Taking a break is good—but not before you get organized with your knitting projects

As an entrepreneur with a home office, I often find myself working at all hours. But during family holidays, I make a point to take a near-complete break from work—especially from email. It’s refreshing, but let’s be honest–returning to an overflowing inbox and the wait, where was I? feeling can be overwhelming.

To avoid this, I’ve committed to using a fabulous planner that helps me visualize my goals, break them into actionable steps, and stay on track. This planner got me thinking—why not use a similar system for knitting projects?

Knitting is supposed to be happy and relaxing – a joy, not a source of frustration. But when you’ve got multiple sweaters on needles, or you’re putting a project into hibernation, it’s easy to forget the crucial details.  

Why You Should Track Your Knitting Projects

If you’ve ever set a project aside and later wondered, What size was I making? or What needle size did I use? or just Where in the heck was I??? —you’re not alone. Here are the key things you’ll want to track to ensure smooth knitting, even after a break:

1. What Size You’re Making

Yes, I would like to think that I could remember which size I’ve chosen to make, but the truth is that I cannot. I usually vacillate between two sizes for any given pattern, and I might be making one size in one sweater a different size in the other.  I can certainly print out the pattern and circle the size I’m making and the numbers associated with that size, which I totally recommend you do too, but sometimes I’m working from a book that I don’t want to write in. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

2. Changes You’ve Made to the Pattern

 I am often changing patterns to fit me.  Sometimes I want a little extra length, sometimes a little less length.  On set-in sleeve sweaters, I usually need a little deeper armhole, which means I need a little taller sleeve cap.  Trust me when I tell you that it’s SO easy to forget the sleeve cap changes unless you’ve planned them ahead a the start of your project and clearly identified exactly how you will get that extra height. You may think you’re not at the point where you’re changing patterns, but you’d be surprised how readily you can make small but significant changes if you plan it out ahead.

3. How Many Skeins You Have

You might assume you bought enough yarn, but gauge variations can affect yardage. By the time you finish the back of your sweater, you’ll know whether you need more yarn. Tracking your skein count early makes it easier to order more in the same dye lot if needed.

4. Needle Size You’re Using

Although I have at least four sets of interchangeable needles and dozens of fixed circulars in various sizes, I am forever borrowing a needle from an existing project.   I always think I’ll remember what size needle I was using, but I don't.  Just write it down.

5. Your Exact Progress Before a Break

Before putting a project in hibernation, take a moment to jot down exactly where you are. For instance:

“Completed 4 of 6 every 4th row armhole shapings. Worked 2 rows. Need to work 1 RS row and 1 WS row, then begin 5th shaping.”

Clear notes like this can save you hours of confusion later.

6. Whatever else you need to know along the way

Lots of knitters track their projects row by row with detailed notes on what kind of decreases or increases they're doing, how many stitches from the edge they're doing them, and other things they know to do but aren't explicitly stated in the pattern.  

Bonus Tip: Make Organization Part of Your Knitting Joy

Staying organized doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Think of it as a way to care for your future self. By tracking these small details, you can return to your knitting projects with confidence and joy, even after a long break.

Take a moment today to create a simple system—whether it’s a pretty notebook tucked into your project bag, or a digital app of some sort.  It’s a small habit that can make a big difference. You can even note your daily gratitude in there too. Make it your own, and enjoy the journey.

Warmly,

Ellen