It’s time to hang up the gloves. The question of which is better–crocheting or knitting– has been discussed since the first sheep’s wool was spun into yarn.
Knitters hold their needles high as they offer delicate stitches and sweaters that took weeks to knit, while crocheters fight back with the functionality of their knotted work.
As someone who has been crocheting since she was 8 and knitting since she was 13, I want to end this argument for good.
Crocheting is Better Than Knitting. (Don’t tell me you couldn’t see that coming… I have a crochet blog.)
Here are 8 reasons why I believe crocheting is better than knitting:
1. Crocheting takes 30% more yarn than knitting. While some might view this as a disadvantage, I view it as a positive. Any compulsive crafter would have to agree. The bigger dent you make in your overwhelming yarn stash at one time, the better.
2. Crocheting uses one hook instead of two needles. Why finagle two things when it’s easier to hold just one?
3. Crocheting is faster. Knitters see patterns for 5 1/2-hour crochet afghans and cringe. They dream about the day they could make something that fast. For crocheters, making an afghan in two evening sittings isn’t anything new.
4. Crocheting is easier to learn. I’ll admit this one is subjective… but it’s factual and true.
5. You have more freedom when crocheting. Crocheters use one hook with one loop of yarn on it. Knitters, on the other hand, have perfectly aligned loops sitting obediently on their needles. Where’s the freedom? When crocheting, if you suddenly want to go over the side, go for it. Back the way you came? Sure – not a problem. Want to join something together? Just fold and stitch along the top. Folks, it doesn’t get more free than that.
6. You can easily make a crochet flower and other accessories. I put crochet flowers on pretty much every hat I crochet because I think they’re adorable. (In fact, I love making crochet flowers so much that I created a Video Tutorial on how to crochet a flower.) Patterns for knitted flowers involve no less than 12 steps and lots of sewing together. All that work takes the joy out of flowers.
7. There are less crochet patterns than knitting patterns. Also might seem like a downside, but the thrill of the hunt makes this a plus for crocheting. Finding a good crochet pattern is like finding GOLD. Hundreds of books have been written about knitting, but good crochet patterns are harder to trace down and more rewarding when you find them.
8. And finally, the most compelling part of the case: Crocheting creates a heavier, stretchier fabric. This heavier fabric is useful when making:
- Hats
- Scarves
- Afghans
- Baby Blankets
- Scrubbies & Dishcloths
- Dishtowels
- Bags
- Purses
- Cowls
- Socks/ Slippers
- Rugs
- Ponchos (are these still in?)
- Cozies (iPod, Coffee Cup)
- Pouches (Laptop, Cell Phone)
- Flowers
- Mittens or Gloves
- Amigurumi (little crocheted animals)
- Even Dog Sweaters are better crocheted.
Pretty much the only thing people would rather knit than crochet is a sweater. So for projects that are a sweater, pull out the knitting needles. For everything else, grab a hook because crocheting’s where it’s at.
And so, I think you will find that crocheting, as whole, is better than knitting. What’s your preference? Are you a one hook or a two needle crafter?
For an additional comparison between knitting and crocheting, read here: https://www.jjcrochet.com/knitting-vs-crocheting/.
Joyce
January 28, 2015All of the reasons pro crochet might be true but I MUCH prefer knitting and knitted items to crocheted ones because knitting is more sophisticated, the patterns are more intricate and the finished product just plain looks a lot nicer than wet blankets. Knitting is far more intellectually stimulating than the other.
Enjoy your One Trick (pony) Needle. . .I won’t be back.
Katie
January 31, 2015First of all, know that I’m a knitter, and I just learned to crochet, like, this morning. However, this is a pretty convincing list. You also forgot one: it’s easier to fix a mistake. With knitting, you’ve got x number of stitches to knit, and if you mess up, say, 20 stitches back, you either pull every stitch individually or you pull the whole project off, unravel the 20, and hope you can catch all of the stitches. With crocheting, you only have 1 stitch at most times, so it’s not a huge deal if you have to pull a few rows.
