Not to worry, this article isn’t about bashing knitting or creating some sort of divide between knitters and crocheters. We just want to explore and see what people have discovered while dabbling in both skills. Perhaps crochet is better for some things. Perhaps knitting is better for others. Let’s hear what some of our designers had to say:
Regarding speed…
“Crochet is faster than knitting and you only need to keep track of one stitch at a time instead of a whole row.” – Kati Brown
“Crochet is better because it’s faster than knitting and best suited for people looking for quick results.” – Shehnaaz Afzar
Regarding materials…
“Oh, this is controversial, but crochet is better because you only need one hook vs. two needles!” – Emma Wilkinson
Regarding the process…
“Only one loop to keep track of! And, the whole thing won’t fall apart if you miss a stitch.” – Caroline Cameron
“Crochet is better because it’s much less scary to frog a project — there is only one live stitch!” – Adinda Hening
“Crochet is better because I can’t get the hang of knitting.” – Susan Heyn
Regarding travel…
“Crochet hooks are much less likely than knitting needles to be considered ‘sharp objects’ by security! I bring my crochet to placces where knitting needles might run the risk of being confiscated.” – Sarah Dawn
“Definitely crochet! It’s easier to do while on the go. Take it from me: you break a lot more needles in rough seas than you would crochet hooks. Plus, crochet hooks can double as an emergency hair clip after a busy day touring and traveling. Imagine trying to put a 16” circular needle in your hair. Not going to happen! – Rosann Fleischauer
Some of our designers knit and crochet. Here’s what they had to say:
“From someone who both knits and crochets, crochet is personally better for me because it uses a set of muscles that are different from knitting which are less prone to arthritis. Crochet is also SO MUCH quicker! It does use more yarn, but hey: I’ve got more yarn than time!” – Michele Maks
“Is crochet really better? I do both and I can’t say one is easier than the other. Each is geared toward different projects.” – Nazanin Fard
“I can’t say one is better than the other since I enjoy both crafts. I will say that crochet is more portable since there is only one tool to keep track of when traveling.” – Sonja Otto
“Can’t say one is better than the other. Yarning is fabulous no matter the craft. Although, I will say, it’s easier to yarn with one hand vs. two if you’re crafting at work.” – Arica Presinal
I was taught to knit and crochet during third grade at my elementary school. When my nephew earned his doctorate in botany, I knitted him a blanket with trees and small orchids ( all in one color; just different stitches). Last year I knitted a ski sweater for myself. Presently I am crocheting baby blankets for a local hospital charity. I enjoy both knitting and crocheting. I have used many different stitches with both knitting and crocheting. I agree that crochet is faster and knitting is lighter.
Crocheting is easier and faster, but knitting – where garments are concerned – is a more advanced craft and produces more elegant, professional looking sweaters, cardigans, socks and so on. Also, crocheted garments tend to be heavier than knitted ones of the same size and density of stitch because knitting produces a woven sort of fabric, but crochet is a series of somewhat thick knots (except for the chain).
Crocheting is, shall I say, funky; you can do all kinds of cute things that knitting is not really suited to. I don’t even know if you can make granny squares with knitting needles, just for starters.
Let’s continue with both. It is not either/or. It is a matter of choosing the right craft for each given project.
I totally agree.
I learned how to loom knit first, then crochet. I love both. When I do design work I knit when I do delicate things I crochet. Both are relaxing and addictive to the project I’m trying to complete. I’m still learning new things all the time. Right now its the pineapple stitch in crochet and the brioche stitch in knitting.
I enjoy both..but for traveling crochet is definitely less “cumbersome “..also although there isn’t the stress/ risk of loosing 1 stitch as when knitting, I find knitting can give better overall look: the stitches are tighter,more symmetrical when knitting a scarf for ex..it’s a tough choice…tunisian crochet is the ” compromise “????
I have knitted and crocheted since a little girl, 50ish years. I would rather knit than crochet, unless I find a pattern that I love.
