rediscoveries in My Pile
One of the unexpected joys of organizing UFOs is rediscovering hidden gems. I found my half-completed mushroom tissue box cover and a stunning "cakes alpaca" project with a stitch pattern I couldn’t stop admiring. These little moments of excitement remind me why I started crocheting in the first place.
Speaking of joy, check out my thoughts on yarn organization tips to make your creative space a functional haven.
Tips for Keeping UFOs Organized Moving Forward
Once you’ve sorted your UFOs, it’s time to create a storage system that works. Here’s what I recommend:
- Use zipper bags with notes detailing the yarn type, hook size, and pattern.
- Dedicate bins for specific themes, like Christmas projects or long-term blankets.
- Label everything! Knowing what’s in each bag saves so much time.
I’m also setting up a specific cupboard for seasonal projects. For instance, my Christmas-themed granny square table runner and holiday tissue box cover now have a dedicated space. These small organizational hacks make a world of difference in keeping UFOs manageable.
My Final UFO Count
So, how many UFOs did I have? A whopping 54! That’s right—54 unfinished crochet objects were scattered across my shelves, bags, and cupboards. I managed to empty 19 bags by organizing, frogging, or letting go of projects. Progress feels good!
Conclusion: Plan for the New Year
Sorting through my UFOs felt overwhelming at first, but by breaking it into steps, I reclaimed my creativity and focus. Now, my crochet area feels lighter and more intentional.
How many UFOs do you have? Take stock, get organized, and rediscover the projects that bring you joy. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out Top Tips for Better Crochet for ways to stay motivated all year. Let’s make 2025 the year of finished projects!
Happy crocheting!
FAQ: Unfinished Crochet Objects (UFOs)
Q: What are UFOs in crochet?
UFOs, or Unfinished Crochet Objects, are crochet projects that were started but never completed. They often sit abandoned due to distractions, new projects, or loss of interest.
Q: How do UFOs differ from WIPs?
WIPs (Works In Progress) are active projects you're currently working on, while UFOs are crochet projects set aside and forgotten, sometimes for years.
Q: How should I start organizing my UFOs?
Begin by gathering all your UFOs in one place. Lay them out to see your total inventory and start sorting them based on their potential to finish, frog (unravel), or discard.
Q: What should I consider when deciding to keep or frog a UFO?
Ask yourself:
- Does this project still bring me joy?
- Am I motivated to finish it?
- Is the yarn or design worth saving?
Q: What’s the best way to organize UFOs moving forward?
- Use labeled zipper bags to store UFOs with notes on hook size, yarn type, and pattern details.
- Dedicate bins for specific themes, like seasonal or long-term projects.
- Keep UFOs in an easily accessible area to revisit them more regularly.
Q: How can I stay motivated to finish UFOs?
Set small, achievable goals for tackling UFOs. For example, aim to finish one project per month. The sense of accomplishment can inspire you to keep going.
Q: What tools or resources can help me stay organized?
Consider tools like the Crochet Life & Productivity Planner 2025 to track your projects, manage time, and stay on top of crochet goals.
Q: How do I repurpose yarn from frogged projects?
Carefully unravel the project, wind the yarn into neat balls, and store them labeled by weight and type. You can reuse this yarn for future projects.
Q: How often should I revisit my UFO pile?
Set a schedule to review your UFOs quarterly or bi-annually. This helps you stay on top of projects and keeps your crochet space organized.
Q: How do I prevent UFOs from piling up in the future?
- Limit how many projects you take on at once.
- Finish or frog a project before starting something new.
- Regularly assess your interest in current projects—don’t hesitate to let go of ones that no longer excite you.
Christa Patel is a seasoned crochet artist and creative mentor renowned for her expertise in helping crocheters stay organized, productive, and inspired. With years of experience in the craft and a deep passion for transforming chaotic crochet spaces into functional havens, Christa has built a loyal following within the crochet community.
Her journey began with humble roots, where she, like many crocheters, found herself overwhelmed by an ever-expanding collection of unfinished crochet objects (UFOs). Through trial, persistence, and creative planning, she developed practical systems and strategies to manage and complete projects, which she now shares with her audience.
Accomplishments and Impact:
- Founder of "The Secret Yarnery": Christa provides invaluable tips, tutorials, and resources on everything crochet, helping crafters tackle challenges like organizing UFOs and achieving big creative goals.
- Engaging Content Creator: Through her YouTube channel, blog, and social media presence, Christa has inspired thousands worldwide with tutorials, organizational hacks, and relatable insights into the crochet lifestyle.
- Author of Crochet Productivity Resources: Her "Crochet Life & Productivity Planner" is a testament to her commitment to helping crocheters manage their time, projects, and creativity effectively.
- Community Leader: Christa fosters a dynamic community of crocheters who thrive on shared inspiration, projects, and solutions to common crochet struggles.
Christa Patel’s guidance is rooted in hands-on experience and a genuine love for the craft. She bridges the gap between creativity and organization, inspiring crocheters to rediscover joy and fulfillment in their unfinished projects. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter, her approachable and practical advice is a staple for anyone looking to grow in the craft of crochet.
Her mantra? Stay organized, stay inspired, and most importantly—keep crocheting with joy!