Sarah Diaz
February 5, 2015Your article and all the coments inches me closer to picking up a crochet hook before the knitting needles. I have alot of stress in my life. I need a sense of calmness and simply find myself lost in something. I want to start with something useful like cuffs for your boots or cuffs for your wrist and hands.?.
JJCrochet
February 7, 2015Ha yes! This is another great reason, Katie. Some of my knitting projects have little mistakes here and there because there’s no easy way to fix (or I’ll notice them after I’m already a few rows in). Much easier to correct with crochet. Thanks for posting!
Lisa
February 12, 2015For me it was easier to learn to knit. In fact after trying crochet(I’m self taught in both, I had no relatives to show me how to do either, not even friends!) I threw in the towel and gave up for years, like a decade or longer! Then I tried knitting and picked it right up. I’m still not good at crocheting something that’s even on the sides, knitting no problem. I can crochet granny squares and other shapes all day long just not something simple like an all double crochet blanket and have it come out even on the sides. I’ve gotten to where I will go back and forth from one to the other but still prefer knitting for rugs, dishclothes and potholders. Crocheting for me just takes for forever it seems.
Antoinette Rice Klutts
February 24, 2015Yeeeeees thank god I’m not the only one that really thinks crocheting is much better than knitting. I can cricket a baby blanket that is much heavier and stretchier than a knitted baby bucket and it only takes one day or two afternoons to finish while it takes me weeks to finish a knitted baby blanket!! And if I’m moving very fast and mess up a couple of stitches I can just pull then and keep going but u have to pull out all the stitches and hope that you can catch the stitches right and have to go back keys daddy liver 20 rows that’s too much I rarely knit unless it’s a project that looks better knitted life and sweater as u said @JJCrochet and baby clothes andbooties and flowers stars stuff like that is so simple with crocheting and knitting it’s so complicated it takes the fun out of ur hobby that you love. And the small amount of more yarn that it takes is nothing I would rather use mite yarn then take weeks to complete a project that could’ve only taken a day or two. Thank hunny for this blog post
Barbie Shoemaker
March 4, 2015When I was young I used to “crochet” with a pencil. I made really long braided things, but that’s it. Would love to make something useful and do something with my idle hands while watching t.v. Any suggestions?
ana
March 9, 2015why is it easier to knit a sweater than crochet it? or is it bc it looks better?
Ben
March 10, 2015I’m interested in learning how to make clothing – not necessarily a “sweater” but more like a “jacket insert” (but similar to a sweater).
Why is knitting preferred for sweaters than crochet?
Lorena
March 17, 2015I used to hate crochet before I even tried it. I used to knit but it was so difficult that I only made easy things like scarf with simple stitches, still I really enjoyed it. Then I saw the “amigurumi” dolls and I fell in love, so I started crocheting and I must admit that I LOVE it. It’s so much easier and versatile. You can get gorgeous stitches even if you are a beginner and of course, you can make pretty amigurumi dolls. My pick is definitely crochet over knitting 😀
Courtney
March 22, 2015Being a crocheter and after giving knitting a whirl. I found crochet to be so much easier. I find one hook easier than 2 needles. Plus I’m a southpaw so I have always struggled with things such as beauty college and my teacher showing everyone how to hold their shears. First telling me to watch in the mirror. As simple as that sounds…. It ain’t gonna happen!! I know mentally you are using your right hand. So with knitting I have had issues with tension and I know practice makes perfect but I can grab a hook and whip out an adorable flower. I laugh when knitters say they struggled with crochet. Just because I think you have one hook to worry about not juggling 2 needles. I won’t give up on perfecting my knitting but crochet was easier for me to understand and it was gratifying to finish a awesome bulky scarf in 2 days watching movies. Where when I knit it takes a week for me to reach 6 rows!
I do love the look of knit though. Good luck everyone 🙂
Katie
March 22, 2015I’d go with making hats. My Grandma would crochet and watch TV while she made them, then donate a big bunch of them to a homeless shelter.
