Crochet vs Knit

1. 86

   Lily Roseposted 14 years ago

   I'm considering learning how to knit, but I'm wondering how it compares to crochet - easier or harder?  quicker or slower?
   
   I've been crocheting on and off for years and I'm not great but I can follow a pattern - I've done some baby clothes, lots of scarves, many throws and blankets.  When browsing patterns (as I was just now for fingerless gloves) all the knit pieces look so much nicer and more professional, which is why I'm wondering if I could easily learn to knit...emphasis on "easily!"

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   1. 59

      Chris Simirigliaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I learned to crochet as a child, and knit in mid-life.  Learning to knit is a little more difficult and had a bit of a learning curve.  Crochet yields quicker results but gives a much different fabric. I use both on many projects... knitting a sweater with a crochet collar or trim... knitting a hat with crochet flower embellishments.
      
      Give knitting a try. But here is my caution... it may lead to spinning, weaving and felting.  I'm a wool addict!!!!
      
      Good luck.

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   2. 65

      AtomicLuLuposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Crochet and Knitting offer two very different types of textile forms. We think they are similar but looking at construction they are very different. I have done both my whole life and revisited each at different periods to give the other a break.
      
      Depending on what I am knitting and the technique I am using (circular, magic loop, cottage production) I can knit faster than I can crochet. I walk on my treadmill knitting.
      
      One site I would suggest anyone join is Ravelry.com
      It is a beautiful social network, pattern resource, groups and friends for both knitters and crocheters. Its only a few years old but already has over 1mill users (as of Nov 2010) and is a tremendous resource for any fiber enthusiast. Please let me know if you have any questions about getting started my user name is the same there.

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      kimberlyslyricsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      easy fun

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2. 76

   Aficionadaposted 14 years ago

   Easily - absolutely yes!  It is simply a different way of using your hands with the needles and threads, and a different way of reading patterns and the symbols for stitches.  My daughter does both, enjoys both, and is excellent at both.  I believe you will enjoy it.
   
   One difference is that you may have to reach a little more advanced level in knitting (than you did with crochet) before you can do work in the round.  You'll start off working just in straight rows, most likely.

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3. 86

   Lily Roseposted 14 years ago

   Thanks for that, it's very reassuring to hear!  I'm going to begin looking into it!

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4. 76

   rmcrayneposted 14 years ago

   Lily I had the same thought years ago,that a lot of knitted items appealed to me, and had a more polished, professional look. 
   
   I have tried to take up knitting multiple times.  One problem was, when I put it down even for a moment, then picked it back up, was that I couldn't tell which direction I was going!  I was okay as long as I only stopped when I got to the end of a row, but sometimes you have to put it down unexpectedly. 
   
   My cousin, who knits and crochets, said knitting was much slower.  My ADD brain at that point said, 'okay, forget it!'

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5. 86

   Lily Roseposted 14 years ago

   Hmmm...I have a slightly ADD brain, too, so that issue may be a problem for me as well.  I like to finish what I start, and the faster the better.  Perhaps I'll get the bare essentials and go check a how-to book out of the library.  All I really need to start is a set hooks, right?  Is that what they're called - hooks? Or is it needles?  Or am I not even close?!

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   1. 76

      rmcrayneposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I think you need a pair of needles.  I think the ones attacked by a loop are for socks or something.

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6. 76

   Aficionadaposted 14 years ago

   LOL!
   
   Knitting needles, crochet hook.  (Yes, the circular needles are for socks and hats and other tube-like pieces.)
   
   ADD can affect different people in different ways, so don't make any presuppositions about it.
   
   If you need help in figuring out where you have left off, when you put your project down for a while, keep a pencil handy to mark in the instructions where you stop.  When you pick up the needles again, notice how the yarn is trailing (from a stitch) and that should help give you a clue about which direction you are moving in at that point.
   
   There are some great websites that have pictures and even videos to help people learn to knit.  You might want to check out some of them.  (There are probably some Hubs too!)

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7. 61

   katiem2posted 14 years ago

   I can't do either and am very impressed with anyone who can! 

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8. 76

   Aficionadaposted 14 years ago

   Lily Rose -
   
   When I wrote my post about noticing which way the yarn was trailing (as a way to keep up with where you leave off working), I couldn't figure out the best way to describe it, because each time I came up with a mental image it looked different! 
   
   I finally figured out why.  I learned how to knit when I was pretty young and kept up with it off and on until I was a young adult.  Then, when I lived in Germany for a year, I learned a different way of holding the needles and pulling the yarn over one needle to make a new stitch.
   
   After I had tried to come up with the best way to describe all of this in my earlier post, I came across some great YouTube videos that show up-close views of hands, needles, yarn, and the entire process.  And I learned that the two main ways of holding the needles are called the English Method (the way I learned as a child) and the Continental Method (the way I learned in Germany). 
   
   The YouTube videos are sooooo helpful.  They all pretty much recommend learning the English Method first, because it seems to be easier for a beginner.  But the Continental Method moves along faster, once you know how to work that way.

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      apStumboposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I have seen the German way of knitting and I was very intrigued. I attempted to pick it up, but it was much different.

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   2. 67

      Ivorwenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      If you crochet, learn Continental (German) knitting. 
      It is easy, it is quick. 
      
      I learned to crochet when I was 4, and taught myself to knit  as an adult, by sound.  Have you ever noticed that when books mention someone knitting, they talk about fingers flying and the sound of the the needles?  Well, I realized that the way most people knit made no sound, and it always seemed quite slow to me, so I began experimenting.  I naturally came up with the continental method, after looking at a sweater and making sure my needles 'clacked'. 
      
