Someone tell me the difference between crochet and knitting!

Hoosier Momma · 01-17-2007, 09:43 PM

I don't know the difference, but I am interested in learning one of them! I feel the need to learn something crafty besides cross-stitching and rosary making!

Any good books to recommend on either one? I am not able to buy any books right now (got too many unread ones that I'm going to have to sell anyway, lol), but if I can find it at the library, it would be okay (I can always ask for them as a birthday gift next month).

i.m.cheap · 01-17-2007, 09:49 PM

I don't do either, but have crocheted in my youth. You crochet with one "hook", and you knit with two "needles". Good luck!

SewCrafty · 01-18-2007, 03:37 AM

Oh goodness, no need to feel ashamed about that! None of us knew until we tried one or the other.

I have been doing both for many many years and I couldn't answer your question.

So I went to my trusty Google and here is what I found:
http://www.vectorcentral.com/plus/yarnsofcomfort.html abou 1/2 way down the page tells of the difference.

As far as learning one or the other well that really is up to you. Some years ago I did a few crochet tutorials here in the NA forum. They can be found at the top and are stickied. This one

Tutorial - Crocheting 101 - Part 1 - Frugal Village Forums

is the basics and because I had never taught anyone without them being right here with me, I used some references from Learn to Crochet in Just One Day by Jean Leinhauser. This is an excellent booklet to learn from, it is inexpensive and can be found at any hobby type store or Wal*Mart. The good thing about this booklet is you can purchase a right or left handed copy.

Here is a site I like that shows you how to do crochet stitches: http://www.anniesattic.com/crochet/c...html?type_id=S

Here is a wonderful site that can help with knitting: http://www.knittinghelp.com/

All I can say is that when learning anything, it just takes practice, so don't give up if you don't 'get it' in the beginning. One day you will be practicing and it will be a light bulb moment and you will be thrilled that you kept at it.

Also don't try to do a really intricate pattern first, stick with dishcloths whether crocheting or knitting. Just something nice and square to practice the different stitches on and a plus is, it comes in handy!

There are many talented crocheters and knitters here that will help you in any way they can.

kabin63 · 01-18-2007, 08:02 AM

I am a self taught knitter and crocheter. I don't really crochet often, but I knit most of the time. Like Dee said, knit or crochet something square, and you can make a lot of squares and put them all together for a nice lap robe, or use them as dish cloths. Once you get the hang of either one you can do the more complicated projects.
I think the biggest difference in crochet vs knitting is the needles vs the hooks. Crochet is done on a hook and often goes much faster than knitting, where as knitting is done with 2 needles and usually takes more time. Crochet is used more for blankets and edgings and knitting is more for apparel, however, you can them for either.
If you have cable or satellite and have HGTV or DIY you can watch a show during the day called "Kniity Gritty" I have learned so much watching this show. They almost always knit, but they recently aired a program about crochet as well.
When you go to the library check out the needle arts section. They have tons of books about either subject. There is also a CD ROM available at the craft stores, I know JoAnn's offers it, called "Knitting Made Easy" or "Crochet Made Easy". They are very good and interactive. They cost about $7 -$8 each and to me worth every penny of it. You can watch the stitches being performed over and over until you get it right, if you so choose to do this.
Good luck!

Hoosier Momma · 01-18-2007, 08:04 AM

Thank you very much for all the helpful info!

I know that my mom used to knit some (I think my dad's grandmother taught her many many years ago) and she made a few things for us and for our oldest (who is 8), but that's the last time she did it. I know she still has her needles and some yarn, but since she lives over 2 hours away and she works full-time, she wouldn't have time to teach me. I am going to ask her if she will let me have some of her things, though. She would be glad to see them get used rather than sit in her sewing room.

One of my New Year's resolutions was to trying learning some new things. One is Latin (it's the Catholic in me, I guess) and something crafty like knitting or more productive sewing (I have only made curtains so far!).

I am going to look at all these sites later today!

babetteq · 01-18-2007, 11:59 AM

about.com has good instructions too. Go to the left hand side of the screen and click on 'hobbies and games" then to knitting, or crocheting. They have great instructions, beginner projects... Have fun!

MC · 01-20-2007, 10:17 AM

I didn't ask the question, but thanks so much for the info!! I would like to learn to knit and crochet, but when I did a search there were literally thousands of sites and I got overwhelmed really quick lol!!

One of my New Year's resolutions was to learn a "practical" craft(for me, anyways lol) and be good enough to make a few Christmas gifts. And since I already have a few items like knitting needles, I can start this weekend!

Hoosier Momma · 01-20-2007, 04:35 PM

My mom has generously agreed to let me have her knitting needles and her yarn...and a book on knitting (she wants the book back as it is something she inherited from a family member).

I ran into a friend from the pro-life group I volunteer with at the library and she said that another member of our group is an avid knitter and would probably be a big help in helping me learn. I checked out a couple of books from the library too.

I just have to get the stuff from my mom and I am ready to go!

ImEmile · 01-31-2007, 01:34 AM

Check out www.lionbrandyarn.com. It's a great website. You can find their yarns at Wal-Mart, Michael's, Hobby Lobby, etc. or order from the site. They have patterns you can buy but they have a ton that are free to print up on the website. Also, they have tutorials on both crocheting and knitting.

My grandmother taught me to knit when I was a kid, I tried to make something in high school but was too busy and got distracted and never finished it. Then in college I made a few afghans with a pattern for the one she made me. I also have made sweaters for the kids, DH and myself. Last year, while living in Lebanon, I made afghans for all three kids (baby ones for the twins) and one for DH's aunt. His got started but left behind when we evacuated. We were going there for my two-week break from school to visit and come home with stuff left behind but Hezbollah went stupid again (is it possible to go stupid again when you never left stupid to being with?). So luckily I have cross stitch to work on.

kaykwilts · 01-31-2007, 07:41 AM

Crochet is supposed to be easier I've been told. A lot easeir to correct mistakes.

MrsGixxer · 02-19-2007, 08:28 PM

Crocheting is faster and like Kaykwilts said, easier to correct mistakes. I can make an afghan in a week only working about 2 hours or less a day. (3'x6') I made the same size knitting and it took over 100 hours.