How Many Cross Stitch WIPs are Too Many?

For those who don’t know, WIPs are Works in Progress.

I’ve seen a lot of chatter from stitchers trying to justify their abundance of purchases.

Honestly, there are so many patterns. How can one not be tempted by the addition of a new start?

However, how many is TOO many?

Like with any hobby, it’s not a crime to have a large quantity of stash. In contrast, when your beloved pastime starts turning into an addiction there might be a problem.

Are You a Serial Starter?

Do you have shiny object syndrome? Do you get a rush from starting a new pattern? We’ve all been there…

Having too many patterns kitted up with a hoard of works in progress.

As long as you aren’t hurting anyone who cares? It’s your hobby and what you love to do.

Some things to consider are the amount of money and time you are spending.

Do you realistically think that you can complete all the projects that you start?

If the answer is no, then try completing some of your unfinished projects and give yourself time to enjoy them.

Can your money be better spent elsewhere? Instead of spending money on stash, maybe put that money towards a family vacation.

If you are overwhelmed by the amount of WIPs you have, then maybe it’s time to start whittling away at them.

Use up what you have instead of making more purchases.

Are You More of a Conservative Completionist?

Last year was the first year that I participated in Stitch Maynia. I worked on about 15 or 16 new starts.

So now I have about 16 new WIPs. Although I worked on smaller projects so that I could complete them faster, I still ended up with a bunch of projects that I no longer have an interest in working on.

I prefer to make purchases that I know I will follow through with. Otherwise that money will just go to waste.

Will I do another Stitch Maynia? Who knows. But in the future, I will definitely be more mindful of the projects that I start.

I enjoy working on projects that I can display all year round that I meaning to me.

Being surrounded by a bunch of unfinished projects is not something that brings me joy. If anything maybe I will have 2 or three projects in a rotation.

My rotation varies based on several factors.

My current WIPs usually vary in size. This way the more portable projects I can bring with me for stitching on the go. Most of my projects can fit in an 8×11 q-snap. Then I’ll have one big project that I’ll be working on while I’m home.

I also simultaneously work on projects with different fabric colors. Lately, I’ve been stitching on black or dark fabric. It’s nice to have projects on lighter fabrics to give me eyes a break.

Is Your Hobby Becoming an Addiction?

If cross stitching starts taking over your life and creating a negative impact maybe its time to put the tapestry needle down for a bit.

I’m no expert and don’t want to bring the mood of this post down, but my mom is a hoarder and growing up with that was no fun.

I try to keep my spending in check and live way below my means.

Personally, I try to live a more minimalist lifestyle. Although, I do find myself making unnecessary purchases every once in a while. That’s when I know it’s time to rein it back in.

That being said, I have a small, humble stash.

Stitching is supposed to be fun, not cause you stress and anxiety.

How to Minimize the Amount of Your Works in Progress

1. Have a Stitching Schedule

Designate a specific time to stitch and work at it a little bit each day to start completing projects.

I used to stitch early in the morning to help me start the day. For me, stitching is a meditation and I am most focused at the beginning of my day.

Stitching in the morning before all the craziness starts helps to keep me centered and calm.

However, since I am most productive in the morning, I have switched my stitching schedule. I now schedule at night when everything else I need to get done, gets done.

It’s more of a reward for doing what I am supposed to do.

Maybe you watch a lot of TV. Binging shows is a great time to work on your stitching.

After some time, you will start knocking out some of those WIPs.

2. Keep a Rotation

Like I had mentioned earlier, I have projects with different fabric backgrounds and of various sizes on rotation.

If you are one who becomes bored working on the same project day after day, having a rotation is a way to keep your interest.

Have a variety of different WIPs so that you can take some traveling or while lounging at home.

3. Don’t Buy More Supplies Until You Complete a Project

Limit the amount of projects that you kit up. If you have all the supplies you need for a new project, the more tempted you will be to start it.

Instead, wait until you complete one of your current WIPs until you start shopping.

Set a budget and don’t frivolously spend on projects that you are not ready to start. Once you are ready to start a new project get everything you need and put the current project into your rotation.

Even better is to wait to make purchases until you are ready to use the supplies. For example, many stitchers wait until the end to bead their projects. If possible, you can wait to make that purchase. However, this may not be a feasible option for some people.

Final Thoughts

Obviously, these are only suggestions if you want to limit your number of WIPs.

Having a giant amount of WIPs only becomes a problem, if it becomes a problem. Other than that go ham. It’s your life, do what makes you happy.

If starting one project after another makes you happy and gives you comfort, then do that.

If completing projects fills you with a sense of accomplishment and you enjoy admiring your work, then do that.

Nobody should be judged because of a difference of opinion.

Happy Stitching!