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From: Bama
Date: 01-31-2007, 10:56 PM (1 of 35)
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Those of you who can do both, which do you prefer? What is easier to learn? Which one is faster? Which do you enjoy more? I have done a little crochet. (a couple of scarves and LOTS of rag rugs years ago) I never learned to read a pattern. I've never attempted knitting but have always wanted to learn. The reason I'm asking is I saw some kits that said "Teach yourself to knit" and "Teach yourself to crochet". They each had several different size needles or hooks, some other tools I didn't recognize, and some patterns. I couldn't decide which one to get so I decided to wait and think about it some more and see what some of you ladies have to say about both. I signed up for knitting lessons back around the beginning of December. They were at a new yarn store. I called just after they opened and asked about lessons. The woman took down my info and said she'd let me know when classes will begin. I've emailed her several times and called twice but she still has not set a date so I give up. I decided to try and teach myself. Asking for input. 
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User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116 
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From: FranW
Date: 01-31-2007, 11:27 PM (2 of 35)
Personally, I prefer crochet. I have knit, but didn't like it as much. When my kids were young, I worried about them getting ahold of the knitting needles - crochet hooks seemed safer! Both give very pretty results,though! Good Luck, Fran
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User: FranW
Member since: 11-20-2006 Total posts: 9 |
From: win ter
Date: 02-01-2007, 02:17 AM (3 of 35)
| I taught myself to knit years ago but could never get the hang of crocheting. You can make alot of pretty patterns with just simple knit and purl. |
User: win ter
Member since: 05-18-2001 Total posts: 74 |
From: Hogmami
Date: 02-01-2007, 07:24 AM (4 of 35)
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I taught myself both. I like to do both but prefer crocheting. It goes faster and is easier on my hands.
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 02-01-2007, 07:51 AM (5 of 35)
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I think knitting is more versatile and less expensive. I can knit a little (a lot under stress if it doesn't have to be 'something') and am trying to learn more. I can crochet anything with a pattern and almost anything without. To me it is easier. And if you drop stitches with crochet you can just do them again. With knitting there is a moment of panic -- at least for me. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: sewneat
Date: 02-01-2007, 09:32 AM (6 of 35)
| I do both I am a self taught crocheter and took classes last year for knitting I enjoy doing both I think crochet is easier and faster but I like the look that knitting gives you for some projects. I say try both and you decide which one is best for you. |
User: sewneat
Member since: 01-26-2007 Total posts: 5 |
From: Brenisback
Date: 02-01-2007, 11:30 AM (7 of 35)
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Bama I taught myself how to Crochet...I love it ...I'am making hats and scarfes for the children who have none...I do it with a group of ladies... we are getting ready for next season...I find crochet grows so much faster...and it is easier to catch a mistake...I can knit to but prefer crochet... I 'm not a fast knitter.here is some websites for you . http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/basic_techniques/knit.php http://www.straw.com/cpy/free_patterns.html http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns/newscarves2002 http://www.frugalhaus.com/homepage/freepat2.htm Great Knitting Site...Bama I learned a lot just going threw this this Morning...Teaches every thing in little video's...Got to run as I am leaving for Daytona on Saturday ...I better pack... For two weeks and Then off to see Mother In Law( Susie ) for a few day's...and My EX sister In Law Judy...can't wait to see both of them... hope this helps you. Brenda
People come into your life ...for a Reason a Season or a Lifetime. |
User: Brenisback
Member since: 09-20-2004 Total posts: 228 |
From: Magot
Date: 02-01-2007, 02:04 PM (8 of 35)
Knitting. Any time. All I can do with crochet is Granny Squares. Knitting I can make into all sorts of shapes I hate crochet....it all looks old fashioned to me whereas knitting is funky and contempory. (ducks to avoid flying crochet hooks) love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: Bama
Date: 02-01-2007, 05:20 PM (9 of 35)
