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Knitting vs. Crocheting: Which is Better? Which is Harder?

Crocheting (left) vs. Knitting (right)

ByJJCrochet | On July 22,17 | 37 Comments

Knitting vs. Crocheting

Knitting and crocheting are similar, yet different.

Both crafts use yarn to make items, but knitting is done with two knitting needles and the stitches are loops. Crocheting, on the other hand, is done with just one crochet hook and the stitches resemble small knots.

The resulting projects look different, too.

Knitting can be easier to learn because only two stitches are used: the knit stitch and purl stitch. It’s a very logical craft – knitters move stitches from one needle to the other, then back again. The loops remain on the needles which makes for very organized projects. Stitches look like straight lines or little V’s.

Crochet stitches build from each other and range from very short and small (chain stitch) to very tall and twisty (triple crochet). In between are other stitches, the most common crochet stitches being the single crochet and double crochet. Stitches are bumpier and more textured.

Knitting is great for items that need delicate stitches such as soft sweaters or fluffy cowls. Crocheting is perfect for when bulkier stitches are needed – hats, scarves or dishtowels.

You’ll also notice there is a bit of a stigma sometimes associated with crocheters. The more traditional of the two is knitting. Think of the old pamphlets published with instructions on how to make a sweater for the wintery coasts in the UK. Chances are, those patterns are for knitted cardigans.

Knitting is your craft if you:

Have patience – Knitting projects can take more time and be more detailed (the stitches are also smaller!)
Want to save money (but only to buy expensive yarn). Crochet projects, believe it or not, take a third more yarn
Prefer logical projects and directions
Want to enjoy an extensive library of patterns – knitting patterns can be more popular and more readily available than crochet patterns
What you’ll need: yarn + knitting needles (size 11 for beginners)

Crochet is your craft if:

Quick projects excite you (bigger stitches = projects work up faster)
You aren’t afraid of making mistakes – it’s easier to rip out work or fix a mixed stitch
Your mind works spatially – you like going up, down and around or over
You’re creative – crochet patterns can be scarcer to find and you might have to forge your own path
What you’ll need: “normal sized” yarn called worsted weight + a crochet needle (size H is good for beginners)

I learned to crochet when I was 8 so it’s my first love and I’m obviously biased, but knitting is a close second. If you’re adventurous, I’d recommend trying both crafts and seeing what you like.

I’ve taught both crafts to friends and it seems to be an individual basis of what is easier or harder – some people hate the structured stitches of knitting, while others find crocheting too cumbersome and need boundaries.

If I had to recommend just one, I’d recommend knitting since it tends to be easier for people to pick up quickly.

Advanced crafters may have some level of knowledge between crocheting and knitting and can easily add a crocheted border around a knit cardigan, for example. Learning both will enable you to be more versatile and choose whichever you’re in the mood for (and which one best suits your project needs).

Either way, you can’t go wrong! Which one have you tried?

For 8 reasons why crochet is better than knitting, read here.

Crochet, Free Patterns, Projects

Men’s Crochet Hat Pattern: A Basic

Whipped this bad boy up this weekend because I wanted a basic men’s hat pattern. You know, for those projects where you want a neutral base. A few years ago, I made this men’s hat and wanted to create something that was sized a bit larger and without the textured band.

Finished hat will fit an adult male: 21.5 inches wide by 7.75 inches tall.

Men’s Crochet Hat Pattern

Materials:

120 yards worsted weight yarn. I used Vanna’s Choice in tan
Size H (5.0mm) crochet hook

**Important: Check gauge and either use thicker yarn or a larger crochet hook. After Round 2, hat should measure 3 inches in diameter**

Chain 3, join with sl st to form ring.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as first DC. Work Ch 2 at the beginning of every round in place of first DC). Work 14 more DC into ring (15 stitches). Join with sl st, do not turn.

Round 2: 2 DC into each stitch around (30 stitches). Measure gauge. Hat should measure 3 inches. Join with sl st, do not turn.

