The 14 Top Crochet Pet Peeves (According to Crocheters!)
These are the 14 top crochet pet peeves straight from the crochet community — the little things that drive us all a tiny bit bonkers. From yarn disasters to frustrating comments, we’re laughing (and maybe crying) our way through the most relatable struggles of being a crocheter!
Today we are talking about something every crocheter has felt deep in their yarn-loving soul… our biggest crochet pet peeves.
You know what I’m talking about — the little things that make us question why we picked up a hook in the first place. The yarn knots, the hook vanishings, the ‘What are you knitting?’ comments… yes, we’re going there.
I asked YOU, my amazing crochet community, to spill the tea on what drives you just a little bit loopy, and wow… you did not hold back!
The 14 Top Crochet Pet Peeves (According to Crocheters!)
I wish I could share every single crochet pet peeve that you all sent in, because honestly, every comment was either hilariously relatable, heartwarming, or made me feel like we’re all in this yarn-filled boat together.
But last I checked, there were over 400 comments — which is both amazing and a little overwhelming (in the best way!). It just goes to show how many of us have shared experiences, big and small, when it comes to this craft we love.
So today, I’ve gathered some of the most mentioned, most liked, and most commented-on pet peeves to share with you — but please know, I read every single comment, and I was nodding, laughing, and sometimes groaning right along with you.
You Should Sell Your Crochet! (The Top Crochet Pet Peeves)
One of the top crochet pet peeves is from @lucieperchellet and it really hit a nerve.
When somebody compliments something I made, and I say “thanks, I made it!” and they say “you should sell those!” It’s just frustrating because it’s not the compliment that they think it is, and they won’t really be able to understand the value of crocheted items if they don’t crochet themselves. Slow crafts like crochet and knitting don’t integrate into “hustle culture,” no matter how much people want them to, and I am personally glad that’s the case.
While there are definitely some people who dream of turning their crochet into a business, the vast majority of people simply want crochet to be their beloved hobby, period.
For most people crochet is our quiet time, our stress reliever and the thing that helps us slow down in a fast-paced world.
Check Out How to Price Amigurumi for Sale Here
The suggestion to “sell those” comes from a good place, but what it unintentionally does is shift the focus from fun to pressure.
Not everyone wants to turn their relaxing craft into a side hustle, worrying about how to price things to sell, deadlines, and customer expectations.
We just want to make beautiful things for ourselves, for gifts and even simply for the joy of making and that is more than enough.
Check Out the Latest Video!
What’s With the Knots?
This next top crochet pet peeve actually came in at numbers 2 and 5. The first is from @georginavlog and she wrote:
Factory knots in yarn!
Did you notice the exclamation point?
@madelinebalmaceda6398 holds the same opinion and added that her biggest crochet pet peeve is, “Finding a joining knot in a (sometimes very expensive) ball of yarn!”
Nothing ruins the excitement of working with a beautiful yarn faster than stumbling across a knot, or worse, multiple knots.
Honestly there should be discounts for every single factory knot in a skein of yarn. And if there’s more than one?
At that point I start thinking, “You know what? This yarn should be free. In fact, you should pay ME to take it off your hands!”.
It’s frustrating because it’s not just about the knot. It’s about the disruption to your project. Personally, I cut the knot out and that leads to having to join the yarn again and then more ends to weave in.
Too Many Crochet WIPs
I could have written this next crochet pet peeve from @katiepacker6493
Getting part way through a project and the lure of the excitement of a new start takes over! I have so many WIP’s!!
It is SOOOOO easy to fall in love with a new crochet project — the colors, the pattern, the fresh excitement of imagining the finished piece. Starting is never the problem.
But finishing? That takes real discipline. It’s not just about getting through the bulk of the crocheting (which is already a commitment of time and patience).
No, you still have to power through the less glamorous tasks: weaving in every single one of those sneaky yarn tails, assembling pieces if it’s amigurumi or a garment, and sometimes even blocking the project to get it looking just right.