I’m 71 and was first introduced to knitting by my mother at the age of 4 when I was given a child’s basket of yarn and little needles, I completed my first short sleeved lilac jumper when I was 6. My grandmother introduced me to crochet when I was 6 but I was 17 when I made my first orange dress, just made granny squares up until then. I used the crafts for different projects and use crochet more for toys these days, but I use knitting for all kinds of projects. As I have arthritis in my hands I tend to pick up whichever project will be less painful (and I have many half completed projects which also includes sewing). I think crochet is quicker and there is less sewing up, as I usually use 2 needles for flat knitting when knitting most things – using dpns with arthritis is a nightmare. Love both.
At 69, I’ve been knitting for 60 years and crocheting for 40 years and I enjoy both of them. I love Aran Fisherman knits and I live crocheted shawls and afgans. I can’t tell you how many pairs of socks I’ve knitted over the years. Lately, I’m enjoying crichrting a bit more because of the speed and the wealth of incredible patterns available.
I wish I could knit like my daughter does! Her knitting is so smooth and even, and she can knit a blanket in one color that has rows of trees on it – gorgeous! She also crochets beautifully. I’m strictly a crocheted, like my grandmother and mom who taught me how. My knitting looks like I was in the hospital after a bad ski accident and totally drunk when I knitted it!
I’m a crocheter. I tried knitting once and couldn’t get the hang of it, whereas I taught myself to crochet.
Also depends on which method you were taught. Now that I do continental knitting I’m more inclined to knit more.
Knitting does not scratch that little “itch” like crochetting does. Crochet is easier to repair. Easier to do although I wish I could be skilled at knitting. The clothing is much more of what I like. I must say, crochet cleanses me. I know. I’m weird … hence the need to crochet.
Not so weird, unless we are “sisters”….I often say crocheting “soothes my soul”!
I agree with you both. Crocheting soothes my soul. I always have a WIP and sometimes several.
I do both. For me, crochet is faster and easier because I have arthritis. With arthritis, I find it difficult to grip the needles for knitting. I do feel that knitted lace is much more delicate than crocheted lace, but that’s just my opinion. I love both.
Like some of the other commenters, I learned to crochet at an early age. More than forty years later, I began to try knitting. Perhaps because of this time lag, I find that two needles are too many for me. 😉
I have a project of each type going on all the time. I think it’s good idea to because as we get older injury from repetitive motions is more likely. I learned to crochet from my great grandma at five and loved it so much that when my school offered knitting classes at 12 I jumped at the chance. I’ve also learned variations on styles of knitting and crochet to save my hands and wrists.
I enjoy doing both. Whether it is knit or crochet depends on the project. I make a lot of stuffed animals for my grandchildren and I find that crochet is better for that. It can make smaller turns and and very sturdy animals. For sweaters, knitting is a must because it is thinner and fits better. Afghans I do in either, but the crochet definitely makes a heavier afghan.
I once asked famous knit and crochet teacher/designer Lily Chin which she liked best- knitting or crocheting. Her answer-which of your children do you like best?
I taught myself to crochet and knit at the age of 8. My preference is crochet as its faster and easier to correct mistakes. However, I feel knitting is better for garments.
I’m a crocheter. I tried knitting once and couldn’t get the hang of it, whereas I taught myself to crochet.
I enjoy both crafts. I taught myself to do both knit and crochet. Wish I would have learned at a younger age. I crocheted two hexagon granny cardigans recently; much to my surprise I was impressed how both turned out really well.
I was inspired to learn how to crochet first by a neighbor that resided across the street where I used to live.
I then took on the task of learning how to use knitting needles. My biggest challenge was to knit socks and I succeeded. Later came the looms. Love crafting with different yarns. Great therapy for me.