Round 3: 1 DC into first stitch. 2 DC into second stitch. Continue pattern of *1 DC, 2 DC* around (45 stitches). Join with sl st, do not turn.

Round 4: 1 DC into each of next 4 stitches. 2 DC into fifth stitch. Continue pattern of *1 DC into next 5 stitches, 2 DC into next stitch* around (54 stitches). Join with sl st, do not turn.

Round 5: 1 DC into each stitch (54 stitches). Join with sl st, do not turn.

Round 6: 1 DC into each of next 7 stitches. 2 DC into next stitch. Continue pattern of *1 DC into next 7 stitches, 2 DC into next stitch* around (63 stitches). Join with sl st, do not turn.

Rounds 7 – 13: 1 DC into each stitch (63 stitches). Join with sl st, do not turn.

Round 14: SC into each stitch. (63 stitches). Join with sl st. Fasten off. Weave in end.

Crochet, Projects, Solid Granny Afghan

The Fourth, Final & Finished Afghan

The last time I shared a progress picture, the afghan I was working on was 12 x 11 squares. The colors were blending nicely, but it wasn’t very big. If you’re going to hand-crochet a blanket, then you commit to make a blanket.

I decided to extend the pattern and the afghan turned out to be 12 x 14 squares. I worked until the yarn ran out. Now we’ve got ourselves a blanket! I added 8 rows of a granny-square border, working the same three double crochet cluster into each opening to mirror the look of a granny square.

The inspiration was, of course, Attic 24’s Granny Patchwork afghan.

Lucy of Attic 24 uses a different method for making granny squares and it’s one I’ve adopted myself. (Once you make 168 squares, you learn to love something). Lucy prefers to not work the chain between 3 DC clusters and only uses 1 chain instead of 2 for the corner stitches. Cutting out or reducing the number of chains makes a tighter square without sacrificing the base elements of the traditional crocheted granny. I really liked her modification.

This afghan was the fourth and final piece in a series of blankets I’ve been working on for the last 4-5 years. I told myself I wouldn’t get sentimental, but it’s hard not to! When I was a senior in college (2011), someone contacted me through my Etsy shop and asked me to crochet a blanket for her daughter as she started college.

The plan was one afghan a year for four years.

#1: Crochet Hexagon Blanket

#2: Ripple Crochet Blanket

#3: Picot Granny Square

and this is #4.

Of the four, my favorite was the third one–the Picot granny square. It also took the longest amount of time (by far), but the design is so unique I loved making it. Textured, small and large squares and the colors–just perfection.

Over the years, the woman who contracted the blankets and I became friends. We exchanged Christmas gifts and emails, thoughts on the blankets as they came together. A random note to share vacation plans and life updates. She’s seen me move four times, congratulate me on two new jobs and always been a part of my free time.

It was odd packing up the last of the blankets and writing the final note a few weeks ago. I’ve never met this woman or her daughter who graduated from Yale, yet somehow we’ve been part of each other’s lives. Her daughter joked she’ll have to consider grad school to keep the blankets coming!

It’s the end of a JJCrochet era. Now the question becomes… what to work on next.

Crochet, Knitting

Crochet vs. Knitting Differences

If you’ve found yourself inexplicably drawn to the yarn section of craft stores, you may be looking to learn the differences between crocheting vs. knitting.

Some crocheters also knit and knitters have been known to crochet. There’s a benefit to being able to do both, though some crafters prefer to just do one. I’ve been crocheting for 18 years and knitting for 14. Over the years, I’ve found benefits for each.

Knitting and crocheting are different, though are the same at their core: You’re creating something from yarn and a needle or hooks by following a pattern. Learning both will allow you to choose which is better for your particular project whether you’re making a dog sweater or a tea cozy.

The table below outlines basic differences I’ve found between knitting and crocheting. You may have found the opposite, this is what I’ve experienced over the years. Review to learn if you’d make a coordinated crocheter or knowledgeable knitter.

