Stitches

Is it easier to learn to knit or crochet? Any tips on getting started?

Public Comments

1. I find crochet much easier as you only use one hook. I never could co-ordinate the two needles. The trick is to get a good teacher and either one of these could be a lifetime passion. I was self-taught so crochet was what I could learn on my own. Have fun.
2. I have noticed that the two skills seem to be just about equally difficult. Neither is harder than the other. Whenever this question comes up, it seems that most people find easiest the one they started with. I'm certainly in that camp, and was glad to see I've got lots of company. Ask yourself what you really want to make. Is that better done by knit or crochet? Start with that one. If you can't find a class, get a book. If you're mainly an auditory learner, get a book with really good and thorough descriptions. Read them aloud to yourself before you start. If you're mainly a visual learner, get a book with lots of good clear pictures. I'd recommend starting with a simple yarn like Red Heart Classic or Red Heart Super Saver. Be sure to get a lighter color. It's a whale of a lot easier to see what you're doing with a light color. Read the label on the yarn to see what size knitting needle or crochet hook it needs. The size is determined mainly by the yarn. This kind of yarn is really easy to undo and redo. That's what you want to start with. Once you have the basic stitches down, get any kind of yarn you like and have fun!
3. It is easier to crochet than knit but both are fun once you learn the basic stitches and names. Another craft that I like is Tunisian knitting. It is using a long needle with a hook on the end and looks solid like knitting. I like making squares with the afghan hook as it is called and cross stitching on the squares ,then joining them together to make an afghan .
4. i am a beginner knitter and crocheter. i learned to knit first and now i am teaching myself crochet. i dont really think either one is easier, but crocheting is a lot faster than knitting. you only use needle and there is less hassle than having two. i do suggest 2 books to you whether you decide one or the other. "Teach yourself visually crochet" and "Teach yourself visually knitting" these are two great books and they do step by step with pictures too, there are also tips and once you learn some basics patterns in the back. (they are each about $20 at barnes and nobles) when you first start use a white or yellow yarn its good so you can see your stitches and the books tell you what needles and/or hooks you need. good luck! also you tube has some great videos if you need to see it. www.lionbrand.com has print out sheets on how to crochet and knit for free!
5. I personally think it is easier to knit, than crochet. I say this because you have to really learn your tension with a crochet hook. This takes a little time, and a good hook. Don't buy the cheapies! I recommend a Susan Bates hook. I couldn't crochet worth a darn until I tried one! (Although you can use cheap yarn.) Even though knitting is using two needles, it relies more on the needle, although not totally, to create the tension. That's why I think it's easier for a beginner. I know MANY other people will disagree. My mom does. But this is just what I think.
6. I'm not sure how easy knitting is as I don't do much of it, but I do know that crochet is very easy. I started to crochet many years ago when I wanted to make a shawl for myself that was both nice to look at and warm to wear, and found some patterns that had instructions on how to do the stitches on the back page. Having learnt the basis it's very easy to do more difficult things but don't try to do difficult things first. I would personally advise you to get a some new 4ply yarn [I'm from the UK] and a 4mm hook and decide what you want to make, instead of just practicing your stitches why don't you make yourself a scarf? If you need anymore help why don't you join a crochet group? there are lots including my own which is crochetplus@yahoogroups.com where our members are only too willing to help each other. God Bless you & yours, Charlie of Devon, England