And by the time you’re halfway done, you’re already eyeing that next cute pattern or new yarn you just bought, whispering, “just one more cast on won’t hurt.” Before you know it, you’ve got a whole pile of WIPs and you’re feeling completely overwhelmed.
If you are in this particular predicament, I have a FREE resource for you and that’s my workbook: Honey, Get Control of Your WIPs.
I walk you through the entire process to get all of those unfinished projects organized and DONE!
Get Honey, Get Control of Your WIPs Here
The Pain of Loving Fancy Yarn (But Not the Price Tag)
Coming in at number four is from @knitmiller789 and this comment got quite a few thumbs up!
Having champagne taste and a tap water budget. Also trying to buy yarn online is difficult.
I think a lot of people can relate to this one. It can be so hard when you fall for those gorgeous hand-dyed, luxury skeins, but your wallet gently taps you on the shoulder and says, “Nope, not today.”
The good news is that there are more and more incredible yarns available now at budget friendly prices
Big box stores and online retailers are stepping up their game with quality yarns that don’t break the bank. You can create beautiful, gift-worthy projects without spending a fortune.
Will You Crochet That for Me?
If you’ve been crocheting for any length of time you can probably relate to this next crochet pet peeve from @Whenlifegivesyoulemonscrochet:
People admiring your work then ask you to crochet something for them not understanding the amount of work that goes on to every item?
Most people genuinely don’t realize the hours — sometimes days, weeks or even months that go into a single handmade item.
From selecting the perfect yarn, to following the pattern, to every stitch and end woven in, it’s a labor of love. And while it’s flattering when someone admires your work enough to want one for themselves, it can be disheartening when they don’t quite grasp the time, energy, and skill involved.
Check Out 6 Absolutely Adorable Crocheted Baby Blankets Here
Crocheting isn’t just whipping something up real quick — it’s thoughtful, slow, and meaningful. And for many of us, it’s our creative outlet, not a production line.
If you want to make the item for a beloved family member or friend, but keep in mind they likely have no idea of the amount of work you will put into that project.
And you know what, it’s not being rude to politely say no or to quote a fair price (if you want to crochet the piece for them). It’s actually honoring the work and skill we put into every stitch.
You Paid How Much for That Yarn?
The next crochet pet peeve is from @nbrowning90
My pet peeve is yarnies who comment on social media posts judging others for what they have spent on their craft. Everyone has different budgets and priorities when it comes to their craft. Just because one person can’t or won’t spend a certain amount doesn’t mean others shouldn’t. Let people enjoy their hobbies however they choose!
One of the most beautiful things about crochet is that it’s for everyone.
Whether you’re working with luxury hand-dyed yarns or the most budget-friendly acrylic, you’re still creating something from your heart and your hands and that’s what matters. Everyone has different budgets, different priorities, and different reasons for crocheting.
Some find joy in splurging on specialty fibers, and others find equal joy in grabbing a good sale at the craft store and both are perfectly valid!
Center Pull Tab for Yarn (Why is This So Hard?)
This next crochet pet peeve from @MaryBethTola is my personal number one frustration:
Trying to locate the center pull on some yarn skeins. Would it be so hard for the manufacturers to put a tab on the center pull of all yarn? Yarn barf also drives me nuts.
YES!!!
One of my favorite yarn brands, Hobbii, has an “Easy Start” tab on many of their yarns. It makes pulling from the center soooo much easier and there’s never any yarn barf.
Is this such a difficult thing to do? Because I don’t understand why they don’t all have this feature.
Check Out $1 vs $100 Yarn: Is Expensive Yarn Actually Better? Here
By pulling from the inside of the yarn, the skein or cake stays nice and neat. It doesn’t move all around, plus you don’t have to remove the yarn label.
I would love to know from a yarn company’s perspective why they don’t use this feature more and how much would it really add in cost if they were to do it.
Finishing Problems
This next one from @RenaeWhitacre I have a feeling is going to strike a nerve with a lot of us!
Sewing all the pieces of an amigurumi together to finish project. Love crocheting, hate the finishing– sewing, weaving tails, blocking, etc.