I was self-taught at knitting, about 25 years old. I had crocheted since I was about 6 years old. Crocheting is MUCH easier, and more rewarding. I had knit myself a beautiful mauve mohair sweater, wore it a couple times, then washed it. Not knowing anything about mohair, I didn’t dry it flat, and the arms stretched, so I couldn’t even wear it again. That was the last of my knitting. But the biggest thing is, when you make a mistake in crocheting, it’s very simple to pull some out and correct it. It’s far harder, and more time consuming, to correct mistakes in knitting, especially if you aren’t sure of what you’re doing in the first place.
Faith again! For what it’s worth, I do loom knit.
My grandmother taught me to do both. I have even translated knitting patterns to crochet, but the project ended up much bigger. I find that the way I hold the yarn effects how I knit, and I have to change the way I make stitches, so I don’t have crossed stitches every other row. When my kids were little, I preferred crochet because it was easier to fix if they grabbed the yarn and ran as opposed to grabbing my knitting (and safer for them). My granddaughter prefers my knitted afghans as they are softer.
Like both Laurie M. and Stephanie H. said a year ago –There are machines that knit…even machines and looms that produce “hand knit” items with the turn of a crank or looping the yarn over pegs in a certain order. This is one reason I’ve never really been interested in learning to knit. If you see a crocheted item be it clothing, accessory, afghan, doily or amigurumi — it’s really hand made by a real person using a hook and fiber. I love making small items like scrunchies, magnet/keyring critters, stress balls, fidget sleeves/mats as well as beanies and throws/afghans. To work in the round is SO much easier and faster with crochet!
I do both, & have for decades; what I’ve found is crochet uses almost twice as much yarn as knitting to make the same sized item – thus crochet is much more expensive than knitting. I prefer knitting when making things like sweaters or cardigans, because I find knit stitches give a warmer result. I’ve made dresses using both techniques, & love the results. I prefer crochet for making fancy blankets due to the variety of stitches & patterns. I often use both techniques in a single item; for example, I’ve used the crochet crab stitch as an edging on many knitted items; it looks great, it’s easy to do, &, imo, it beats the knitted picot stitch in speed & style. Overall, it depends on what I’m making, how much yarn I have on hand, & sometimes my mood, as to which technique I use.
Apparently, I’m a1- tool kinda gal. I *can* knit, but would need a quick refresh, to remember, because it’s been so long. I prefer crochet – including Tunisian, with its cast-on row, and nålbinding.
I taught myself how to crochet with “How to” books. I’ve tried to do that with knitting to no avail. So for me crocheting is best.
I agree with you. I have been crotchetting since I was 10 and I am 50 now. I also am left handed and the only lefty in my family. I feel left handed people have it harder tried to self teach knitting but without any backup I failed. I love crotchet and find it helpful.
Prefer crochet, just one stitch, most of the time to worry about. Speedy. Easy to follow patterns. Crochet no 1!!!!!
I started with crochet. I tried knitting but the stitches kept falling off. Crochet is much faster and no stitch slipping. I prefer crochet.
I love doing both. I think I prefer knitting for hats, mittens and sweaters. I definitely prefer crocheting for home projects such as throws, etc. As done have already mentioned, only one hook and the yarn making it very portable. Love doing both. My grandmother taught me to knit at 5 (66 years) and now I’m teaching my 7(soon to be 8) granddaughter. Wonderful past-time.
I agree. Have knitted but only crochet now, more forgiving, and I feel easier.
I love the look of knitting for many things, as it fad a more refined look. Unfortunately, I’m unable to maintain a consistent tension with knitting, and I don’t have the patience for it so I crochet only. If I want something knitted, I buy it readymade or try to get my sister to knit it for me. If they ever come out with a real knitting machine, though, that can actually create the clothing I’d like to make, trust me, I’m buying one.
I do both and it all depends on the project; I almost exclusively use knitting for lacy shawls, cables, and colorwork. Crochet I use for more blanket, boho wear, doilies and toys. I have travelled with both without issue. I do feel like knitting gives me a smoother, more refined look than I can achieve with crocheting, so I do prefer knitting more, though it takes longer to finish a project!
