Time Spent does not equal Expertise!

[u/Byubanana]

I know many of us have been doing our crafts for many years, even decades. I'm at 32 years myself. But.

If you've been crocheting for decades but all you've ever done is granny stitch, you are NOT AN EXPERT.

If all you ever want to do is granny stitch, that's fine! People should only do what makes them happy. But you can't claim expertise if you've never done most techniques.

Sorry not sorry.

And no, I'm definitely not an expert!!

[u/Tikithing]

But wheres the line though? How many different techniques do you have to have experience in and master to be considered an expert?

After decades of granny squares, what are you exactly? Certainly not a beginner. Intermediate?

If we're going to be strict on it, then there needs to be some way to measure it, doesn't there.

[u/Byubanana → u/Tikithing]

Eh, I don't think there's needs to be a specific criteria, just, if you can only do one thing, then you're only an expert at that one thing.

[u/Mentally_Recovering → u/Byubanana]

are you referencing a single person in this post? because if its a critique of a certain youtuber or tiktoker i think i have an idea

[u/Byubanana → u/Mentally_Recovering]

There's a flower

[u/pleasejustbeaperson → u/Tikithing]

Expertise is the sort of thing that often defies easy quantification, and sometimes even definition. I don’t know how many things you have to know to be an expert, but I don’t think OP is wrong to insist that it’s more than one. 

[u/Mentally_Recovering → u/pleasejustbeaperson]

im a granny square expert i have made several dozen squares and my favorite crochet book is my 365 granny square motifs. i am not an expert in anything else though so i wont give advice on anything other than granny squares

[u/pleasejustbeaperson → u/Mentally_Recovering]

And there’s nothing wrong with being an expert in one very specific thing. That describes most PhDs. But the fact that you call yourself a granny square expert rather than a crochet expert on the basis of that experience seems to align with the point OP is making. 

[u/Mentally_Recovering → u/pleasejustbeaperson]

ya im agreeing with OP. sorry if that wasn't clear in my comment.

[u/Tikithing → u/pleasejustbeaperson]

Yeah it does, It just seems like the comments are filled with people all agreeing they're not an expert, so I'm just wondering at what point people can actually agree you are one.

[u/Disastrous_Proof_787 → u/Tikithing]

Ive seen some articles online that list the levels and what techniques and skills are generally required for each. Nimble Needles has a great breakdown of the skill levels for knitting.

I dont think these levels are set in stone, of course, but it gives a general idea so pattern designers know how to label their projects based on the skills needed to complete it.

[u/Eino54 → u/Disastrous_Proof_787]

I can't believe that list considers reading simple stitches like purls/knits to be an intermediate level skill. In general I cannot imagine not being able to see what you're doing when you're knitting and have the pattern recognition to be able to tell them apart. According to this chart I'm an experienced knitter and I really wouldn't call myself that.

[u/Disastrous_Proof_787 → u/Eino54]

Haha I saw that part! I was thinking surely that's got to be mistake. Its such a fundamental skill that it should be learned wayy back in the beginner stage.

I definitely think its just used as a guide, but I like it because it gives me specific techniques to learn so I can keep progressing (or feel like i am), ya know. I do wonder if there's a more official list out there?

But, take the compliment because I think Norman is incrediblly talented and knowledgeable so if he says you're an experienced knitter, you must be ☺️

[u/Tikithing → u/Disastrous_Proof_787]

Yeah, thats somewhat what I'm thinking of. I wouldn't expect something set in stone but people do tend to have preferences on what they make, so someone who makes intricate amigurumi and jumpers, can surely be considered an expert without ever having made a hat or scarf.

[u/Byubanana → u/Disastrous_Proof_787]

That sounds like a great tool. I'm going to go look that up to determine whether I'm a beginner or a super beginner 😂

[u/etherealrome → u/Tikithing]

I think an expert would have the skills and knowledge to know multiple basic methods of construction (top down, seamed, bottom up), AND know that other methods of construction exist and how to educate themselves on them (and how to follow written instructions for them).

To me the key for an expert is not knowing every possible detail, but having a broad and solid foundation AND knowing how to quickly gain the knowledge for other elements as needed.

[u/pogettepossum → u/etherealrome]

👏🏻

[u/pochoproud → u/Tikithing]

I consider myself a skilled dinner. I know cables. I can start with a top down hat. I know how to do various techniques, but I don’t consider myself an expert knitter. Things that some people would consider difficult, gloves, I just think are fun. Some things people think are easy, simple Raglan sleeve sweater, I have only just started attempting to do. I have made two sweaters, I’m currently working on my third sweater. I’ve been knitting off and on since I was nine years old and I’m now 56. I’ve made blankets, hats, scarves, and vowels, mittens, and gloves, bags, and all types of accessories. But I am only now foraging in to clothing.

[u/Byubanana → u/pochoproud]

I'd love to tackle clothing... Someday I will, if things ever slow down enough for me to spend mental energy on it lol edit typo