Mya
April 10, 2015I started knitting when I was 7 and I even took lessons but I could never get the hang of it! Then when I was 10 my best friend tought me to crochet and I started getting the hang of it straight away. A year after that I started getting crochet books out of the adult section in the library and crocheting almost everything in them. I started crocheting for school projects and for my friends. I find crochet very fun and easy. I think that crocheting is much easier than knitting but my best friend says that she prefers knitting even though she has a crocheting business.
Mel
April 24, 2015Huh. I’ve been crocheting since I was a kid, but I’m just now (in my mid-30s) teaching myself to knit, and I actually think I like it better. I agree that it’s more difficult, but I’m finding that oddly satisfying. I like both, though. And I *love* cross stitch, jewelry making, quilting, decoupage… I guess I’m an equal-opportunity crafter. 🙂
Beth
June 22, 2015You can easily finger crochet. No needles or hooks required.
Kristin
July 20, 2015I have crocheted most of my life and have picked up knitting just in the last few years. While I agree with most of your reasons for crochet being amazing, I have to say that for any kind of worn garment, knitting is superior as it produces a much softer and more professional looking product. And for blankets, it depends what texture and weight you are looking for. While crochet is faster, it will always be bulkier than a knit afghan. And for baby products, knit is the way to go. But for speed, yes crochet is best!
m
August 7, 2015I only learned to crochet this week, and I’m loving it so far. But man. I just tried to start knitting like, 40 minutes ago, and so far, it’s impossible. First, there are like NO left-handed knitting resources while I can find a million left-handed crochet resources online. So that venture is done… back to crocheting for me.
Sherry
August 10, 2015Hi Jayna,
I am new to the crocheting and knitting world. My husband and I got alpacas last fall and I’m doing all the processing myself from skirting to spinning. But my biggest challenge is trying to 1. learn to crochet or knit a scarf to begin with (however, you just convinced me to crochet) and 2. to find an easy pattern that will show off the thick and thin of the yarns I’m spinning. Would you be able to steer me in the right direction?
rachael
August 28, 2015Ok so your list is very convincing but I don’t know HOW you do it…l am a knitter and l tried crochet (while watching a tutorial) earlier and threw that hook into the back of the craft cupboard after struggling like a moron for about 15 minutes…hats off to you crocheters…l’m back to my needles ????
Alison Manifold
September 21, 2015I agree! The thing that frightens me about knitting is dropping stitches… with crochet… drop a stitch… meh! 😛 With knitting… drop a stitch… and it’s a hole. A biggun. >.< Though I am starting to re-learn some basic knit technique as I want to be able to pass it to little ones one day as my Mum did so many years ago to me! ^.^
Cassandra Hale
September 30, 2015I, too, have been crocheting since I was 8 and have sold tons of items. The only points I take issue with are that crochet is easier to teach, and we should knit sweaters. There are so many gorgeous sweaters designed by incredible crocheters — mon petit violon, Holland Designs, and the search on Ravelry turns out some gorgeous options — thank goodness! Having both knit and crocheted sweaters, I now prefer a crocheted sweater using a light, sport-weight yarn. As for teaching: I have taught many people both knitting and crochet. In every case, with the exception of someone who learned to crochet eons earlier, it was MUCH easier and faster for them to learn to knit. I taught all my girls at ages 3 1/2 and up. However, they all had a much more difficult time learning to crochet since it’s so fiddly at first figuring out what the heck to do with the hand holding the yarn. I will say, however, the advancing in crochet is super quick, whereas I have always found it more tedious to advance with knitting. I also agree with the poster that stated it is MUCH easier to correct a crochet mistake than a knitting mistake. I can’t tell you how many projects I literally threw down with great frustration due to a tiny mistake that messed everything else up. I have taken to almost exclusively crocheting in my ripe old age of 37 for a couple reasons: my kids, friends, family members tend to like the look better, and I have carpal tunnel syndrome/arthritis in my hands. Ergonomic hooks ROCK! Thanks for the fun post : ).
