What do you prefer, knitting or crochet?

[Mustardy]

Or rather, what projects do you prefer using knitting or crochet for?

Just asking, because I'm a crochet addict but just thinking about giving knitting a chance

[TheWoollybacksWife]

Cardigans (particularly baby cardigans) - definitely knitting as there seems to be a huge range of gorgeous patterns compared to crochet.

Hats - knitting again and I prefer to knit flat and sew up a seam rather than knit in the round.

Blankets and shawls - I definitely prefer crochet.

I also prefer to work in DK. I'll use chunky at a push and I quite like 3 ply for baby jackets. I have enjoyed using lace weights for shawls but bizarrely don't like 4 ply at all.

[Pandoraslastchance]

I prefer crochet as there is only one implement to lose and no pointy edges to sit upon (it was rather painful having a knitting needle in your bottom cheek) plus the kids couldn't pull my work off my crochet hook.



I adore making blankets. Just sit and stitch away. I tried cardigans but always struggled with the tension and would end up with lopsided sleeves.

[Racecardriver]

Crochet is easier but you can do more knitting.

[Theweasleytwins]

Cannot knit at all but love crochet💖
Especially amigurumi

[hendal]

I enjoy both, as I am basically a craft addict. I find crochet easier with less stitches to keep an eye on.
I like to make “novelty” hats, recently knitted a pineapple complete with leaves for my sister and am working on an orca hat now (if I can figure out how to knit the fins!).
I like larger projects like jumpers and cardigans but I get too hot wearing them, and none of my friends have DC as yet (me neither) to knit/crochet for.

I really want to crochet a blanket like my Granny had, was a zigzag sort of pattern and beautiful. That may be my big project over winter.

[TyrionLannistersShadow]

Love crochet, am a bit of an addict , can't take to knitting at all. I think it stems from when I learned to knit in primary, the teacher was horrible and believed humiliation was a teaching tool, whereas I taught myself crochet as an adult so there are only good feelings associated with it.

[FruitOnAPlatter]

I go through phases..

If I'm making something useful (a phone pouch) or a soft toy, I prefer crochet. Squares with the idea of turning them into a blanket, except I hate joining them, so I actually have bags of squares in various places just sitting doing nothing!

Knitting, shawls, clothes, baby blankets.

I prefer DK, or 4 ply, although a lot of stuff these days is really variable - either a bit thin for DK, or a bit fat (is that the american worsted thing maybe?). Chunky is only for quick stuff - I realise it's a bit judgy, but all these new patterns done in chunky I think are because there seem to be a lot of people who aren't prepared to put the work into make one in a finer stitch size because it's too long-winded.

Mind you, it turns out I'm pretty much a speed knitter according to pinterest - the 'thrown' technique for knitting is my normal way, but so many people still seem to do the thing where they wrap the wool round using their whole hand.

[RaininSummer]

I do both. Crochet was my first craft and I love making colourful blankets and lacy tops. They grow quickly and its soothing and easy to do when watching tv. Knitting is great for wearable clothes and socks and the vast array of patterns but I need to concentrate more usually.

[HardAsSnails]

I tend to knit things I'll wear, socks, gloves, shawls. Usually 4 ply.

Crochet for blankets.

[GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER]

Knitting. I don't like the look or feel of crocheted things, though that may well date back to so many hideous, garish ponchos etc. in the 70s.

Should add that I never learned to crochet, either, but have never regretted it except for the odd knitting pattern that needs a little crocheted edge - usually a baby pattern, though since Gdcs now 2 and 3 I'm unlikely to be knitting baby things again.

[SinkGirl]

To me, knitting looks better for most things but I love making crochet toys. Just made these for my boys birthday and had so much fun.

[Knittedfairies]

I cannot crochet to save my life; my friend got really frustrated trying to teach me! I just can’t do it.

[Twork]

I prefer the fabric produced by knitting.
Knitting seems to offer so many more options and more "delicate" designs.

Crochet however is quicker and great for larger projects. It's also much easier to keep track of stittches and patterns.

[VictoriaBun]

Love to crochet- can't knit.
Tried many times to teach myself to crochet but as a left handy couldn't manage, went to lessons to learn and now can't stop !
I crochet blankets, have about 20+ at home ( think I'm going to have to start donating them soon !) Quite like doing beanie hats as well. Done a few shawls and lots of scarves.

[FiveGoMadInDorset]

I can't crochet

[Helpmemyhairisterrible]

Knitting generally. If you're looking for a crochet challenge, take a look at Irish Lace crochet on Pinterest and YouTube. I like the way you can dip in and out over time.

[Twork]

For crocheters (is that the right term?) who struggle with knitting, take a look at tuniston crochet. Although you still onlh use one hook, you have multiple stitches on the go and the moves you make are more like knitting. Might be a step towards knitting?

[ClinkyMonkey]

Knitting is more versatile and I love the fact that I can knit while watching TV, provided the pattern is reasonably straightforward.

I only learned to crochet last year. I love it but have only made blankets so far. I find I have to keep an eye on the work rather than going by the feel of it as I do with knitting. But crochet is satisfyingly quick.

So, I love both equally for different reasons!

[SoupDragon]

Crochet. Mostly because I can't knit. Well, I can, sort of, as I taught myself earlier this year but it all felt wrong.

Knitting is more versatile

How? Not being snarky, I just wonder why you think it's more versatile.

[ginghamstarfish]

Like crochet, find knitting much harder, and my hands cramp up for some reason. Crochet is something you can mostly do while watching tv etc, and I find it doesn't require such concentration.

[ClinkyMonkey]

Didn't notice you had asked me something @SoupDragon! I have always preferred to make clothing and think that there are more options with knitting. You only have to look at the hundreds of knitting patterns for, say, sweaters, compared to crochet patterns. And there is a huge variety of stitches - also techniques such as cabling, which add extra interest.

Just an opinion though!!

[SoupDragon]

And there is a huge variety of stitches - also techniques such as cabling, which add extra interest.

Crochet has those too though.

I don't think one is more versatile than the other (bearing in mind I don't knit!). They just do the same jobs in different ways and each has its strengths and weaknesses.

[bananasandwicheseveryday]

I used to love knitting but arthritis in my hands has put a stop to it. I've learned to crochet and find that doesn't seem to be as affected by my arthritis. I do agree that there are not so many good baby patterns for crochet. Moat of the ones I see are quite old fashioned, especially for baby boys.

[SoupDragon]

I think the pattern thing is because crochet is having a relatively recent upsurge in popularity compared to knitting. I think it's been viewed as old fashioned and something for your grandmother for longer than knitting.

[ClinkyMonkey]

I have only been crocheting for 18 months or so (after years of failed attempts), so I have a lot to learn. When I finally got the hang of it I was inordinately excited and kept telling anyone who'd listen. People who could crochet nodded sagely. The rest backed away slowly! I now have a lot of blankets.

I've been knitting since I was 7 (that's 44 years - gulp), so it's second nature.