I was introduced to yarn art by an aunt on my late husband’s side of the family who was an avid hand crafter. Then as I studied patterns, and saw many knitted sweaters, I got interested in knitting which again the same aunt got me started. I like doing both. Yes, crocheting is faster. I guess it just depends on what type of look or pattern you are wanting to work on
I crochet, knit, tat, sew, and just about anything you could think of with FIBER.
A lot of my own comments and observations were highlighted in the main topic.
So just going to add a few thoughts…as some people think knitting has more “variety” of stitches and forms. They will say Argyle, intarsia, faire isle–multiple types of cast-on–and so they think crochet is “limiting”.
Oh no no…crochet is NOT. Those that think so have not explorer Tunisian crochet…which some might call a “hybrid” between knitting and crochet, but I think it is a whole new EXPANSIVE set of stitches to do BOTH in one.
I have been wanting to explore Tunisian crochet more! Have a whole Pinterest board for it with videos. Have only really tried simple stitches. Someday will do more. I do agree that it is like a hybrid, but a somewhat more of its own entity.
Tried knitting, doesn’t come as natural to me as crocheting.
I haven’t tried knitting – my parents sent me a learn-to-knit kit a while back, but I haven’t used it. I’ve read a lot about how much harder knitting is to learn than crocheting – considering I’ve been crocheting for four years and still struggle with it, I think I’ll stick with crocheting for now!
I enjoyed reading the discussions on knitting vs. crocheting. I’ve always been fascinated with knitting since the age of 12. I taught myself how to do the purl stitch at age and I can only do the purl stitch enough to make a scarf. I’ve attempted several times to learn how to knit and can never get the hang of it. I’ve been crocheting since the age of 12 and I’m still crocheting. Crochet was easier for me to learn and master. Yes, it’s quicker and definitely user friendly. I only wish that I could knit with expertise as I do like some of the knitted patterns that I’ve seen and I’m still fascinated when I watch knitters.
Same here Janet. I do both but if knitting goes beyond the garter stitch, I get lost. But I enjoy them both
To me, knitting and crocheting are equal. I prefer hand knitted socks. I’ve looked at many crocheted sock patterns but have never wanted to make a pair. I prefer crocheted thread projects (doilies, tablecloths, curtains) over their knitted counterparts. As for mobility, both are equal. I prefer to knit using needles attached to cables thereby eliminating the concern of losing a needle while on the go. I read somewhere the Bedouin traders practiced some form of crocheting while riding their camels on the Silk Road. You can’t get any more mobile than being on a camel.
I’ve have done both for 50 years and it just depends on what you are making. I do have to say I prefer to crochet more that knit only because I get faster gratification with crocheting than knitting. And yes crocheting is easier to travel with than knitting.
I like crochet better because
I am left handed and can’t get the hang of knitting
I’m still trying to get the hang of crocheting. Haven’t tried knitting, would love to learn. Want to get crochet down better first. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.
I find crochet to be easier, and more relaxing because…..among other things…. if you make a mistake, it’s much simpler to go back and correct the error. I do like the way knitting looks….often I feel like it has a more elegant and “refined” look, but then you can achieve a lacier look with crochet which you can’t very well with knitting. Some things look better in one, some in the other. I’ve also encountered a lot more tense and anxious moments trying to knit something without mistakes than I have with knitting.
I’m a left-handed self-taught crocheter and when I tried to teach myself knitting I had a terrible time but stubbornly persevered and was eventually able to make a pair of gloves(they turned out awful) but was never comfortable doing it, and didn’t enjoy doing it. Now at 85, every pattern I really want to try is a knit pattern and I’m worse at it than I was 40 years ago. I know how to do it but my hands won’t cooperate so I guess I’ll just stay a crocheter /envious wanna-be knitter
I consider myself expert at both crochet and knitting, having learnt each craft at 5 and 6 respectively, and literally never stopped either once I learned – straight through primary, secondary, college, grad school, marriage, children, separation. They’re my therapy. I like each for different things and honestly don’t think either is “better” than the other. Each has strong points. Having taught both for more than 20 years, it does seem to me that crochet is easier for more people with absolutely no experience or preference to pick up than knitting.
