Crochet vs Knitting?

Question

Which is harder? Which do you prefer? What are the pros and cons of each?

I've just started to crochet in the past few months and love it now I'm stating to think about learning how to knit to however it looks hard from what I've seen....but then again I thought I would never learn to crochet when I first started.

Answer 1

I do both and I prefer crochet for some things and knitting for others. Crochet is great for things that need a lot of intricate shaping like toys, puppets, flowers, etc. It's much more freeform than knitting. On the other hand, in my opinion, knitting is better for garments like sweaters because it creates smoother fabric that is also very stretchy. Basic knitting isn't hard - just start small, like maybe a scarf. Then the sky's the limit. Also, knitting can keep challenging you and keep you learning for years and years, whereas I think you can hit a ceiling sooner with crochet.

Answer 2

from my wife (she does both): Learning to crochet is a good idea for knitters. Many knit patterns are embellished with pretty crochet trims. Some newer patterns make extensive use of both techniques within a project. Once you learn the basic stitches, the rest about crochet is very similar to knitting (you already know how to read patterns,for example). There are items that are easier, quicker, or look better in crochet. Sometimes I get tired or frustrated with a knotting project and will crochet for a change of pace. Plus, if you have twin girls who never want to do exactly the same thing, you can teach each of them a yarn craft (my mother taught me to knit because I was more patient than my sister, but eventually we each learned both crafts).

Answer 3

I Crochet, knitting always seemed too difficult for me. I did learn how to knit a long time ago, but I prefer crochet, I have more control over the stitches and the yarn.

Answer 4

It is just a matter of personal preference. I learned to knit when very young, and I taught myself to crochet when in my 20's. I prefer knitting, maybe because I have done it more and could do it blindfolded, but I have seen women crochet like that. Either way, you are creating something as unique as you are.

Answer 5

I had a much easier time learning to crochet. Maybe because I saw my Mama crochet so much of the time. But when I tried to learn to knit I never did get very good at it. I learned a couple of basic stitches but that's about it. lol - i can knit a mean dish cloth!!

Answer 6

I did the same thing in the past. I crocheted for years. Every time I started knitting, I added a stitch at each row and I just couldn't figure out how I was doing that.

Then, many years ago, I saw an article in either Woman's Day or Family Circle for a very easy, beginner's sweater pattern. It came out great and my youngest daughter wore it forever.

It's not harder, just different.

Answer 7

I only know how to crochet. I'm left-handed and I sat across from someone and mirrored their actions. But, I've never been able to learn to knit. I tried learning the same way I learned to crochet, but it didn't work, so I gave up. Now, everybody wants my crocheted blankets and I give them as gifts!

Answer 8

I prefer knitting myself. I learned to crochet when I was younger, but it is harder for me to pick up. However, I have not yet done a major knitting project (scarves and a purse is all I have done), so it may be a toss up. You can knit through a scraf pretty fast though! I was taught knitting in one sitting...at least the basic stiches!

Good luck with both!! :)

Answer 9

I prefer crochet, because it is always the same stitch, just variations on how many times you wrap the yarn. Knitting is trickier, and I find the patterns to be more complicated. I guess it depends on what you want to make and how you want it to look, and how much patience you have. Also, I think it is incredible easy to make up patterns on a whim with crochet, but that is much more difficult with knitting.

Answer 10

I learned both at an early age, and I still prefer to make knits for garments I want to wear, and use crochet for faster projects or blankets.
knitting:
PRO- easy to wear, stretchier fabric making
CON- easy to lose stitches, particularly if you are a beginner struggling with tension issues.

Crochet:
PRO- easy to start, and more unique looking than knits in general
CON- hard to keep track of the beginning and ends of each row, often losing track of how many stitches you were supposed to have to keep it square

And difficulty of both can be variable depending on the kind of project you are doing.