Stitches

Is crochet difficult? I already know how to knit, but would like to learn to crochet.?

Is there any similarities between the two? Which do you prefer? Thank you :)

Public Comments

1. My fiance has been knitting all her life and just started learning to crochet. She says it's way easier and faster. But, I don't know beyond that.
2. I think crocheting is easier. I also find creating my own work easier with crocheting. They do not have much in common. Check out some of the YouTube videos on basic crochetting for some tips. Also, here's a great beginner's site: http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Crochet
3. My teenaged daughter learned from the Klutz book. It had easy to follow pictures and give some patterns.
4. As the others have suggested, crocheting is much easier than knitting because you only work with one stitch on the hook at a time. Tunisian knitting or the afghan stitch is similar to knitting but you only use one needle with a hook on the end. I like using this to make squares or rectangles to join later and then using cross stitch embroidery for a pattern that is very beautiful when finished. http://mefeedia.com/entry/tunisian-knit-crochet-stitch/11672411
5. I do both (and enjoy both) but find knitting easier and prefer it, probably because I learned it first. With knitting I can do it without looking at my work, I can do it in the dark or while looking at the tv and just knit by feel. With crochet I have to pay attention to my work because I always have to see where I'm putting the hook.
6. Crocheting is much easier because all other stitches are built off just one stitch--the single crochet. With knitting, you have knit and purl and all their variations. Most of the time, crochet has no right side or wrong side and you can drop your work at any time, unlike knitting where you need to get to the end of a row. I prefer knitting for sweaters because I like the way it drapes, and I prefer crochet for things like placemats, rugs, blankets or hats. Right now, I'm in the middle of two sweaters (knit) and a rug and egg babies, all crocheted. I use single crochet to make the seams in my sweaters because I think it makes a much nicer finished edge. Don't really have a preference--sometimes just want to knit and other times, it's crochet for me.
7. It is what you learn first that is easiest. But you can never go wrong by learning all fiber arts techniques!! I prefer crochet, but then again, I learned it as an elementary student from my grandmothers. I can knit, weave, spin my own yarns, embroider, and am learning to do the kumiko braiding. Now there is a challenge!! Set up for that is a ?????, but the actual weaving or braiding is fairly easy. the You Tube vids posted in other answers are the ones you want to watch over and over til you have the thoughts of it down really well. Similarities are the yarns!! I love fiber and have lots of it in my diet and life!!
8. I prefer knitting, but I also enjoy crochet. I don't do it as much, but I know when I crochet something, I enjoy it. The stitch definition is different and it's just personal preference which is the "preferred". Plus, if you learn to crochet, you can use it to do some decorative edging. Here are some good starting points: http://learntocrochet.lionbrand.com/ http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/how-tos.html http://crochet.about.com/library/blbeginners.htm http://www.bernat.com/learntocrochet.php http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=learn+to+crochet&search_type=
9. If you can knit continental style, then crochet is very similar. Some like it, some don't. But it's a good thing to know, since some knitting needs a crochet edge to finish. Crochet yarn is usually a tighter twist. Some softly spun yarns look great knit, but have no definition for crochet. The twist on crochet yarns is usually the opposite direction than knitting yarns. You may find that your knitting yarn may split easily when doing crochet. Not a problem -- just let the ball spin to wind it up again -- but is annoying. Otherwise, working with any yarn (but not acrylics) is good!
10. Crochet is, I think, way easier. It's really not a whole lot like knitting. Some stitches are like knitting, but most aren't. When you single crochet, you hook just one stitch and yo again and pull it through, yo again, then pull the yarn through both loops. That's it! You only work one stitch at a time, so it's much more flexible, so far as shaping and intricacy. You can get really creative with just knowing two or three basic stitches. Learning crochet takes a little practice at first, but after making a few practice swatches, you'll be able to do it without even thinking. :)
11. The only similarity between crochet and knitting is that the yarn or thread is pulled through a loop. I like both but find crochet makes up faster. It is not hard to do. I have crocheted since I was nine years old and can't go a day without working on a crochet project. I also crocheted for a fashion designer, so it earned a living for me also. There are more crochet techniques than knitting and both can be either solid or lacey. It comes down to personal preference and only you can decide for yourself which is preferable.
