Select what you’re making from the dropdown — everything from a quick dishcloth to a king-size blanket is covered. Then pick your yarn weight. Heavier yarn (bulky, jumbo) crochets up much faster than fine yarn (lace, fingering), so this makes a big difference to your estimate.

Size affects how many stitches you need — an XL cardigan can take twice as long as a Small. Stitch complexity covers how intricate the pattern is: simple stitches like single and double crochet are fastest, while cables, colorwork, and lace stitches take significantly longer because you’re working more carefully.

Be honest here — this is the most personal factor in your estimate. A total beginner working the same pattern as an expert can take 2–3× longer because they’re still learning tension, reading patterns, and fixing mistakes. The skill level adjusts your estimate to match your actual pace, not an idealized one.

Tell the tool how many hours you crochet per sitting and how many days a week you crochet. This converts your total project hours into real calendar time — so instead of just “42 hours,” you’ll see “about 6 weeks at your pace” with a week-by-week breakdown you can actually plan around.