Crochet vs. Knitting: A Comparison
	Crocheting	Knitting
Tools	One Hook & Yarn	Two Needles & Yarn
Basic Stitch Motion	Loops & Knots	Loops
Active Stitches at Any Time	1	All
Number of Basic Stitches	10	2
Fabric Texture	Coarse & Thick	Smooth & Flat
Construction Method	Spacial: Turns or Irregular Shapes	Linear:Limited by Loops on Needles
Correcting Mistakes	Easy: Rip Out Stitches	Medium: Unknit without Dropping Stitches
Flexibility in Patterns	High: Easy to Free-Form	Medium: Harder to Free-Form
Average Project Time	Medium: Stitches are Bigger & Projects Work up Faster	High
Yarn Needed	More: Crocheting Takes 1/3 more Yarn	Less
Availability of Patterns	Medium	High
Best Used For	Wearable Accessories (Hats or Scarves) & Afghans	Sweaters & Wearables
Ease of Learning	Depends on you!	Depends on you!

Leave a comment of what you think. What have you found to be better for your crafting: knitting or crocheting?

Crochet, Projects, Solid Granny Afghan

The Fourth & Final Afghan

If you’ve been keeping tabs, I finished the third of my afghans–the crochet granny square flower–last spring. Since then, I’ve been busy working on the fourth and final installment of the afghans.

It’s with great pride I present the Solid Squared Afghan!

This guy differs from its three sibling since its squares are solid colors, not comprised of four to six different colors. The squares themselves are working up quicker (no time joining colors) and can I just tell you how infinitely excited I am to have 75% LESS ends to weave in.

My fellow crocheters, can I get an ‘amen’?!

This afghan was designed to be 12 x 12 squares, yet I found it too small. Each square measures just under four inches, forming an afghan 48 by 48 inches. I figured why stop there? I had enough yarn and plan to keep working until it runs out.

Project Details:

Size 3.5mm (E 4) crochet hook
Over 15 different colors of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmireno
Five rows of granny squares, using the join-as-you-go method

This is also a great project to use up yarn scraps. Pick complimenting threads or random colors and join, join, join until you have yourself an afghan. It becomes almost mindless work–great while watching episodes of Arrested Develpment or Mad Men or nothing. 🙂 Enjoy!

Crochet, Free Patterns

Crochet Christmas Gifts & Last Minute Projects

It’s nearly Christmas. Months ago, when the sun was still shining and tan lines were your largest concern, you had grand plans of hand-crocheting presents for everyone on your list. Was it ambitious? Sure, but you’d have a plan and plenty of time to stitch.

And yet, here we are.

We’re days away from the big day and you need projects–completed projects. We’ve all been there and there’s still hope! Here are some of my favorite crocheted Christmas gifts.

They’re quick, they’re customizable and they’re easy for beginners. Most will take an hour or less to work up. So grab your hooks, go through your stash and cross off that Christmas gift list!

For the Friend

1: A 6-pack of flower coasters
2: 1 skein, 1 hour chunky scarf
3: Crochet bow

For the Coworker

4: Crochet coffee mug cozy
5: Crocheted chain necklace (from Shara Lambeth Designs)

For the Sister-In-Law

For the New Mom

8: 0-6 month crochet girls newborn hat with heart
9: Newborn boy’s bear hat
10: Baby’s headband and flower

For Anyone

11: Basic beanie hat – Unisex and multiple sizes (from Oombawka Design)
12: Thick Crocheted slippers – Can be Unisex (from Drops Design)

Crochet, Projects

Striped Crochet Baby Blanket

A former coworker commissioned a blanket for his nephew. After asking if he had a design in mind, he replied in typical guy fashion: “It’s for a baby. Can you make it blue and gray?”. Sure can, Sam, sure can.

I chose four skeins of yarn for this blanket–I was picturing stripes.