John
October 19, 2015These reasons are unique. I would not see using more yarn a plus. Some of us use cashmere and alpaca. We pay a premium, and being frivolous is a waste of resources. Using two needles is not difficult. One does not have to constantly hold their project, it rests on the needles. Crocheting is faster. Crocheting also is bulky, and the outcome is not as attractive. Knitting looks more professional and smooth. The only thing that makes for a better scarf than knitting is a loom. Both knitting and crocheting have their positives and their shortcomings. I would not say that crocheting is easier to learn. Starting a new row, in my opinion, when knitting is much easier. I would think that having more resources in a hobby would be a benefit. If you want to go off the beaten path, one is free to do so. Being able to look at a pattern will teach different techniques. less resources is certainly not a good thing. Taking shortcuts does not always make for a better project. However! Crochet hooks can go on a plane. Knitting needles are iffy. I do have crochet hooks and do both. I prefer knitting.
Anonymous
December 7, 2015#5, why “Ladies”? Guys can crochet/knit too, lol. I’m a guy! Lets try not to perpetuate the gender binary.
JENI
January 9, 2016I can knit – but not very well- needing a pattern where I know I can cope with ALL the requirements before I start! I enjoy crotchet, though, because unlike knitting there are no stitches to drop…but I have not made anything ‘exotic’ sticking to flowers, squares, scarves, gilets, blankets and such. It is something to do while listening to the radio or even watching TV as it requires little concentration but is absorbing and compulsive as projects grow so quickly and it is good for making items for charities.
It'sMe
June 23, 2017I must say I disagree. Most of the differences between these crafts come down to personal preference. Specifically, I don’t like how many people label knitting as slow, clunky, or limited. This view more closely reflects your ability to knit. I have crocheted before, and it feels just as slow and limited as I’m sure knitting feels to you. Knitting can be very fast, if you allow it to be. Just look up speed knitting. I, if you can’t tell already, am an avid knitter, and at full speed, I can make several several inches of material in minutes, and not just by using big needles, either. Your argument of knitting being limited by having stitches on the needle doesn’t check out, either. In both crochet and knitting, the yarn follows a linear path throughout the piece, in a sequential order of stitches. I can just as easily leave stitches unworked, or create new ones, in both crochet and knitting. The difference is only whether the stitches are ‘live’ or not, and if they need to be ‘dead’, it is a very simple matter to bind off in the row or round. I also do not agree that having stitches on the needle limits what the piece can become. Even in crochet, you have a specific number of stitches in your row or round, they’re just harder to count and easier, for me anyway, to get lost in. And saying that crochet is easier to learn is completely objective. I find knitting easier. Also, having two needles doesn’t hinder you. It spreads out the task between more body parts, meaning you need less fine motor control than doing the same task but with less appendages. Just like spinning on a spindle vs a wheel, the wheel uses twice as many limbs to get the job done, so it has a shorter learning curve. You can definitely do the same thing on a spindle, it’ll just take a little longer to learn. And yes, knitting and crochet make different fabric, but I can easily get something thick with double knitting. I honestly don’t know if there’s any equivalent technique in crochet to make a lighter fabric. Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that it’s okay to say that there are differences between these crafts, because there are, and it’s okay to say why you prefer one, because that’s your opinion to have, but I don’t think it’s okay to say that your personal preference makes one objectively better than the other, or being limited for how it does things or by how well you are able to do this.
Sorry if this sounds a little rant-y, I tend to sound more upset than I actually am, I just wanted to say that crochet’s (or knitting’s) superiority is a personal preference, not a fact.
Mal
June 29, 2017Ohhh I find crochet so much harder! With knitting all your live loops are there on your needle, with crochet i never know if im jamming my hook in the right loop. Also, if you have any sort of tendonitis issues crochet will Ruin you! But i do admit it’s FAR more versatile. Crochet seems to be where the creativity flos, but i find knitting very soothing and i enjoy the feeling of it far more. I can watch a show while knitting, but counting crochet loops always has to steal my 100% concentraition.