Crocheting the pieces is usually fun, relaxing, and satisfying — but then comes the dreaded finishing. Sewing all the pieces together, weaving in every stubborn little tail, and sometimes even blocking?
And yet, it’s unavoidable if you want to have that feeling of accomplishment and actually get to use what you’ve put so much of your time and energy into.
Find the FREE Amigurumi GRANDPA Pattern | + Step-by-Step Tutorial Here
I always say, the reward is worth it… but that doesn’t mean we have to love the process. Honestly, I think every crocheter has had at least one lonely project sitting in a basket, just waiting to be assembled because we can’t quite bring ourselves to do the finishing touches yet.
I have one, that has been sitting in my basket for weeks. It’s from my new pattern Mr. Humphrey. I have made a total of four of these amigurumi dolls and as much as I love him, I haven’t made myself do those last few things to get it done.
It would literally take me less than two hours to finish him. Let’s hold each other accountable to finish that one project that is almost there! Let everyone know in the comment section what your project is and how long it will take you to finish it!
Knitting vs Crochet
The next crochet pet peeve from @daniellea2 is one that I have heard more times than I can count:
Crochet treated as “less than” knitting. Went into my LYS recently and when I said I was a crocheter, the whole demeanor of the person working there changed. She no longer had time for me. Message received. I’ll spend my money elsewhere.
Ugh, this one always stings and sadly, so many crocheters have experienced this exact situation.
The truth is, crochet is just as valid, creative, and skillful as knitting. The amount of artistry, math, technique, and care that goes into crochet is remarkable, and it deserves respect.
Check Out Crochet Vs Knitting: Which Is Best for Absolute Beginners Here
It’s incredibly disheartening when a local yarn shop, a place that should feel like a haven for crocheters, makes someone feel unwelcome because of the tool they choose.
Thankfully there are many local yarn shops that want your business and celebrate the art of crochet, but it can be a challenge to find them. Your time, talent, and money are valuable — and you deserve to spend them somewhere that recognizes that.
Craft Fair Drama
The next comment from @BNaughton12 breaks my heart just a little bit:
When other makers are competitive instead of supportive. I just did my first craft fair a year ago and we had a poor location and poor sales but someone came in, talking on their phone with someone else, and described over the phone how I made a very specific product. It felt a bit like I was getting “scoped out” by the “competition” and I’m just a baby at this! Conversely, the next sale we did was a table at a town wide yard sale. We did amazing and a lady set up next to us with very similar items also did amazing. We chatted about the craft and the things we love about it and some of the funny things we noticed with the people looking at our things. The attitude was so much nicer and the experience so much better
The craft community should be built on encouragement and mutual love for crochet — not competition. It’s especially hard when you’re just starting out and trying to find your place, only to feel like someone is sizing you up instead of cheering you on.
Check Out CHEAP & QUICK Crochet Christmas Projects [People Will ACTUALLY Want] Here
But I love that you also shared the second part of your story because that is what craft fairs and maker communities are meant to be. Makers supporting makers.
Those are the moments that make you want to keep going. There’s plenty of room at the crafting table for all of us, and when we lift each other up, everyone thrives (and usually has way more fun too)!
What Are You Knitting?
I thought this next crochet pet peeve from @emmawilcox9435 was going to be much higher on the list!
When people say ‘What are you knitting?”
Ah yes… the timeless “What are you knitting?”
It’s usually innocent enough, but after the hundredth time, it starts to get under your skin a little, right (especially when it’s your family that you’ve corrected a million times, lol)!
Crochet and knitting are both beautiful crafts, but they are different, and it’s okay to want people to notice the difference.
I always try to take a deep breath, smile, and gently say, “Actually, it’s crochet!” — but inside, I’m thinking, “Do these look like two needles to you?”
Constantly Losing Crochet Hooks
The next comment is one that I relate to soooo much:
Losing crochet hooks constantly especially in couch cushions.
This happens to me ALL. THE. TIME.
It’s like my couch has developed a personal vendetta against my crochet tools.
Crochet hooks? Gone.
Stitch markers? Vanished.
Yarn needles? Don’t even get me started.
