Creating fabric using hooks or needles is a centuries-old skill. Crochet is much younger than knitting but it gains its popularity very fast nowadays.
If you are new to this craft and you are used to see mostly knitted clothes and accessories, please do not disregard crochet, there is much more you can do with it other than lacy dresses and granny square blankets.
Today I want to compare crochet and knitting and talk about each one.
When I was little, I used to do both. I still do not understand why I stopped, it was so much fun… I even had a chance to use a knitting machine (not many people had it then). My granny had one. That chubby monster was attached to a wall under a windowsill. My cousins and I used to waste our grandmother’s yarn by making strips of knitted fabric. She was angry sometimes because it happened every weekend and you know, 90’s in Russia were tough, yarn cost money…
In 2018 I went to Russia and wanted to bring that machine with me but it was super old and way too heavy. I even was one click away from getting a brand new one after my son was born but realized I needed more space for toys. However, this idea still doesn’t leave me. I believe some day I will have one.
Even though I do not knit, I have two wonderful needle sets that patiently wait for their hour to shine.
Sometimes I ask myself why I still do not knit? I think I love making amigurumi and home decor items more than I want to make my own clothes. You may wonder why since there are so many crochet patterns for sweaters and cardigans, I will tell you why.
Honestly, I prefer to wear knitted clothes, it is thinner and has a nice drape. Crocheted clothes, using the same yarn is a little bulkier and less flexible, thus better holds it’s shape. It all, in its turn, depends on the type of clothes you are making.
I cannot really talk about pros and cons of each one since what I consider as pros may be cons to you and vice versa. So, lets see what craft suit your preferences.
CROCHET.
– Crochet has more stitches to learn than knitting.
– Crochet works up a little faster than knitting.
– It is much easier to fix a mistake.
– Can use the same hook for several different projects simultaneously.
Pick crochet if you want to create:
– lacy clothing (summer dresses, lacy summer shawls and beech cover ups)
– summer hats (lacy or straw like ones)
– bags / backpacks
– toys
– home decor elements like baskets and wall hangings, pillow cases and blankets are relatively the same, however, I find more crochet patterns for these items.
KNITTING.
– Knitting has far less stitches to learn.
– Knitting works up a little slower than crochet.
– Knitted fabric is softer and stretchy.
Pick knitting if you want to create:
– Fashion garments– home decor items like blankets and pillowcases
Whichever type craft you choose, I hope it makes you feel good and relaxed. Enjoy!