I crochet. Much easier for me.
I learned to knit when I was little & have struggled to learn how to crochet ever since. I still just don’t get it. People tell me that I look like I’m knitting when I crochet! Friends who learned to crochet when they were little & later learned to knit claim that it’s MUCH easier to learn how to crochet 1st & then learn to knit. It’s supposedly much harder if you learn to knit 1st & later try to learn how to crochet!
I speak as a creative designer . I do both – I tend to prefer crochet by a long shot because of the freedom of design it gives me ! I can easily hook any shape ,from a cube to abstract I love to crochet interesting forms . It is also far more versatile for adding beads and incorporating other fabric and yarn . Definitely my choice
I have done basic knitting for a few years , but given up due to arthritis in wrist and hands. Crochet does the things I do for Charity, hats, scarfs, baby blankets.So concentrating on that.
I agree with most of these comments. I knit and crochet both easily, and enjoy them each for their own personal attributes/deficits. I can make almost anything with either, but have found that sometimes knitting is softer and has better drape. I use crochet to finish edges and make collars, etc.. Both arts/crafts are best not forgotten especially if you also know about sewing and pattern pieces!
I like crocheting better because you can control any mistakes that are made much easier and it is easy to travel with.
I was taught both by my mother at a very young age. I also do a lot of sewing and painting. I prefer crocheting over knitting. I think the crochet stitches are prettier ….. although my daughter has knitted some beautiful socks. So?? Both are equal I suppose.
I knit more proficiently than crochet, therefore I’m biased. Though it is true that crochet is faster and you only need to be concerned with one stitch at a time, knitting is just zen when you are in a roll. Both techniques lead to beautifully finished material.
I have been crocheting since I was 11-12 years old. I was looking for more clothing patterns and wanted a less bulky look than crocheting. Since the pandemic began, I challenged myself to work on my knitting skills and have made several sweaters and tops for myself and my grand-daughter. So for faster and warmer projects like blankets, I would stick with crocheting. For finer work, I would go to knitting. I’ve knit and crocheted sock for friends and gotten positive feedback on both!
I learned to crochet before I learned to knit so my yarn tension suffers when I pick up a knitting project. I also can’t seem to keep track of my knits and purls. I have no such problem tracking sc, hdc, or dc. One day I’m going to finish my knitted blanket.
I have been crocheting since I was 4… so 40 yrs later I rudely believe to me it’s like breathing, it comes so natural to me. I have tried several times to knit and it like my hands don’t want to listen to my brain. I’m not done trying, but crocheting is more for me at this time.
I enjoy both knitting and crocheting. I do find crochet seems to be a more bulky fabric and knitting can be ver fine and more closed up(less holes) it just depends on the end result you want! Both are fun!!!
I like crochet because it’s more relaxing if you drop a stitch or make a mistake, it’s much easier to rip out a stitch and resume than trying to put a loop back on the needle!
I tried to learn knitting but I just couldn’t get it. I would love to knit because the finished work is so beautiful and elegant.
Yes. Crochet is faster than knitting. Knitting can get complicated with cable stitches etc.
I can only crochet, but I do think that each crafts has its benefits. Crochet seems better for afghans, scarfs, and toys while knitting seems better for clothing like sweaters. Most crocheted clothes look very homemade. I can crochet a large blanket in a couple of weekends so it does seem fast.
I learned how to crochet about 10 years ago. Just loved it. I recently learned to knit some. I found it just not pleasant. Too much frustration.
Crochet patterns ar easier to keep up with and crochet hooks are easier than two knitting needles. But I like doing both.
I love knitting and crochet equally. I prefer to knit socks, gloves and garments that need drape. Crochet is ideal for household items such as baskets, blankets, anything that needs to be sturdier.