We had’ light blue, dark blue, soft baby blue and a variegated black/white/gray to tie it together. I’ haven’t fully embraced bold hues for baby blankets (you can’t deny there’s something cuddly about cloud blue yarn), although I do like mixing saturated colors with the typical baby palette.

It’s my way of blending compliance with creativity.

Once the yarn was selected, I got to work. I’ll tell you a secret, though: sometimes having no direction is the hardest task–all I have is yards of string to make a blanket.

After a few designs, nothing was coming out quite right so I revisited old instructions–a soft wave pattern I used for a rainbow ripple blanket a few years ago. It turned out great! The yarn creates a cozy design when striped together and I love the soft border of baby blue yarn.

Project Details:

Free Pattern: Crochet Ripple Afghan from Attic24
Yarn: About 600 yards varying weight
Hook: Size I crochet hook

The finished blanket measures 35 inches wide by 42 inches long, should be just the right size for the newborn. Afghan was packaged and mailed off today. I hope it brings many warm nights with it. Thanks for the project Sam–hope your nephew enjoys!

Crochet, Projects

Finished Project: Crochet Baby Dress

When coworkers are pregnant, I crochet.

I found this beautiful crochet baby dress pattern from Bev’s Country Cottage (on Ravelry) and knew it’d be perfect for the soon-to-be little girl. I used sport weight tan yarn and accented the dress with pink baby cashmerino flowers.

The crochet baby shoes (Dainty Mary Janes from Ravelry) worked up in no time and they’re so tiny! Just look at how cute they are.

I followed the dress pattern as written, but made it a few rows longer. I’m hoping it’s 0-3 months, though it might be larger. Not having a real baby handy, I’m unsure of the sizing. Hoping all this fits, but figured she can always grow into it. Also made a small little headband in the same pattern.

I highly recommend the crochet baby dress and shoes patterns. They work up quickly and only use a little bit of yarn. If you’re looking for a last minute baby shower gift, whip up the booties, dress, or both and they’ll be sure to get plenty of “awwws”. The best news is both patterns are free. Enjoy!

Crochet, Free Patterns, Projects

Crochet Picture Frame Pattern

While I’m partial to hats and afghans, I’ve been working on a great new partnership with tillie & rose, a small boutique opening in Ligonier, PA.

I met the two-women-duo of Andria and Jen at a craft show and we started planning. In the months that followed, we talked designs and sketches to come up with a line of crochet frames that matched tillie & rose’s photography.

This is the first prototype, but I was so excited, I had to share. I based the design off this Dutch blog’s pattern and have included the free crochet picture frame pattern below for easier reference.

Finished Size: As an oval, inside edge is 4.5 inches x 4 inches; Outside width from ruffle to ruffle is 5 inches x 6.5 inches. Frame can also be shaped completely round as a 5.75 inch circle.

Materials

Size F (4.0mm) crochet hook
~25 yards of Vanna’s Glamour Yarn in Topaz (light gold with metallic gold).

Crochet Pattern

Chain 55, join with sl st to make loop.

Rounds 1 & 2: Chain 1, sc around. Join with sl st to join.

Round 3: Do not turn. Chain 3 (counts as first dc). Work 3 more dc into same stitch. 1sc in next stitch. Skip 1 stitch. Repeat: *4 dc in same stitch. 1 sc in next stitch, skip 1 stitch* around. Join with sl st to join.

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

The pattern is simple and works up quickly.

My piece of advice is that when making a crochet picture frame, the yarn you choose is important. You want to use something that’s delicate enough to show off your stitch detail, yet sturdy enough to stand on its own.

Flimsy yarn just won’t cut it. I found the perfect combo for these crocheted frames to be Vanna’s Glamour, but I’m sure there are other yarns out there. I have a cotton blend to try next and think it’ll provide some good structure.

Have you even made a crocheted picture frame? I’d love to hear about your experience.I’m still working out how to attach the frame onto a picture, so ideas are welcome.