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Thanks for the replies. Maybe I will get both kits. Better start with one at a time tho. I love the knitting help site. I'm sure it will be helpful. My dh's great aunt crochets every day. She doesn't live near here so I can't get help from her until she visits. She is constantly crocheting something. She even makes king sized bedspreads. She said she would help me, but we never seem to get to it when we see each other. I like the look of knitting. I think my 15yo would like things that are knitted. She thought some of the things on the Knitty Gritty show were neat. I have a neightbor who knits but like with the crocheting, we never seem to get to it. I've only seen her knit baby booties. I just want to knit in staright rows for now. Maybe if I show up with a knotted mess of yarn she'll straighten me out. I'll let ya'll know how I do. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: HeyJudee
Date: 02-01-2007, 08:45 PM (10 of 35)
I can knit and crochet but like crocheting better as it is easier to rip out to fix mistakes. Over the years I've crocheted numerous afghans...maybe that's why I now love quilting...similar result  Here are links for crochet videos http://www.nexstitch.com/Tutorials.html http://www.hassdesign.com/StitchLegend/ And here are some links on how to read crochet patterns http://www.crochetnmore.com/123readapattern.htm http://www.anniesattic.com/crochet/learntoread.html http://members.aol.com/Sbaycgoa/tech.htm TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: esrun3
Date: 02-01-2007, 09:54 PM (11 of 35)
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I can knit but I prefer to crochet-goes faster but it's worse on my carpal tunnel than knitting is. I only do it occasionally though, not very often at all.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Ozll
Date: 02-01-2007, 11:27 PM (12 of 35)
| I love to crochet, i tought my self and i can do it without even watching. I'll be watching T.v. and making a blanket or somthing. Thats why I love it. I have been trying to knit, but it does not make any sense! I have a family friend who is retired and loves to knit and does not know how to crochet. I geuss it would depend on which is easier for you to pick up. |
User: Ozll
Member since: 01-25-2007 Total posts: 32 |
From: MissTaraTara
Date: 02-02-2007, 03:28 PM (13 of 35)
I, too, am teaching myself to crochet. With many people becoming interested in the needlearts much is changing with crochet. I used to think that crocheted items looked dated but looking at the projects in various books and on websites has changed my opinion. The yarns to be had these days are simply beautiful. I've started by using a crochet instruction book written for children and my first hats and scarves were a success. The book does a fine job teaching the basics of following a written pattern. 
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User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: Magot
Date: 02-02-2007, 04:01 PM (14 of 35)
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I can never understand when I turn a row as to where I am supposed to put the hook in. Knitting I do on automatic whilst watching the TV or a movie - Aran, fairisle, whatever. I suppose it is all what you are used to. Get your daughter to check out Knitty.com Bama - she'll love it! love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: Bama
Date: 02-02-2007, 09:13 PM (15 of 35)
I'll tell her about that site. I'll check it out myself when I finish here.  I bought the knitting kit tonight. I can cast on!!!! When I started knitting, I had a hard time keeping the tension right with my fingers, but I think it will be alot of fun after some practice. I didn't tell my daughter I had bought the kit and when she walked into the living room and saw me trying it, she said, "OMG! I want to try it!" Of course she didn't last long since she has a friend over to spend the night. Maybe later this weekend she'll try it again.I've already found a shawl pattern I'd love to try if I ever get the tension right. This will take alot of practice. I still think I'll get the crochet kit too, after I get the hang of the knitting. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: Bama
Date: 02-02-2007, 10:17 PM (16 of 35)
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Cute stuff on that site! I love the hat with holes for pigtails. Question for you Jan (or anyone else). I've been looking at the knittinghelp site and they show 2 ways. The Continental method and the English method. Which one do you do? The woman on the video says she prefers the Continental method but the English method is more common. 