It really is up to preference, unfortunately! In what kinds of fabrics you like, what motions suit you better and what crafts you’ll actually be using it for :>
In short, learn both. You’ll no doubt picka favourite on your own, with or without lists.
Glamslinky
July 7, 2017Quite honestly, neither is better than the other and it really is a matter of opinion. I know how to crochet and knit like a champ. That said, I made it a point of mastering both techniques so I could pick a project and just do it. I enjoy the appearance of knitted projects when it comes to most garments. With crochet, I enjoy making doilies, afghans and amigurumi (though I love to knit blankets and amigurumi too). Personally, I found knitting more difficult to conquer, so I learned that first. Yeah, and you might think that using more yarn is a plus, but for someone who doesn’t have a budget to “build” their stash, knitting is a win.
Kelsey Hensley
July 17, 2017It all depends on what dominant hand you have it’s easier for me to crochet because I’m left-handed but it’s easier for my sister to knit because she’s right handed
Kelly
August 2, 2017I learned to crochet as a child. I don’t remember doing much beyond squares and then I crocheted rag baskets and rugs. As an adult I had a friend (seasoned crocheter) who spent $80 on four beginning knitting classes. I am a yarn snob and decided I would rather spend my money on fine yarn than classes so taught myself to knit and have never looked back!! I LOVE the fabric knitting creates vs the bulky, stiff, heavy “fabric” of crochet. I remember the crocheted slippers my grandmother crocheted for me and how they hurt the bottom of my feet when I walked. NOW, I live in hand-knitted wool socks that caress my feet. I also knit baby toys (amigurumi) used as props in infant photography. Don’t even get me started on lace shawls! Speed is not what I’m after. I simply believe knitting produces a more sophisticated, professional-looking product. The only thing I crochet now is edgings.
Patricia Buffo
August 7, 2017I’ve crocheted since the 70s. But I’ve always had knitting on my bucket list of things I want to learn. I’ve tried to learn a couple of time in the past, but couldn’t pick it up. What is knit, what is purr has always confused me.
boone edwards
October 20, 2017Hello! I must say that I agree with your list. Being a practical person, I’m all about the crochet. Once I crocheted a privacy screen with a spool of copper wire and just my hand! I have just learned to knit mainly because I wanted to and because some of the items I wanted to make were knit patterns. As far as to which is the ‘better’ technique, it mainly comes down to personal preference and the chosen project. I do find crochet to be much more varied in stitches and designs than knitting but, as you said, patterns are harder to come by. I usually combine elements from different designs and make my own creations, as I’m sure many people do. But, you know, sometimes a certain creation just has to be knit. Thank you for the blog!
Kami Pogue
October 21, 2017I crochet and I knit. Crocheting was easier to learn (I’m a lefty, taught by my right-handed mom), but I can knit faster than I could ever crochet. Knitting also doesn’t mess with my carpal tunnel like crocheting does, which might contribute to my speed. I do appreciate the beauty of both, though. I’m just not sure I’m convinced that crocheting is better than knitting.
keisha
November 2, 2017I agree with some of this. I personally think crochet is easier to master than knitting. I still can’t wrap my mind around knitting (yet).
I do, however, find the drape of crochet to be somewhat frustrating for some wearables, as it’s stiffer d/t the amount of yarn (30% more than knitting? Wow, I had no clue!). I’ve made a couple of chunky cowls, but they just don’t hang as nicely as a knitted counterpart. But then again, the stiffness is a plus when it comes to kitchen cloths and chunky blankets.
Ruthie
November 21, 2017I like them both, and I find them both on one side of my heritage. My mother & her aunt knit continental left handed knitting. My father’s aunts utilized crochet in ornate thread laces. I can enjoy them both. I keep both a knitting and a crochet project at hand. I enjoy knowing an endless amount of beauty and comfort can come to me through yarn & string knitting needles or anything crochet hook. Comfort and beauty and strength to make and create endlessly, with endless diversity. Unlimited possibility beckons me in a set of knitting needles or a crochet hook and a ball of yarn or spool of string.
