topic Re: Crochet vs Knitting? in Community Chat

Crochet vs Knitting?

RubyinNE — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 15:27:23 GMT

Just signed up for a crochet class. I've always wanted to learn. There were also knitting classes, but from what I remember, it was very slow going, and if you didn't keep the tension the same, you (me) ended up with a very odd shaped attempt of a blanket.

What's your preference? My first project will be a pillow cover.

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

sydsgma1 — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 15:31:46 GMT

I do both...I much prefer knitting..I am a fast knitter and projects seem to go faster. I have made some nice crocheted baby blankets and sweaters. I once did a Lacey sweater for myself.

Good luck...I find either very therapeutic.

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

Puppy Lips — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 15:32:47 GMT

I know how to crochet, but I never learned how to knit. I used to make beautiful afghans, for myself and for gifts. It has been a long time since I have made one, but I feel that I could pick it up anytime and start a new project.

Just last week I was helping my Mom clear out her home in preparation for a move. Years ago I had made an afghan and pillow for her and my Dad. She did not want them anymore, and let's face it, there are much softer blankets on the market now. I took photos of the afghan and pillow and we donated them. I think that was the first time I got rid of anything that I made, and that was not easy!

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

Annabellethecat66 — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 15:34:49 GMT

I crochet all of the time. I used to knit, but not much anymore. I have a friend who is amazing (mainly knit). She cranks amazing things out constantly.

I've given her pictures of some unbelievable things and she's made her own pattern and given them to me.

I like to make afghans and scarfs. I just finished another scarf in Washington Redskins colors for my daughter who lives in Colorado. She STILL loves the Redskins.

I can watch TV and crochet at the same time. Most of them I give away and I have a friend who's church runs a 'thermol unit' in the Winter. It is where homeless people can stay in the church overnight when the temperature turns below freezing. They go out of the church with one of my wild looking scarfs.

It's a win win situation. I enjoy making them and the people get a nice scarf to keep their necks warm.

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

jaxs mom — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 15:39:13 GMT

I find it easier to free form stuff with crochet and I haven't knitted in ages.

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

kdgn — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 15:51:27 GMT

My knitting was always full of holes and ended up with some pretty oddly shaped afghans. This doesn't happen when I crochet.

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

CrazyDaisy — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 15:53:46 GMT

I like both, but I have found it easier to correct things when crocheting. Also easier to stop are any point (don't have to finish the row).

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

Kachina624 — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 15:54:22 GMT

Crochet is very easy. I taught myself the stitches reading from a book. Tension is also very important with crochet. It's the instructions that are often almost incomprehensible and the difficult part. Almost every place yarn is sold, they sell Boyle crochet hooks. I find them next impossible to use. Look for Susan Bates hooks.

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

CatLoverDogsToo — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 15:59:04 GMT

I would love to be able to crochet, I have tried it several times and just cannot seem to get the hang of it. I have been knitting for over 50 years. A neighbor taught me when I was a child, and I was "hooked'. There are so many cute patterns for crochet, and it does seem to go faster than knitting from what I have observed.

I hope you enjoy crocheting!

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

Noel7 — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:05:44 GMT

I love to crochet and I used to make a lot of gifts: hats, throws, baby blankets, mostly things like that.

I knitted a sweater once, it seemed to take forever. I think what I like best about crocheting is that you can really get into it, kind of zen out once you establish the pattern.

Have fun!

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

RedHeadedWench — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:09:02 GMT

I crochet a lot. I just love it and I find it very relaxing and a link to my grandmothers.

My great grandmother taught me how to crocket using my fingers! LOL True!

I have pieces that they both have made as well as some tatting from my great-aunt from Romania. Treasures.

I can't knit worth a dime though. LOL

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

Lacey1 — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:10:39 GMT

I would love to crochet-I've never got the hang of it, but I'm a self-taught beginner knitter. I hope you enjoy your classes. It's a blessing to be able to do any type of needlework!