I’m also testing out some new frame patterns and will be sure to share the instructions here once they’re completed.

Crochet, Pictor Granny Square, Projects

It’s Finished: The Crochet Granny Square Afghan

I’ve been crocheting the granny square picot afghan for the past year.

Like the two blankets before it, this blue-purple-red-green-yellow combo was a treat to make. The 3-D granny squares have raised centers that look complicated, yet become easy after the 80th repeat. (If you’d like to try your hand at making a square, you can with this picot granny square video tutorial).

A few weeks ago, I finished crocheting the blanket based on Lucy’s original design. I had just ended my last square when I realized there was enough yarn to make another repeat–which would mean three additional rows. The ‘inspiration afghan ‘is a rectangle, but adding the extra rows made this one into a square.

I forged ahead and am glad I did. I rather like the extra inches since it makes the blanket even longer for maximum warmth.

Project Details:

52 Skeins of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino
Size E (3.5mm) crochet hook
Inspired by Attic 24′s flower granny square afghan
Time to crochet: 1 year
Worth it factor (WIF): YES! Loved learning how to make the raised granny square flowers. Could be my favorite blanket of the bunch.

My favorite part of designing this afghan was not using the same bordering color for a square in any given row OR column. It was like playing sudoku. I even enlisted the help of my roommate. We’d pause the episode of Friday Night Lights we were watching (hello, Tim Riggins) and whisper to ourselves, “light pink…? no. maroon?….. no. Ooh – navy!” as we’d scan the rows and talk through color options until finding a suitable choice.

Adding on the three extra rows, I didn’t think it was possible, but without any real planning it worked out. A rainbow afghan of totally random colors.

Afghan edging is a faux-picot stitch repeat of [3 slip stitch,es *sc, ch 2, sc* in next stitch ] around.

I’m packaging up this afghan tonight and am sad to see it leave, though it’s going to a good home, joining its hexy and ripple afghan sisters. Keep the faith, dear reader, as there is already a fourth afghan in the works. The kaleidoscope continues!

Crochet, Pictor Granny Square, Projects

Granny Square Picot Afghan – Part III

The last time I shared a picture of the granny square picot afghan, it was 18 squares big. Such a baby! It’s grown quite considerably in the last couple months (to 76 squares) as I’ve found these cold winter months in PA are great for movie-watching and couch-crocheting.

crochet ends — Weaving in ends – my least favorite part, but the finishing touch

All that’s left to do is make 18 more squares, crochet a couple rows for a border and sew in loose ends, which at 10 ends a square to sew in, it’ll be a task in itself.

Expect a project recap and “hooray, it’s finished” pictures soon!

Crochet, Projects

Crochet Baby Booties/Boots

My friend sent a link from Pinterest, asking if I could make her daughter a pair of these crochet baby booties. Um, of course I could. It looked like a great pattern and I had a free Sunday morning so I spent the time crocheting, drinking French press coffee and reading. Could you think of a more perfect time?

I found some pink yarn and the booties worked up quickly. Barely took any yarn. I made the seize 0-3 month booties and even though my friend’s baby is 6 months old, they were falling off her feet. Maybe I needed to size down? Regardless, they’re adorable and she can always grow into them.

Project Details

Pattern (free): Crochet baby booties pattern from Quartered Heart Crochet
Crochet Needle: Size E (3.5mm)
Yarn: Vanna’s Choice, worsted weight in Light Pink – about 45 yards
TIme: 1 hour
Favorite part: The functional button closure and scalloped edges
Edits: None, followed pretty much as written. Skipped the instructions for the button holes since I always just push the buttons through an open spot in the work – the stitches are loose enough. I did have some trouble making the second shoe turn out like the first. Made two pairs and always had the same problem… had something to do with the decreasing around the toes, but I wasn’t able to fix it completely. Not too noticable, though
Make again? For sure! I could see this being a good baby shower gift