Samia
December 12, 2017Have never seen a pattern for crocheted gloves, I really haven’t. Maybe someone could point me in the right direction. Fingerless gloves – yes. But those are not real gloves.
While I have knit only one item in my life (slippers) and went back to crocheting, which I still do, nevertheless here is the truth: knitting is more elegant. That is why it is more difficult to learn and slower to complete an item.
Purlgirl73
December 24, 2017Crochet is the redneck cousin of knitting no one talks about. Crochet era are lazy and looked down upon by knitters. Anyone can crochet, but not everyone can knit. Knitting takes time and skill and patience.THAT, mere mortals is th difference. Stick that in your chained bonnet.
JJCrochet
December 27, 2017Totally agree! Sometimes a project just has to be knit. 🙂 I’ve been loving knitting hats recently. Crochet will still be my first love, but some hats just look better in knits and purls.
Samia
December 27, 2017Socks most definitely are better crocheted. Slippers – yes. But good crocheted socks are impossible to produce (compared to knitted) and always are just too thick, large and lumpy even when you use the thin sock yarn.
Crocheted socks end up being booties, not real socks. Don’t accuse me of not trying. I have tried about 5 or 6 crocheted sock patterns and none of them really work out well.
Samia
December 27, 2017@keisha. You said, “I do, however, find the drape of crochet to be somewhat frustrating for some wearables, as it’s stiffer d/t the amount of yarn (30% more than knitting? Wow, I had no clue!). I’ve made a couple of chunky cowls, but they just don’t hang as nicely as a knitted counterpart.”
You can get around that by using a thinner yarn with a larger hook than what would usually be employed with a given thickness of yarn. Of course, that will change the appearance of the object you are making somewhat. You have to make a little sample first and see how it goes.
justanotherperson
January 9, 2018Somebody said to crochet hats and donate them. Call your local shelter and ask what they need before making loads of hats or anything else to donate. I work at a homeless shelter. We get thousands of donated crochet hats every winter, and after giving multiple hats and scarves and etc to every client there still isn’t room to store all the extras that the clients don’t need. There are plenty of things your local shelter needs, but it isn’t likely to be crochet hats. Or crochet scarves. Or crochet anything small. There’s just an overload of little crochet things because crochet is so popular right now. Blankets and sweaters might be ok, but call to ask before you make them.
Yowie9644
April 28, 2018For creating very large things, such as a throw, crochet is so much better because you only have to support the weight of the part of the project you’re dealing with, and your tool isn’t being dragged down by all that extra stitches sitting there like knitting needles are (curcular needles help but don’t eliminate this problem).
Also, whilst the stitch can fall off the hook, there’s no such concept as a “dropped stitch” in crochet, because a dropped stitch cannot run in crochet.
Logically, crochet is is better for any number of reasons, but there’s something in the rhythm of the click-clack of the knitting needles that I find deeply soothing and I just love the cable and the lace patterns that can be achieved in knitting. In the end, yarn craft isn’t about making the project (it would cheaper and quicker to go out and buy it), it is about the process of creating it. And thus, despite crochet being *logically* the better craft, my bliss is in knitting.
Anonymous
April 28, 2018I have to disagree with several of your points. I agree that it is much easier to pick up crocheting as well as undo sections or mistakes without having to start the whole thing over however, I disagree that being easier makes it inherently better. I learned to crochet very young and didn’t start knitting until I was in college. The first thing I ever knit was a beanie and I was blown away at how much more professional it looked and how much more comfortable it was to wear. I have crocheted and knit several of the items you listed and of those I would say most of them I prefer to be knit, but some of them it simply just depends. Crocheted mittens can be very thick and cozy, but they can also get in the way when you need to use your hands. I definitely think you are better off knitting your socks unless you have a lot of room in your shoes or plan on wearing them more like slippers around the house.