Crochet is much more forgiving than knitting. I can knit, but prefer to crochet because I get bored knitting and want to pull out my hair. 😉
I only crochet because my mother only crocheted as did her mother and her mother’s mother. When I married, my mother-in-law only knitted as did her mother etc. I’m sure a doctoral thesis could be written on the why and wherefore’s of the two crafts and the devotion to each.
Well I love both. Crochet is quicker. Knitting softer. But I do mini knitting and mini crochet so for me my crochet is more limited because the smallest hook I can get is 0.35 mm. I can find finer things to knit on.
I crochet and knit equally. I think crochet is easier to work and less technically challenging than knitting in the many years of crafting both. I think knitting is much more technical in terms of technique while knitting. With crochet, you are only handling one stitch at a time, and the stitches are equal when trying to get the gauge. In knitting, getting the correct gauge is so much more challenging. I often have to adjust the gauge to get the fabric I want. It is easier to do in crochet because you are only handling one stitch at a time, and each stitch made is a stitch on its own rather than “linked” with other stitches.
I had a friend whose husband didn’t like her to knit because of the clacking of the needles. Crochet is silent so wouldn’t upset anyone.
TBH, I like both but with knitting I find that my edges are a lot nicer. I don’t have to continually remember how to count to the edge and make the turning stitch. Also, the fabric it makes is very flexible. Crochet, at least for me, seems to make a stiffer fabric. I don’t mean including lace, those are the same in both knitting and crocheting, at least for me. The benefits of crochet are one hook to worry about, instead of pointy needles 🙂 But I think i prefer knitting for some projects, and crochet for others.
I tried knitting and didn’t care for it. To boring. In fact a few years later tried it again and still didn’t like it. So I’m a crocheter through and through.
i like crochet because I don’t drop stitches. Especially now that arthritis has entered my life.
My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was eight. It definitely is my go to. I taught myself to knit many years later and I love to do cable afghans. Crochet is definitely faster and gives more satisfaction, however I would rather knit an Afghan than do granny squares. Too boring!!
Crochet has a lot of options unavailable to knit projects. Among them are three-dimensional effects, turning and heading in totally new directions, “free-form,” and lots more. The danger though, is that crochet projects can easily devolve to kitschy. Good taste and good yarn and good color choices are necessary for both.
I suffer from Parkinson’s, which makes it impossible for me to control a knitting needle. Crochet, on the other hand, apparently uses a different set of nerves and muscles. It allows me to continue creating special items for my family and for charity.
It depends on what sort of finished fabric you want and its texture. Knitted pieces have a smoother surface and less bulk, while crochet lends itself well to open work and lace. I do both, but strongly prefer knitting because it’s the first of the two skills I learned as a child. Knitting intimidates, as it can be daunting to manage many stitches and techniques simultaneously.
I both knit and crochet and think each has its strengths depending on the project. Knitted fabric is better for garments like sweaters, as it tends to be less bulky and has better drape. Crocheted fabric is nice for things like afghans, because the extra bulk adds warmth and because it’s a large project, crochet works up faster. Crochet is nice for doilies, especially filet crochet, but knitted lace is beautiful, especially in a shawl. Crochet is easier for small circular projects, as there’s only one live stitch, whereas knitting such projects requires dpn’s or magic loop, which can get fiddly. And I agree that frogging a knitted project is much scarier than frogging a crochet project. I usually insert a lifeline, especially if there are many rows being frogged. And if it’s not a major undo, tinking a knit project is tedious, whereas undoing crochet stitches is a piece of cake. Personally, right now I’m in a knitting mode, as all my recent projects have been garments. I might add being both a crocheter and a knitter, I prefer the continental method of knitting as I tension the yarn in my left hand the same way for both crafts. I also think continental knitting is faster and more efficient. Thanks for this opportunity to weigh in on the subject. 🙂
You have inspired me to try knitting again. I did learn, but, although I like the end product, it is harder than crochet for me. I also found out in the 70’s that I could make a garment free lance, so to speak, with crochet. No pattern, just a good idea. I need a new challenge and knitting seems like the perfect one. How does one learn continental knitting? That has always fascinated me.