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User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: cshortsew
Date: 02-03-2007, 09:32 AM (17 of 35)
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I've been crocheting for more than 30 years, my grandmother taught me. I taught myself to knit many years ago but never really took to it so I gave it up.
cshortsew
Projects Completed in 2007: Sewing: biscuit quilt, 7 baby dress sets, piggy pillow, 7 baby pants, eyeglass holder, purse, 5 baby outfits, toddler dress set Crocheting: red purse, piggy slippers, sweater shawl, 5 pr. sock trims, 89 squares, baby sweater, 2 afghans, toddler harness, baby poncho, baby dress Other: 14 Autism pins Works in progress: Sewing: toddler overalls & shirt Crocheting: vertical stripes afghan |
User: cshortsew
Member since: 06-28-2006 Total posts: 380 |
From: sewingrandma
Date: 02-03-2007, 10:47 AM (18 of 35)
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I knit with the yarn in my right hand, English method. My DM used the continental method, and she was the one that got me started on knitting! To me it looks like you could knit faster using the continental method because the yarn is right there and you don't have to let go of a needle to "throw" the yarn around the other needle. I've tried and just can't get the hang of the continental.
Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 02-03-2007, 11:00 AM (19 of 35)
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I've never tried the continental method use the English method. But I was at a needlework show last fall and my niece was asking at a booth about learning to knit...she was told to learn the continental method as it is supposed to be so much faster...so I'd try learning that one.
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: Magot
Date: 02-03-2007, 04:04 PM (20 of 35)
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I am an 'English Knitter' as well - when you are learning to knit is is to complex to try and remember everything at once and I completley let go of the right hand needle and pick up the wool with that hand and pass it around the stitch -I stabilse the rhn with my left - at least that I was I learnt to do at first but I am better controlled now. Lets face it I do fair isle by holding the wool in my mouth...it is not a spectator sport. Whatever is comfy for you - it is more efficient to hold the yarn in the left - sometimes when 2 colour knitting I will have one in one hand and one in the other. More often than not though it is in my mouth. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: Bama
Date: 02-03-2007, 05:17 PM (21 of 35)
| Today I tried casting on with the Continental method and found it much easier. I'm going to practice knitting stitches using Continental method now. I'm still having problems in getting my knitting stitches too tight. The largest needles in this kit are a size 8. Would bigger needles help? |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: Magot
Date: 02-03-2007, 05:31 PM (22 of 35)
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yes
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: lendube
Date: 02-03-2007, 05:49 PM (23 of 35)
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I prefer knitting. I just am more familiar with it. I think it's more versitile. I don't know what my style is called. It's the way my family from Holland has always done it. I hold the right needle in my armpit and wrap the yarn around my right index finger. I can knit very quickly this way since I don't have to hold on to the needle at all or let go of the yarn. Anyone know what this style is called or is it just weird? Lennie
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User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 02-03-2007, 06:40 PM (24 of 35)
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Lennie...I'd say...probably just weird!
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: lendube
Date: 02-03-2007, 08:16 PM (25 of 35)
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Judy! Guess I asked for that one! To use an overused phrase........don't knock it till you've tried it! Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: Magot
Date: 02-03-2007, 09:55 PM (26 of 35)
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Is it similar to the way they knit in the shetlands - they do fairisle on circular needles at mach 2 but it is held against the belly. Then again , it could be just weird. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: Sewhappie
Date: 02-03-2007, 10:28 PM (27 of 35)
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I have tried both but prefer knitting. I am fairly new to it again!! I started when I was younger but just couldn't find the patience for it, now I love to sit and knit in the evenings while watching TV with DH. I have challenged myself to learning more ways of knitting, ie using circular needles, multiple needles (as in making sock, mittens) various yarns and different sizes of needles. |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: lendube
Date: 02-04-2007, 01:27 PM (28 of 35)
