Crochet, How to Crochet, How to Knit, Knit, Review
Knitting Vs. Crochet: Understanding The Differences
Jul
Knitting Vs. Crochet: Understanding The Differences
by Jennifer Dawson
Those new to knitting and crochet often get the two mixed up — and this isn’t surprising since they’re very similar crafts. So, what are the differences? And why do they matter? Well, it all ultimately comes down to personal preference. Statistically, crochet is favored slightly more than knitting — 48% of yarn crafters primarily crochet; 32% primarily knit; and 20% do both equally, a study from the Craft Yarn Council reveals. If you’re newly interested in taking up yarn crafting, it’s important you explore both techniques to find out their differences and work out which one you may be best suited to.
Knitting: an overview
There are two basic stitches used in knitting: the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Many people prefer knitting clothing rather than crocheting it. This is because knitting allows for a softer and more supple material, which feels nicer against the skin. Moreover, some simply prefer the smaller stitches and overall finished look of knitted garments; think of your favorite knit jumper as an example. Since knitting provides a thinner fabric, many beautiful, intricate designs can be created with various stitches — which are essentially variations on knit and purl stitch — and colors, such as the Fair Isle knitting technique.
Check out Kristin Omdahl’s How to Knit Encyclopedia of Videos HERE
Crochet: an overview
Crochet is easier than knitting in several ways. Since only one stitch stays on the crochet hook, you don’t need to worry about dropping multiple stitches. If it unravels, you can easily count the stitches and crochet them again. It’s ideal for making useful items, such as, toys and baskets which require a sturdier, more durable fabric. It’s also faster to complete a crochet project since the yarn is loosely woven in contrast to tight knit stitches. Crochet is also best used for intricate, lacy pieces with a finer cotton and a smaller crochet hook. The results can truly be stunning.
Check out Kristin Omdahl’s How to Crochet Encyclopedia of Videos HERE
So, which one should I start with?
That’s totally up to you! If you’re a newbie and want to make the learning process as simple as possible, try crochet. It’s easy to learn, but still just as satisfying. Moreover, it’s a great stepping stone to knitting. If, however, you want to dive into something more complex and create your own clothes, go for knitting. Once you progress to intermediate and advanced stages, you can create more detailed and sophisticated styles with knitting. Above all, feel free to experiment! Both knitting and crochet are wonderful crafts offering plenty of satisfaction and value.
Whether you want to knit or crochet, Kristin Omdahl offers hundreds of resources for patterns, books, videos and yarns for clothing, accessories and so much more.
Join Kristin Omdahl’s mailing list HERE
Jennifer Dawson spent over a decade building and running a haberdashery including all kinds of make and do craft classes during the day and in the evenings, including sewing lessons for beginners and those who were more experienced in their hobby. She works as a freelance content manager and writer. This includes working with a sewing equipment review site which also provides guides to various sewing related themes.
Other articles written by Jennifer Dawson:
The Many Health Benefits of Knitting and Crochet
Choosing the Right Sewing Machine for a Beginner
Shop Kristin Omdahl Yarns HERE
Shop Kristin Omdahl Crochet Patterns HERE
Shop Kristin Omdahl Knitting Patterns HERE
I would love to see your creations. Just as much fun as making these myself is the satisfaction I get from seeing my designs come to life and other crochet fans wearing them too. There are now 2 ways you can share what you have done!
- Share yours by joining Create. Share. Inspire on Facebook where you can interact with me as well as many other members who have a love of knitting and crochet just like you! It is a wonderful and safe place to share your photos of finished projects in my knitting or crochet patterns or yarns, and to see what others are making, too.
- I have recently added a wonderful new interactive section to the website which I invite you to take part in, it has been a smashing success and such fun so far. It is the new “Share Your Project” section. You, my creators, can upload images and descriptions of your creations to share with the ever growing community! To upload simply click here.
Additionally, I host a livestreaming podcast weekday on my YouTube Channel called Create Share Inspire Podcast. You can join the audience and even ask me questions LIVE! I often do a show and tell, or quick demo and I always interact with the live audience. It is a lot of fun!
You can browse through over 800 previously recorded episodes HERE: Create Share Inspire Podcast Playlist . Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel to get reminders when the next episode airs LIVE.
I look forward to seeing what you create!
xoxo,
Kristin
