What is the difference between knitting and crocheting? Which is easier to learn?

Question

I don't have anyone to teach me, so where is the best place to learn either of them?

Answer 1

Honey Once you know them both they are both just as easy. Start with the basics. Go to Walmart or any store that carries Yarn and you can find starter kits for knitting or crochetting. They are pretty easy to follow . But if you do know someone who can do either, then they can answer any questions you want.... you can also join our crochet group and get answers to any questions you may have along the way. Come join us and we can talk you through it and you can see some the things everyone in the group have made.
Here is the link.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crochet-heaven/
Hope you can join us.
~ndianne~

Answer 2

In knitting your using 2 needles either straights, circulars, or double points (dpn's). Crochet uses just one hook. In knitting the rows are much shorter than they are in crochet, so knitting may be slower for some. With crochet some find it a bit challenging to know when to stop at the end of the row, but that can be solved with counting until you get used to how the stitch looks. With knitting all your stitches are right there on the needles so it's not as easy to accidently add stitches. They are both pretty easy to learn, but it really depends on the person who is learning because for some knitting is very hard while for others crochet is more challenging. A great place to go to would be a yarn shop, most have classes weekly or even daily and they will be more than happy to help you. You could also go to http://www.meetup.com or search knitting/crochet on yahoo groups, and you'll be able to find local knitting/crochet groups that meet near you. Anyone in the group would be more than happy to help you learn one or both. Another great resource is http://www.lionbrand.com which has very good instuctions for both that you can printout from your computer free. The library is anoth resource open to you and you'll be able to find several books on knit and crochet, videos and dvds are also available. Hope this helped, good luck on your crafty ventures!

If you have cable or sattalite whatch Knitty Gritty on DIY. http://www.diynetwork.com

Answer 3

You've had plenty of answers on the differences between the two. I prefer knitting, I learned how when I was 12, and stopped for many years. It was easy to pick up again.
I have never been able to learn crochet, I've tried to teach myself, but no luck. I really prefer the look of knitted items over crocheted most of the time, crochet just makes me think "afghans".
Check out http://www.lionbrand.com/ for instructions on how to learn to knit or crochet (or both). They have so many free project patterns, too. I really like surfing around there.

Answer 4

I have taught myself both, and crochet was easier to learn than knitting.

I knit far more than I crochet, mostly because I taught myself crochet because I needed to learn that to finish some knitting projects, such as the one I am working on for my grandmother.

I would say that no matter which you pick, find someone who knows how to do it, and ask them for pointers. Most of the time, they will be more than willing to help you. And make sure that you pay them back by making something for them, even if it is something like in my case, she has what she wants, doesn't want anything, so I am knitting a hat and scarf set for her to take to her church for charity.

Answer 5

Knit and crochet are popular hobbies that were once important home crafts necessary to keeping one's family clad and warm. Today, most knit and crochet garments are machine-made and inexpensive, but handcrafted items can still be purchased at specialty shops or made by home crafters both for fun and for the pride that comes from wearing something one made oneself. Knit and crochet are similar processes - loops of yarn or thread are pulled through existing loops to make chains and fabrics - but the two crafts are very different in how they are accomplished.

Knit and crochet tools: Knitting uses two or more pointed needles, while crocheting requires only one needle with a hook on the end.

Knit and crochet stitches: When crocheting, the crafter works on one loop at a time, making chains by pulling a loop of yarn through the loop on the hook, or by inserting the hook into the existing fabric and pulling a loop through both the fabric and the loop on the hook, leaving only one loop on the hook. When knitting, multiple loops or stitches are worked across the needle, the width of the fabric being dictated by the number of stitches across.

Similar effects can be achieved in both knit and crochet; they are just achieved differently. Cable stitch, the braided pattern that is a standard feature of the fisherman knit sweater, can even been simulated in crochet. Working in the round - that is, crafting a tube of fabric - is possible in both knit and crochet. When knitting, one uses multiple double-sided needles and knits in a circle, while in crochet, one simply connects the foundation chain to its own beginning and crochets over it in a circle.

Many crafters both knit and crochet, but a surprising number can do one but not the other. Many crochetters find the number of stitches on knitting needles confusing and the potential for a dropped stitch stressful, while many knitters find crochet instructions confusing and the need to find the right stitch in which to insert the hook eye-straining. However, either craft can be enjoyable, as well as very relaxing and meditative. Working at knit or crochet while watching your favorite television programs also allows you to claim you are really 'working' and not just 'wasting your time'.

Answer 6

How wonderful you want to learn how to knit or crochet! Learning how to crochet or knit can be so much fun when you invite friends & family to join you!