Jan! You leave my belly out of this!  No, it's not like that. I've seen them do it. Aren't those the folks that knit while walking too? The first thing I do when I pick up my knitting is stick that empty needle (I always finish a row before setting it down) under my right arm. Then I pick up the work and wrap the yarn around my right index finger and I'm off to the races. I briefly let go of the right needle to throw the yarn but it's just held in place between my upper arm and my (ahem) busom. I've got plenty of busom but you can do this flat chested as well! Because I've knit this way since I was 6 I have an inordinate amount of trouble with circular and dp needles. There's nothing to stick under my arm!!!  Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: Magot
Date: 02-04-2007, 02:39 PM (29 of 35)
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yup thems the ones. They knit with steeks too and I have never managed that. (information here http://www.tradewindknits.com/tbsteek.html) It worries me chopping my knitting about - I spent so long tangling it all up after all. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: pinkroses
Date: 02-20-2007, 09:00 PM (30 of 35)
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My dear deceased gandmother taught me to crochet when I was around 7, I loved it. I taught myself to knit when I got married. I love to do both. I try to put chrochet into what I knit. Like ; if I am knitting a afagan , or sweater. I will try to make a crochet edging. I prefer knitting garments to crocheted ones. But, like both. Good luck to you. You should be able to get videos on both of these needle crafts. pinkroses I know I have a guradian angel watching over me. I am very gratefull. PINKROSES
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User: pinkroses
Member since: 11-30-2005 Total posts: 64 
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From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 02-24-2007, 12:50 PM (31 of 35)
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I first learned how to knit when I was very young -- maybe 6 or 7. I made little outfits for my trolls dolls and stuff. I haven't tried it in some time, so I'm sure it would take me a bit to pick it up again. But I figure if I could do it when I was in elementary school, I should be able to learn now! I also learned to crochet when I was a bit older, and I still do some crochet now. In my opinion, crochet seems a bit easier, but knitting is more versatile. If you're interested in making garments, I think knitting is the way to go. Somehow crocheted sweaters just look kind of weird to me. Crochet is useful for trim, etc, in combination with knitting, though. I think crochet lends itself to more "craft" projects -- doilies, jewelry, etc. I've made a lot of beaded rope type necklaces with crochet. It's a lot of fun, but boy is it hard on your hands with the tiny little hooks! http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222 
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From: Bama
Date: 02-25-2007, 12:57 PM (32 of 35)
I keep trying to knit a scarf and think It's looking pretty good, only to notice I've wound up with an extra stitch on the needle. What am I doing wrong? I've pulled it out and started over enough times to make 3 scarves. 
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User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: lendube
Date: 02-25-2007, 01:32 PM (33 of 35)
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Hi Bams, You're obviously picking up a thread somewhere along the line that isn't a stitch. Don't know what yarn you're using but if it's bulky enough you could just decrease (pulling the second to the last stitch back over the last)at the end of the row when it happens and no one will be the wiser. Then knit the next row as usual. To prevent it from happening make sure you're picking up a real stitch each time and not just a thread that goes across if you know what I mean. Sometimes (if you knit loosely especially) there is so much space between stitches that it can happen easily. That's all I can tell you. Good Luck. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: Magot
Date: 02-25-2007, 02:17 PM (34 of 35)
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If you are using that really hairy, eyelash yarn just knit 2 together on the next row every now and then to get the right number - who will know? or even spot it?
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: pinkroses
Date: 02-25-2007, 08:30 PM (35 of 35)
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While crohet does lend itself to crafts. There are beautiful garments made with crochet. Beutiful laces. I love to crochet lace. I made some Granny sqyuare ponchos and a vest way back in the 60's when I was in middle school they were really popluar then. Everyone went wild over mine. Ha Now they are popular again. One can crochet skirts. ( which are now in some leading crochet magazines.). I love them. But, with my hips I don't dare wear one. Tee hee I am starting a crocheted bedspread. You can crochet almost anything these days as knit anthing. I find it amazing what one can do with a ball of yarn or thread and hook. on one site there is these ladies who make doilies with sewing thread . You use a tiny steel hook. it is beautiful. pinkroses I know I have a guradian angel watching over me. I am very gratefull. PINKROSES
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User: pinkroses
Member since: 11-30-2005 Total posts: 64
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