Saying that crochet creates a stretchier fabric is just flat out wrong. It’s also just as easy to create a quick and bulky knit project as it is to crochet one–it has everything to do with the weight of the yarn and the size of the needles, not so much the type of stitch you are using. Maybe it’s just me, but personally I find that, all things being equal, knitting tends to goes much more quickly than crocheting.
If you can’t tell, I tend to favor knitting over crocheting generally speaking. It’s not that I think one is superior to the other, I just think they they serve different functions and typically knitting suits my needs better. I also agree with you that things like amigurumi and flowers tend to be better crocheted, but just about anything. I also have the opposite view that you have on using less yarn and having more patterns available. Those are both things that make me appreciate knitting over crocheting. As far as your point about being more free to choose where you want your project to go with crocheting, I am not sure I understand your point completely. I can’t think of anything you can do crocheting that you can’t also do knitting. If you want to add stitches, you just add stitches. If you want to end a row early, you simply finish off the stitches. It may require more skill/knowledge to do it, but it’s not impossible.
Alyssa
May 15, 2018I’ve only been knitting for a few months and while I enjoy it, I also really want to learn to crochet! I love the intricacies of crochet and all the beautiful different patterns and things you can make. I think I may go grab myself a hook and settle down on YouTube for awhile until I learn it. Then I can say that I do both. 😀
Country living
May 21, 2018Learned to crochet at 7 when ill mother taught me.. now 84yrs young and still trying to learn knitting.. can do knit and purl my problem is how to hold every thing while letting go to throw over needle.. have purchased many how to books and watched many computer things but still have not found how to do this.. would love to go out saying I learned to knit .. even tried the continental stitch as was told that was most like crochet in holding the yarn… it was some better at least didn’t have to pick up every stitch off the floor. . there are so many fussy stitches in knitting. In crocheting have done many beautiful items gifts to many to list items .. the most disappointing was when our church ladies decided to help the clothes basket who asked for mittens for Christmas baskets and we made over a hundred crocheted pairs with donated yarn and they threw them out … not store bought… these days they do not ask for mittens any more.. sad so narrow minded about hand made items.. old timers tell me that socks was the first thing they taught children to knit as that was most needed for the family can not imagine how any child ever learned to knit as hard as socks are to make well this is my take on this subject.. thanks so much for this one first time ever have seen this type of question.. much needed honest thoughts ..
JJCrochet
June 11, 2018That sounds like a great idea! Learning both crafts can be useful and provide so many options for creating exactly what you’d like. Have fun!
Dee Geraghty
June 12, 2018Wow ! What a great blog. Learnt to knit at age 7 years & loved it. Then learnt to crochet at age 20 … and loved it. Crochet is quicker but knitting is finer. It depends on the project. I love both crafts. Thanks for all your comments.
Rachel
July 4, 2018This is such bullshit. Knitting is much faster, doesn’t require care when going into a loop, it’s much more stretchy. I don’t know who you’re fooling.. A panel made in single or double crochet will be too thick, and not stretchy enough to wear. More stretchy crochet pieces have holes. A basic stockinette stitch is much much more stretchy, wearable. The fact that you use two needles takes away the pressure you must add to crochet, ends with less pain and more stability. Crochet requires more yarn overs than knitting. It takes longer when you have to focus on which stitch to enter with the hook. With knitting it’s so much easier to see where you’re going to insert your needle because the other needle creates a background and spreads out the stitches evenly.
JJCrochet
July 6, 2018I agree! Definitely depends on the project and both crafts have their usefulness. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
JJCrochet
July 6, 2018I prefer the continental method of knitting, too! More similar to crocheting for us one-hook people. Hope you get the chance to learn how to knit. Having an in-person teacher might be just the thing to help. Good luck!
Emilie
July 10, 2018Okay but I knit because it relieves stress and I need to do something with both of my hands so I don’t go mad. Have people forgotten about knitting/crocheting for enjoyment? Jeez.