It’s easy to follow a crafting pattern exactly – it’s probably a good idea to do that as a beginner. However, as you become more experienced in crafting, the next challenge is to learn how to incorporate your own style when following a crafting pattern.
The first step in incorporating your own style is to have a good idea of what your personal style actually is. Once you understand what your likes and dislikes are, you can branch out and create new ideas based on those factors. When you know what your style is, you can feel more freedom in your projects, which will lead to more creativity.
There are a few ways to figure out and focus in on your personal style. One way is to read crafting magazines and books. Don’t look through these books and magazines with the intent to copy, but, instead, to see what you like. Are there trends that you find appealing? Are there any classic, traditional styles you prefer? Are there color combinations or tones that you could incorporate into your own crafting projects?
While going through these magazines (and books, if you own them), you may want to have a pair of scissors, a three-hole-punch, and binder handy to archive things you may want to incorporate. If you’re looking through a magazine or book that you can’t cut up, keep a notebook nearby and take notes.
Keep an open mind when flipping through books and magazines. You may come across things that, upon first glance, you might not like. Instead of dismissing it, think about how you’d change it and make it better. By doing this, you’ll be more ready to tweak any future crafting patterns to better fit your style.
Another way to hone in on your personal style to take classes. Not only will you learn new skills and ideas from your teacher, but also from classmates. If you can’t sign up for a crafting class, you can also watch various shows that have crafting segments to get ideas. Or you can always browse the displays at your favorite crafting stores and even ask employees for their input.
Once you have figured out your different tastes and style preferences, you can approach your crafting patterns differently and be truly creative. You may feel nervous to branch out and move away from the set guidelines, but don’t be afraid to try something new. Remember that success in creativity often comes through trial and error.
Find a pattern you like and play with it. Try a different fabric than what is indicated. Just by using different color combinations, your project can take on a totally different style and feel. For example, the pattern may call for more neutral colors, like blue and white, giving it a more country feel. Take the same pattern and switch the neutral colors with some brighter ones, maybe a terracotta color with a mustard yellow or olive green, will make the project take on a more Tuscan style instead of country. When incorporating your own style when following a crafting pattern, realize that even a small change of color can change the tone and theme of project, often dramatically.
Another option in approaching crafting patterns with your own style is to mix and match with other patterns. Take aspects you like in one pattern and see how they can be adapted to the new pattern you have. You may come up with some interesting results. Again, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, especially in this area. Mixing patterns can be difficult and a creative risk, but even if it doesn’t work, you can always try something else.
The main key to incorporating your own style into a crafting pattern is to trust your gut. If you like the way something looks, go with it. Realize that your end product does not need to look like the package’s photo. Who knows? Your end product might look better.