I can both knit and crochet but my preference is crochet. As many others have said, only 1 loop to keep track of. I find crochet more versatile and forgiving and now that they are coming out with the lighter weight yarns I find myself wanting to crochet garments rather than knit them. Crochet is so much heavier and thicker, which I prefer in almost everything except sweaters! A nice, heavy crocheted sweater is wonderful when you work outdoors in all weather – but not so nice in a centrally heated business office.
I crochet and knit. Knitting projects are much more beautiful, but crochet projects are quicker and easier to complete. I have many more knit ufo’s than crochet ones. One of my problems is I get bored really quick, and knitting falls into that category, due to the length of time to complete a project. Lately I crochet a lot more than knit. Both has advantages and disadvantages. Holes between crochet stitches can be quite a problem when not making lace items.
I wanted to acquire some yarning skills when I was a kid so I signed up for knitting instruction at school in 3rd grade. (Crochet was not offered, I didn’t even know crochet existed before well into adulthood.) Knitting was so hard, frustrating, no fun, not relaxing. I kept accidentally dropping or adding stitches. My rows looked terrible. When my dad’s dying coworker asked me from her deathbed to show her what I was doing…to teach her how…you could see where my rows ended and hers began, she obviously knew what she was doing but she denied it saying I taught her everything she knows. I couldn’t accuse the moribund lady of lying. I stopped trying at that moment. I was 35 when I started crochet. I couldn’t believe how easy it was. After a few years of happy hooking, I decided to try knitting again, thinking maybe it was just my youth that made it seem impossible for me. Nope. Same exact results as back in 3rd grade. I couldn’t knit to save my life.
I cannot knit, to save my life, but wish I could get the hang of it! My Mom taught me to crochet, decades ago, and TRIED to help me knit, to no avail. So, for me, crochet is “better”, when, really that should just read “easier” . Each craft lends itself to specific projects, better than the other does, and that is why I wish I could master knitting.
I have done both decades ago, recently picked up crochet again and love it. I have a pattern for a knitted sweater I would like to try but there’s so much more that can go wrong with knitting!
I’m fascinated by crochet because it can’t be replicated by any machine.
I learned to knit at 8 years old from my mom. Then in college a friend taught me to crochet and I never looked back. I like that it goes faster than knitting and that it only involves one loop and it’s easy to frog. I have often found a mistake in a project that I would try to tell myself nobody would notice only to pull everything apart anyway because I knew that I would always know it was there. Easy to do with crochet, not with knitting.
I had been knitting on and off for about 35 years. A couple of years ago I decided to try crocheting. I bought a magazine type book highly recommended by a friend of my daughter’s. It was very helpful. I also took a class through our Rec department, but the instructor was not very helpful. I LOVE crocheting, easy to pick up and put down without forgetting where you were in the pattern. I haven’t looked back. Boy, do I have a lot of knitting needles! Anyone interested?
I want your knitting needles!!! Hahahahahaha! I knit and my best friend crochets. We lived together for a winter. They tried knitting a chunky cropped sweater, I tried crocheting a hat. When we saw how slow we were at each other’s respective crafts, we pretty much gave up doing the other craft. I will try crocheting again someday for things like doilies, the ability to make unique spaces and patterns is just too tempting to resist! But for now, I’m an aspiring-advanced knitter trying to master my craft as best as I can! And oh boy, I never seem to have enough knitting needles for all of my various projects xD
I am a self-taught crocheter, and knitter. I started both knitting and crochet when I was about 11. Couldn’t follow knit instructions, so the basic stockinette is all I do. Crochet is my love, but I still make knitted scarves (I still have the first one I ever made!) and dishcloths.