I would suggest checking at your LYS (local yarn shop) to see if you can book an entire class (like a party!) and then invite them to come learn with you! The enthusiasm is infectious and makes the experience so much more special when compared to learning alone from a book or website.

If you would rather learn from a book or website, you certainly can -- many have! But still, don't go it alone! Join an online community to get the extra moral support; there are many here hosted by Yahoo! One of my favorites is "CrochetPartners."

Does this mean you need to purchase a million books? Heaven's no! Your local library is a fantastic resource center! Personally, I like to recommend the book "How to Crochet" by Pauline Turner -- and "Crocheting in Plain English" by Maggie Rightetti (Maggie also has a knit version available).

There are many "how to" websites to check out as well. For visual learners I like to recommend the website http://www.anniesattic.com as they have little video clips you can watch on your pc for free. (The website YouTube also has a large collection of video clips, but you need to be careful as not all content is suitable for all ages/tastes.)

What is the difference between the two? Knitting is created using two needles, transferring loops over from one needle to the other. The loops are interlocked from row to row creating a fairly flat fabric. Removing the needle(s) from live work is not recommended without the use of a stitch holder as the work will unravel. Drop a stitch, and you'll need to learn how to pick them back up again using a crochet hook.

Crochet, the last remaining fiber art form that must be created by hand, is created with one hook, with all but one loop worked off the hook to complete individual stitches. The last yarn over/pull through action "locks" the stitch in place allowing the hook to be easily removed from & replaced in the work without fear of it unraveling. This gives crochet way more freedom as you can change your hook, fiber, stitch, direction OR dimention ANYwhere in your work!

Due to the fact that crochet stitches are "locked" and worked individually, the end fabric is slightly thicker than knit fabric. This also means you will use slightly more fiber with crochet to create your fabric.

Does this mean that crochet can't have beautiful drape, or that the crocheter is stuck with just creating granny squares? Heavens, no! There is soooooooo much more to crochet! Visit my webpage here to read up on 110 different types & techniques of crochet: http://members.aol.com/crochetwithdee/ty... and peek into any fashion magazine/website/retailer and you'll see crochet is EVERYwhere!

But again, regardless if you opt to pick up the crochet hook or the knitting needles -- or both! -- I do highly recommend taking a class with a great instructor/teacher. The instructor/teacher will be able to answer your questions and help encourage you as you learn. ...and remember, inviting your loved ones to learn with you makes it that much more fun! :)

~Dee Stanziano
CYCA Certified Crochet Teacher

Answer 7

There is a kit about crocheting, like You can Learn to Crochet. It comes with everything but the yarn. make sure it is the kit and not the book.

I think crocheting is easier to do and learn.

In fact I need to look up some Barbie clothes and make them while I am on my trip.

Answer 8

You've already received quite a few answers. My favorite suggestion is to find someone who knows how to do the crafts and ask them to teach you, but that's not always possible.

My mom taught me to crochet when I was a kid and I find that it is great for things that you want to work up quickly, that are also large, like blankets (or afghans as they're really called) for instance. Like before - its using a single "needle" at a time, which has a small hook on the end. Lion brand is a good resource: http://learntocrochet.lionbrand.com/ here's another that gives you a quick look, very basic: http://www.craftown.com/crolesson.htm
It's also great for small and flat applications, like bookmarks

My grandmother taught me to knit a few years later. What I love about it is that you never have to guess where to start, because as you work, the loops stay on your needle and tell you tell them otherwise.
Knitting I prefer when I want to make a nice fabric of something. like washcloths, or pretty cabled scarves. Also great for sweaters and socks. Here you have two needles, with semi pointed needles that you use to pass yarn. My favorite site for this is: http://www.knittinghelp.com/ there are great videos for every little thing,and she shows you two ways to do most of them (depending on how you'd like to hold your yarn).

If you learn by watching, try
For Crochet:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=crochet&search=Search
For Knitting:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=knit&search=Search

They both make pretty doilies, I have crocheted them, never knitted them, but have seen some lovely ones. Both have good abilities to make washcloths if you want to start somewhere simple just to practice. There are loads of free patterns on the internet for both.

Answer 9

Ok, Honestly i prefer crocheting,because I never learned knitting, I tried to and it didn't really work out for me, but crocething was very simple, maybe if you want to learn go to
www.google.com (easy link right there) and type in "how to crochet" And there will probably be some links you maybe able to try! Here are a few links
http://www.cpu-enterprises.com/howtocrochet_m.htm#sc
http://www.worldknit.com/howto/howtocrochet/cbegtechniques/c_singlec.html

Answer 10

Crocheting is easier than knitting. You could attend some community classes at night. Usually, every community has adult classes at night and they offer both knitting and crocheting. I would probably start out crocheting a scarf first, because it goes relatively fast.
Have fun.