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

3suwm5 — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:12:08 GMT

My grandmother taught me to crochet and knit when I was a young girl. I'm left-handed, so I needed to stand in front of her to learn. Priceless!! Have been doing both since then. I do find knitting much slower for me, but enjoy it just the same.

I used to belong to a knitting/crocheting group that met one night a month at a yarn shop, so much fun. Shop was sold and no more meetings. We've since then moved out of state. Haven't checked for a shop in our new location. Did walk down a yarn aisle a couple of weeks ago, started getting that urge to get the supplies out again.

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

ALRATIBA — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:19:30 GMT

I do both ... learned as a child. I don't have a preference for one skill over the other. My preference for each has to do with the item I'm making.

I like my sweaters knitted ... but for coats, I like to crochet them.

Hats are crocheted, scarves knitted.

Curtains are crocheted

Gloves are knitted

Socks are knitted

Afghans are crocheted

Blankets are knitted

etc., etc., etc.

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

Meezerpleezer — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:19:44 GMT

I can knit and crochet but would much rather crochet. I agree with everything that @Kachina624 said. Tension is very important in both knitting and crocheting. Susan Bates is the better hook. I got rid of the few Boyle hooks that I had--HORRIBLE! I may be mistaken but I think that Michaels may still sell Susan Bates hooks in their stores.

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

Havarti — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:38:42 GMT

I much prefer crocheting over knitting. It will likely feel awkward at first, learning how to hold your hands a certain way, and mastering the various stitches. After you master the hold and you get into it, there is a rhythm to it that is so relaxing. Once you get going you can just space out, tune out the rest of the world and go into your own quiet mental space. Before you know it your hands have magically done rows, and rows, and rows and you come away more relaxed. I think you made a good choice and that you will enjoy it for the rest of your life.

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

VanSleepy — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:44:15 GMT

I used to knit when I was a teenager. The only thing I could make was a scarf - or anything else rectangular. A couple years ago I was going to watch some videos to refresh my memory/learn more, but I taught myself how to crochet instead from YouTube videos. I like crochet so much better. It is so much easier to me. I'm still only on rectangular things so far. Oh, and hats lol

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

saltysails — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:45:46 GMT

I can do both, but I think finished projects in knitting look much more professional and richer. I am in love with using a circular knitting needle. Hats are my forte, though I enjoy knitting sweaters for my little grand child. There are so many generous people out there in the world that post how to videos on youtube that help me through any problems I have with my projects.

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

RespectLife — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 18:33:24 GMT

I took an adult class for crocheting years ago. Unfortunately, the teacher was the meanest lady I had ever met! Since I was afraid of her...I did not learn to hold the crochet hook correctly!

I had previously knitted (scarves only) and incorrectly kind of hold my hook like a knitting needle.

Not to worry...over the years I have completed some gorgeous projects of all types.

I agree with the others that tension is just as important! My early afghans were quite crooked due to poor tension!

On a side note:

I use to crochet tons of doilies and other items using string. My tastes have changed and I no longer use doilies in my home.

Unfortunately, I collected quite a bit of string and project books for doilies.

Does anyone know where I could donate it?

(besides the obvious Goodwill, etc.)

I was wondering if there were any lovely groups out there that share their talents with underpriveledged, or seniors, or veterans...that might like to have it.

Thanks in advance if anyone has any suggestions!

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

Ruthie-Roo — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 17:49:42 GMT

@RubyinNE wrote:
Just signed up for a crochet class. I've always wanted to learn. There were also knitting classes, but from what I remember, it was very slow going, and if you didn't keep the tension the same, you (me) ended up with a very odd shaped attempt of a blanket.

What's your preference? My first project will be a pillow cover.

Crochet. I learned how to crochet in middle school many years ago. during an extra class I signed up for. While I am not expert-level, I do love me some basic croheting. Very relaxing and rewarding. Granny Squares are my favorite thing to make. Right now, I am working on a Granny Square "retro-looking" poncho that is a huge step for me. @RubyinNE, if you get a chance, check out Jayda in Stitches on YT. Her videos are great for crocheters, regardless of skill level. Good luck with the class and enjoy your new hobby!! :-)