I love both. I like knitting when riding in a car because I don’t have to look at my project. Crochet is much nicer for lacy things I think.
I have tried knitting, even continental, and I will continue to try it only because some things just look better and are thinner with knitting (e.g. socks, mittens, sweaters) while others are much nicer crocheted (think mosaic crochet)
I like both. Knitting is better with some yarns but crochet is faster. Definitely crochet when going on short trips. I started a daily crochet Afghan. Might try a knitted one next year lol.
I changed over to Crocheting frim knitting years ago! I would frop a stitch & need to pull out the yarn. Crocheting is much easier for me!
I would never say crochet is “better” than knitting. Its different. Its faster depending on the project. Its less to keep track of and frogging is a breeze with crochet, most of the time. Crochet is thicker. If you do the knit stitch in crochet with the same yarn compared to knitting it is much thicker and takes more yarn and is a harder stitch to do than just knitting. I love the fabric that knitting makes, but also love crochet items. So one being “better” over the other really isn’t the word I would use.
I was taught knitting by someone, but I had difficulty with it. I taught myself to crochet. I prefer this because I caught on much sooner than knitting. I learn something new all the time. I also enjoy loom knitting.
I prefer crocheting because until recently animal patterns for knitting were not around. Also lacy doilies and shawls are impossible with knitting.
I love crochet and don’t like to knit….for all the reasons above and also because I like to make sweaters. I can stop any time and lay it out on top of a sweater that I know fits well and make adjustments as I go, especially for curves such as around the armholes and sleeve tops. Knit sweaters are all scrunched up on the needles and you can’t really see how the piece is shaping up until you are much past the section that you wanted to look at.
I have both crocheted and knitted since I was a child. I think they are about equal in the “likes” department. Yes crochet uses one tool, while knitting uses 2 needles, so use circular needles instead of 2 straight sticks. I like knitted garments better than crocheted most of the time. The drape, the look, though with todays yarn it’s close because we have so many designers and wonderful yarns that even crochet garments drape and shape better than 40 years ago. Knit has more stretch/give then crochet, socks that are knitted tend to feel better on my feet than crocheted. Toys are easier to make in crochet than knitted. It’s a toss up, I love to do both and usually have something going in both forms of needle work. I will say, man invented knitting machines to imitate and speed up knitting, so there is that, because I haven’t seen a crochet machine. Seriously, it depends on what you are comfortable doing or your mood not on which is better. What you like is better for you. No judgments folks.
I have been crocheting since I was 9 yrs old. At 52, I’m starting to get the hang of knitting. I noticed my hand will stiffen up and flare up painful due to mild arthritis when I knit. Crocheting never causes my hand to hurt or stiffen at all. So now, I like crocheting better, because it’s easier on the hands, transportable, and quicker. And I like knitting just because it’s a challenge and I use it as an exercise routine for my poor hands.
I taught myself how to crochet at a young age. I am left-handed and at the time that was the best way for me to learn. In the 60’s it was difficult to find someone who could teach me to crochet or knit. Even now I still teach myself the new stitches. In the 70’s my best friend taught me to knit. For my first attempt I made a sweater for my nephew for a Christmas gift. It took me 4 months to make. That was the one and only thing that I ever finished with knitting. I started projects but it went so slow that I just gave up and went back to crocheting. It goes with me where ever I go. It’s the best.
I do both, but I find crocheting more relaxing and if I get bored with the repetitiveness, I can put it down or away until I’m ready to pick it back up. I often have several projects going on at the same time. I make prayer shawls and baby sets, so I’m often working on many different designs. I’ve done both for over 50 years now. Love crochet, I’ve often been called a chrochety old lady, with a smile! Kathy Umland
I prefer crochet because my arms and shoulders hurts when I knit
I can relax when I crochet, and it means that I can do it every day
Smile 😉 Lizzi Ullner Buus
I like to crochet and knit. However, I think it is easier to correct mistakes when crocheting.