Making beautiful objects to wear or for decoration can be very satisfying, whether in crochet or knitting. However, in some circles the debate rages on over which craft is better.
The Difference Between Knitting and Crochet
For those outside the crafting world, knitting and crochet may seem interchangeable. Both involve yarn, but crochet is accomplished with one hook, while knitting uses two needles. Knitting has two basics to learn, the knit and purl stitch. All other stitches, cables and lace are just variations of these stitches. Crochet has many different stitches to learn if desired, some taller or thinner than others. Crocheted fabric is often thicker than knit fabric.
Crochet uses more yarn than knitting, but is also often quicker, as more yardage can be accomplished quickly, especially with the taller stitches, such as double or triple crochet. Knit fabric tends to be a bit stretchier and smoother.
Similarities Between Knitting and Crochet
Both crafts are portable, and require few tools beyond yarn and either hook or needles. Either knitting or crochet can be used to make hats, bags, mittens, scarfs, and children’s toys. A novice can get started with either crochet or knitting with a minimum outlay of money and time. People have been known to become hooked on both crafts and to develop yarn stashes that can take over an entire room.
When using natural fibers, such as wool, knitters and crocheters can felt their work, if desired. This is accomplished by using hot water and agitation to transform crocheted or knitted items into dense fabric with little stitch definition that can cut and sewed in different ways once it’s dry.
What are the Advantages to Either Crochet or Knitting?
While neither knitting nor crochet is better than each other, they are different. As mentioned earlier, crochet does tend to be a bit faster, which is nice for larger projects, such as large blankets. Crochet is good for objects that are a bit more structured, such as table decorations that are made to stand on their own. Although crochet can be used to make sweaters and socks, knitting is often less bulky and is a bit more comfortable to be worn next to the skin.
Learning both skills can be useful, as knitting and crochet are good together. For instance, a crocheted edging on a hat or blanket can make the edges more stable, and knowing how to knit and crochet can enable a crafter to move easily between both methods to use what is best for each project. Both have advantages that make them uniquely suited for different jobs.
Kathy Gleason - Kathy Gleason is a wife, mother and writer living in rural northern New Jersey. She is a graduate of The Institute for Therapeutic Massage ...
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