I know they’re down there, lurking in the depths of the cushions like little crafting goblins, but every time I reach into that dark, mysterious void, I come up with nothing.
Crochet Check Points
This next comment from @BeckyBravo-w2c got on my last nerve so much so that I finally did something about it:
Crochet patterns that don’t give check-points at the end of the rows, telling you how many stitches you should have.
I could not agree more with this crochet pet peeve. I think every single pattern should tell you at the end of each row and round how many stitches you should have.
Get the FREE Mr. Humphrey Amigurumi Pattern Here
I started adding that to every single one of my patterns. At the end of every line there is a bracket with a number. That nubmer is how many stitches you should have at the end of that round.
Doing this helps the crocheter to know they are on the right track and avoid mistakes along the way. It’s also a gentle reminder to count those stitches!
Crochet on the Go
I feel this next crochet pet peeve from @karenanddan deeply:
Bringing crochet on the go and not having time to do it…. or.. Not Bringing it on the go and then having all the time in the world to work on it.
This is exactly why I eventually stopped bringing crochet projects with me to places like doctor’s appointments or anywhere I think I’m going to have time to sit and crochet.
Every time I pack up my project bag, stitch markers, extra hooks, scissors, and yarn like I’m preparing for a mini crochet retreat… it never happens.
Either I’m called in right away, or the environment is just too chaotic to even get through a foundation chain. And there I am, stuck lugging around all my supplies.
But the real kicker? The very next time I leave my project at home, I find myself with hours of unexpected downtime and nothing to do but scroll my phone and think, “If only I had my crochet with me!”
Crochet Pet Peeve Runners Up
These next three crochet pet peeves didn’t make it into the top 14 but they are some of my personal favorites.
Holding the Crochet Hook Wrong
This one from @juliabrown2769 really gets my goat:
Having other crocheters telling me I’m holding my hook incorrectly.
There is absolutely no right or wrong way to hold a crochet hook — only the way that works for you. Whether you hold it like a knife, a pencil, or some mysterious third way you invented yourself, if it gets the stitches made and feels comfortable, that’s all that matters.
Crochet is meant to be creative and personal, not rigid and rule-bound. The beauty of this craft is that it adapts to you, not the other way around. So to anyone out there worrying if they’re “holding it wrong” — if you’re making stitches, you’re doing it right.
Chasing the Scrap Dragon
I absolutely love the description of this next pet peeve from @monikasturm2575:
Chasing the scrap dragon. When you have half a skein of some obscure yarn that doesn’t go with any other of your scraps so you grab another skein of it to complete another project with it, but then end up with 3/4 of a skein of it so the cycle continues until you have 5 different swamp friends in the same exact green yarn for your grandson and still have half a skein of it.
This makes me chuckle!
I think every crocheter has found themselves in this endless loop — trying to be practical by using up scraps, only to somehow end up with more scraps in the exact same yarn.
Check Out the 10 HARDEST Crochet Stitches Here
Honestly, I think this is how whole collections of matching amigurumi, dishcloths, and random accessories are born — pure scrap dragon chaos. But hey, at least your grandson has an entire crew of swamp-colored friends now!
Knitting is Prettier
The last of the top crochet pet peeves from @territn8871 has me shaking my head in absolute amazement:
My biggest pet peeve is to have someone tell me they think knitting is prettier than crochet knowing full well I am crocheting at the moment.
Oh, bless their heart — they really thought that was a helpful comment, didn’t they?
Look, we all know knitting is beautiful, but so is crochet, and maybe — just maybe — it’s not the best time to bring that up when I’m clearly sitting here crocheting.
Check Out 12 Crochet Shawls You’ll Want to Make Right Now! Here
I just smile, nod, and think to myself, “Well, you clearly haven’t seen what these two hands can do with a hook.“
The 14 Top Crochet Pet Peeves (According to Crocheters!)
And there you have it— the ultimate list of the 14 top crochet pet peeves!
But seriously, isn’t it nice to know we all share the same struggles? Whether it’s yarn barf, hook disappearances, or people calling it knitting… we’re in this tangled mess together.
