Stitches

How popular is crochet in our world today, and which needle craft is absolutey the most popular now?

Thanks to everyone, Such beautiful responses, I need enough points to be able to give every one a thumbs up and how will I ever choose a best answer? I love crochet, but I have done many knit projects. Knit seemed from the start to be developed, to have a head start or advantage over crochet. Crochet seemed from the start to be under developed. I was so pleased when the art for it came to be. Good to put a doily into art. I have explored and studied crochet because of coming to that original conclusion 46 years ago. With me, crochet is as developed as an art could be and I have knit as well. Very rewarding.

Public Comments

1. I dont know any of my friends who crochet, so my guess is that it isnt very popular. I think the sewing arts are coming back though...I have several friends who dont currently know but want to learn. I come from a long line of crafters (quilting, cross stitch, knitting, crochet), and have decided there is some fun to crocheting, so I have started to teach myself....having a tough time troubleshooting because books arent exactly interactive and I cant ask the book what the heck I am doing wrong! Oh well....will keep on trucking. But count me as a person who enjoys crochet....even though I suck at it!
2. Not too sure about the popularity of crochet, but I do know that Knitting has taken a big up-swing. Even men are into it. My Mom use to crochet and my sister-in-law can do magic with her one needle. I'm a knitter. I sometimes envy how quickly someone can create a crochet item. Knitting takes so much longer. I just can't get my fingers to work with a crochet needle. My experience has been, that most who knit can't crochet and vice versa.
3. I love to crochet it is easy to learn how and something you can take with you on the go. I love making throws and they make nice gifts.
4. Oh my gosh, crochet is very popular in today's world. I've crocheted for many moons and I've never seen so many new magazines, books, and Internet sites devoted to crochet. Open work in sweaters is often crocheted and so many decorative edges are crocheted. Every item that people used to knit can now be converted into a crocheted item. Since 9/11 people have reached for their hooks and needles to calm, comfort, and relieve stress from a world that is so unpredictable and we just cannot control. I LOVE TO CROCHET. It's hard to say what is the most popular. I'll be interested in reading all responses to your question . :)
5. Crochet IS popular. I was just looking through a Neiman Marcus online catalog and it has plenty of crochet in it. I really like this clutch: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?cmCat=search&itemId=prod45640161 and this tote: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?cmCat=search&itemId=prod53230003 It's even displaying crocheted wedges! I personally like this dress: http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=285162&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results Many knitted sweaters have crocheted edgings, you just have to find it. And many of the purses and totes I see at JC Penny are crocheted, also. And, Miu Miu makes wonderful purses, including crocheted ones. Take a look at these: http://www.purseblog.com/handbags/miu-miu-crochet-bags/ I know of some people who have crocheted a similar bag. I am thinking of giving this a try myself, if I get my hands on some good cotton yarn (not the regular one used for kitchen dishcloths.). Check out that Miu Miu blog posting; it is very interesting, too. Some crochet IS ugly, and should be banned, or illegal!! :-D But, yes, it's making a comeback and it's in haute couture. I've even seen crocheted furniture: http://www.marcelwanders.nl/wanders/pages/miami.shtml http://cubeme.com/blog/2007/03/09/crochet-chair-by-marcel-wanders/ Here's his crocheted table: http://www.marcelwanders.nl/wanders/pages/tables-crochet_1_3_grouppage.shtml If you are interested in learning, I suggest you go to the Craft and Yarn Council: http://www.learntoknit.com/home.html Yes, it says "learntoknit.com" but you will find information for both. Also, the Crochet Guild of America has step by step instruction for crocheting (lefties, too): http://www.learntoknit.com/home.html Just look under "Resources". Your second question, about which needle craft is absolutely the most popular now? I don't know. I think more people know how to sew than knit or crochet, but that's just a guess. If you're talking about knit OR crochet, in the USA, most will problably knitting is the most popular, with crocheting a second. A close second, some avid crocheters would say! ;-) Hope this helps!
6. i think that knitting is the most popular needle craft today and crochet probably being second.
7. I think it depends on where you are from as to how trendy it is. It is certainly popular in older communities. But I see a lot of younger boys and girls learning the art as well. Personally, I think knitting has become the most "trendy" needlecraft... but I do believe crochet is catching up :)
8. I'm 26 and I don't know very many people my age that can do either crochet or knitting. I adore crocheting, but I think it's still associated with old ladies. I did have a friend ask me not too long ago to teach her how to crochet.
9. I think crochet is a dying art but I do it and a couple of my older friends. I have no idea which would b the most popular. There are plenty of magazines and sites to teach u how to crochet, knit , tat and needle point.. try anniesattic.com and marymaxim.com
10. I think crochet is pretty popular although knitting might be more so.
11. I crochet, cross stitch, and loom knit. I do most of my work while riding the bus to work and school and many people on there say they want to learn
12. According to the Craft Yarn Council of America, there is tremendous growth in both crochet & knit, stating "Since 2002, participation in these crafts increased more than 150% in the 25-34 age category, jumping from 13% to 33% and representing 6.5 million. The 18-years-and-under age group increased 100%, growing from 8% to 16% or 5.7 million women. Women ages 55-64, followed by a 74% increase in participation, or 7.8 million. Overall, 36% of American women--53 million-know how to knit or crochet, a 51% increase over the past ten years. Coincidentally, 13% of those surveyed can do both crafts." On the new popular website www.ravelry.com, they recently asked their members to participate in a poll. Their results of the poll reflects a significant growth for crochet in the past few years and a slight decline for knitting. (Presently, to have access to the poll results you must be a member of Ravelry.) Neither of these address the other fiber arts: sewing, needlepoint, macrame, tatting, and so on. So, if you're looking which one to try, then I'd highly recommend going with the one your local community offers classes in, and/or has groups that get together to share the same passion. No matter what you decide upon, they're all a great way to de-stress AND show results for time well spent. One more thing I'd like to add -- crochet is one of the LAST remaining fiber art forms that MUST be made by hand. There are no machines, at this time, that can create crochet stitches. This means all that crochet, be it an entire garment, table cloth, ect, you see in your local stores is ENTIRELY hand crocheted! ~Dee Stanziano CYCA Certified Crochet Teacher
13. Well, I love crochet and do have a couple of friends who love it too. I donno which needle craft is popular now but I see more people into knitting than crochet. I have two sisters who don't crochet but they are good at embroidery and patchwork quilting. My mom and my grandmom both used to crochet.....so I can say that I'm the one in this generation who is hooked on to it.