      I am having trouble finding a well done video on youtube, that shows how simple it can be, but this one is fair:
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nde3eET4 … re=related
      
      Oh, and I hold the yarn the exact same way whether I am knitting or crocheting.

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9. 60

   Bel Marshallposted 14 years ago

   Youtube videos are awesome for this!  I crochet and have considered taking up knitting but the thought of trying to manage two needles...not so sure.

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10. 68

    Flightkeeperposted 14 years ago

    I think it's easier to crochet.  It's one hook vs. two kneedles - I think knitting is way harder and haven't really attmepted it.

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11. 85

    apStumboposted 14 years ago

    Honestly, I was feeling the same way the other day. I have always said that crocheting is much better than knitting. This is because for me it is much more versatile. I feel like I am free to stray from patterns and create my own projects (I have made a book bag, cell phone case, purse all from scratch). Crocheting also finishes a project much quicker...
    But, just two days ago I was noticing how much more attractive knit caps and gloves were than my crocheted projects. So I think it can be important to know both. Crocheting can be amazing for some projects, but so can knitting. If I was to go on a long road trip I would probably take up a knitting project.

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12. 81

    Rafiniposted 14 years ago

    I prefer crochet.
    
    Learned both as a child and preferred knitting at that time, but never got good at it.  A number of years ago, tried again and preferred crochet - made a few afghans.
    
    I'd say its different for everyone.  Good luck & Hope it works out for you!

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13. 0

    EmpressFelicityposted 14 years ago

    My mum (who was German) taught me the Continental method.  It works well for me, probably because it's what I'm used to!  I've designed a few of my own sweaters (had to, because I can't read knitting patterns to save my life - they might as well be in Chinese).
    
    Having taught myself how to do aran style knitting (cable and moss stitch) I would now like to learn lace stitches - I think YouTube is the way to go there!

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14. 61

    heart4thewordposted 14 years ago

    I like both, and it depends on what I am making, whether I knit or crochet.  I had a scarf I wanted to get done quickly, so I did crochet it!  Maybe it is just me, but I start more than one project at a time...so when my hand got tired of crocheting, I started a knitted scarf:) 
    
    I do like knitting better than crocheting..for some reason many knitters feel that knitting is more rewarding.  Maybe that is because it is more challenging:) 
    
    It does take longer most of the time, yet I believe it is a warmer product because of the density of the item:)
    
    As some mentioned youtube is awesome to help you promote to more challenging items:)  If you can learn from a friend, it would be easier:)  Thanks for bringing this topic up, it is always fun to talk about this craft of art!

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15. 0

    Helpful Hannaposted 14 years ago

    Start with crochet.  It is a bit easier.  Later, you can tackle knitting.  Have fun!

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16. 59

    Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

    I do both and I'm left handed - I knit left handed and crochet left handed.
    
    Knitting tutorials on youtube are awesome for right handed people.  I use circular needles for everything and I don't like the long needles, you just need to remember to turn your work.  As an instructor once told me, ALWAYS finish your row unless the house is on fire!   I suggest you start out easy, using a bigger needle size 10 to 15 and chunky yarn and do a simple scarf. Beginning with a larger needle and chunky yarn is easy & you can knit & pearl throughout the scarf to practice both stitches.
    
    I find crocheting much faster but I do like the look of knitting a bit more.  However, I found some adorable crocheted hats on youtube - this one gal has a ton of tutorials, she shows you how to do each row & has instructions to print off of her web page.  The hats can be done in 2 hours. 
    
    Good luck.

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    BigSeriousposted 14 years ago

    I started with crochet (did it for 15 years) before forcing myself to self-teach knitting. I wanted to make garments and I did not like any crochet patterns (these days, there are some great ones out there, but limited). After I learned to knit, I became obsessed with knitting. I was surprised to learn, thinking crochet to be the easier skill, that there are many knitters who don't know how to crochet and find it difficult. When knitting, all the stitches you work with are in a row on a needle. In crochet, the knitter-learning-crochet says "I have no idea where to my hook! There are so many holes and options!"
    
    I am left handed and was concerned it'd be a problem, but I crochet right handed and I knit continental style (yarn in my left hand).
    
    <URL snipped> has great videos to get you started. I recently taught a friend to knit, and started with socks on a circular needle because you learn so many skills making a sock - she did great. Don't be afraid to start learning on what some consider "advanced." You only need to learn knit and purl, and any project has those two things. It may not look great, but you'll learn a lot of skills in one garment. Straight rows back and forth (like a scarf) can get boring when you just want to go, go, go! Have fun.

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18. 60

    ShannonSaysposted 14 years ago

    I also started with crochet and later learned to knit.  Should you try it, be patient with yourself (not my strong suit), since it will feel like it takes a long time compared to the crochet to which you are accustomed.
    
    I taught myself with the help of a basic book with very good pictures and instructions.  You also should know about this website which has some of the best how-to knitting videos I've seen:
    
    <URL snipped>
    
    Knitting in the round does not seem anymore difficult to me than knitting with straight needles.  The stitches are the same. 
    
    The continental method of knitting is faster than the english method.  Knitting help.com gives instructions on both.
    
    From one of my mentors:  knitting uses less yarn than crochet to make the same size piece. 
    
    Finally, snuggle up to someone at your Local Yarn Shop (LYS) and ask them advice now and then. There are so many people who love to share their craft with new knitters.
    
    Good luck!

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