12. Here some websites and books to help you: Here some books available at any library or bookstore: One Skein Knitting: 30 Quick Projects to Knit and Crochet by Leigh Radford, John Mulligan (Photographer) Crocheting School: A Complete Course by Sterling Publishing Company, Fabbri Editori Crocheting for Dummies by Susan Brittain, Karen Manthey, Karen Manthey 200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws, and Afghans: Crochet Squares to Mix and Match by Jan Eaton The Crochet Stitch Bible by Betty Barnden The Complete Idiot's Guide to Knitting and Crocheting Illustrated by Barbara Breiter, Gail Diven Donna Kooler's Crocheted Afghans by Donna Kooler Herrschner's Blue Ribbon Afghans by Oxmoor House, Janica Lynn York The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stiches: Over 900 Great Stitches Detailed for Needle Crafters of Every Level by Reader's Digest Editors (Editor), Reader's Digest Editors 100 Afghans to Knit and Crochet by Jean Leinhauser, Rita Weiss 100 Crochet Projects by Jean Leinhauser, Rita Weiss Geometrics: A New Way to Crochet by Ruthie Marks, Ruthie Marks (Editor) Maran Illustrated Knitting and Crocheting by maranGraphics Development Group, MaranGraphics Development Group Staff Crocheting School: A Complete Course by Sterling Publishing Company, Fabbri Editori Dream Toys: A Collection of Knit and Crochet Fantastical Toys by Claire Garland, John Garland (Photographer) From Needles to Hook: Complete Guide to Converting Knit Patterns to Crochet by Donna Scott Cool Crochet by Melissa Leapman, Joe VanDeHatert (Photographer) Not Your Mama's Crochet: The Cool and Creative Way to Join the Chain Gang by Amy Swenson Candy Blankies: Cuddly Crochet for Babies and Toddlers by Candi Jensen 100 Crochet Projects by Jean Leinhauser, Rita Weiss Learning to Crochet by BarCharts Inc (Manufactured by), Kaaren Ashley The Easy Learn to Crochet in Just One Day by Bobbie Matela Crochet Your Way by Gloria Tracy, Susan Levin, Susan Levin - a excellent book on the subject. Learn to Crochet by Sue Whiting Learn to Crochet by Sally Harding (Editor), John Heseltine (Photographer) Basic Crocheting by Sharon Hernes Hernes Silverman, Sharon Hermes Silverman, Annie Modesitt, Marjorie Leggitt (Illustrator), Marjorie Leggitt (Illustrator) The Encyclopedia of Crochet Techniques: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide to Creating Unique Fashions and Accessories Crochet Basics: All You Need to Know to Create Beautiful Crocheted Garments by Jan Eaton Knitter's Lib: Learn to Knit, Crochet, and Free Yourself from Pattern Dependency by Lena Maikon The Crochet Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face: Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask by Edie Eckman 300 Crochet Stitches: Includes Basic Stitaches, Lace Patterns, Motifs, Filet, Clusters, Shells, Bobbles, Loops, Vol. 6 by Staff of Collins and Brown Limited Lion Brand Yarn: Just Gifts: Favorite Patterns to Knit and Crochet by Shannon Okey (Editor), Shannon Okey (Editor) 220 More Crochet Stitches, Vol. 7 by Collins & Brown Ltd (Manufactured by) Maran Illustrated Knitting and Crocheting by maranGraphics Development Group, MaranGraphics Development Group Staff Crochet (Portable Crafter Series) by Carolyn Christmas For websites: http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Crochet http://sweaterbabe.com/ctips.htm http://www.roxycraft.com/learntocrochet.... http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/350.... http://members.aol.com/crochetwithdee/ty... www.geocities.com/snowymts.geo/gr... http://www.learn-crochet-now.com/catalog... www.crochet.about.com www.crochet.about.com/library/blbegin... www.bernat.com/learntocrochet.php... www.learntoknit.com/instructions_... www.learntoknit.com/ www.crochetcabana.com/ www.crochet-made-easy.com/...... www.freecraftunlimited.com/croche... - a good website www.crochetpatterncentral.com/dir... www.crochetdesigns.com/patterns/s... www.freepatterns.com/list.html?ca... www.bsu.edu/web/jmsutton2/cr/cr/p... www.frugalhaus.com/scripts/freepa... www.frugalhaus.com/scripts/defau... www.allfreecrafts.com/charity-cra... www.knitwhits.com/ www.interweave.com/knit/projects/... www.lovinghugsfamily.com/patterns... www.bernat.com/whatsnew.php... www.hookmeupcrochet.com/create/pa... www.home.swbell.net/amjack/ www.shadylane.com/ www.monstercrochet.com/patterns.h... www.crochetkim.com/ www.angelfire.com/folk/celtwich/.... www.dovetaildesigns.com/... www.home.att.net/~shannonms/pages/pat... www.barbscraftbooks.tripod.com/barbsc... www.freecrochetlibrary.org/... www.smartcrochet.com/ www.marniemaclean.com/patterns/index.... www.marloscrochetcorner.com/produ... www.cache.lionbrand.com/content-croch... www.cm-crafts.com/cmcraftscrochet... www.crochet.com/freepatterns/free... www.vintage-crochet-patterns.com/... ww