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Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,602
Registered: ‎03-21-2010

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

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,973
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

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!

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,766
Registered: ‎06-15-2016

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!!Woman Happy  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.Smiley Sad  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.

 

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,194
Registered: ‎07-15-2016

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.

 

 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,239
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

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.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,325
Registered: ‎03-08-2014
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.
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Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,766
Registered: ‎10-05-2010

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

Valued Contributor
Posts: 937
Registered: ‎06-24-2010

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. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,481
Registered: ‎02-27-2012

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!

Super Contributor
Posts: 329
Registered: ‎01-04-2015

Re: Crochet vs Knitting?

[ Edited ]

@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!!  :-)