Stitches

Knit or crochet- how do I choose which to learn?

Hello, I would really like to learn one of these, but I can't choose which. When I have learned how to, I would love to make a blanket and crochet seems best for this? Yet, I would also like to try making a scarf and knitted scarves look better... What are your opinions? Thank you!

Public Comments

1. Get some cheap crochet hooks and knitting needles and see which one you like better. I love crochet, but I find knitting very tedious. Crochet can look just as nice as knitting if you learn the proper stitches.
2. I'd go with the scarf and knitting. Both hobbies are pretty easy, but the scarf would take a lot less time to make than the blanket. Unless you have a lot of time on your hands. The blanket would also require crocheting several different squares and sewing them together- one role of yarn is not enough to make a big blanket, trust me, I made one(although I knitted it). So depending on the time you have, how good you are at sewing, and whether would want a scarf or a blanket better is how you should choose. But the knitting the scarf is definitely simpler.
3. IMHO - I think knitting looks better (the final product of scarves or hats); Also IMHO - crochet is faster and much easier to learn. So, I know how to crochet, my sister knits. If I had to do it all over again, I would learn to knit first and become proficiant at it. Then I'd buy a 3 pack of crochet needles. I have made scarves, blankets an hats by crocheting them and they look ok, I finished them quickly but I think that the knitted ones look better.
4. Depends what sort of blanket you want to make if crochet is best. Knitting I find easier than crotchet and there are a wider number of things you can knit , more patterns , bigger choice of wool etc. However crotchet hooks are easier if you are flying/want to crotchet on the train/at an appointment although small articles like socks work well for appointments. A lot of knitted articles have crotchet borders as well so it pays to do both. If you don't know either then it helps to have someone to go to for help if you have problems. Suggest you see if you know anyone who knows either craft or look for local knitting/crotchet circles and then make a decision based on what help is available.
5. Crochet hooks and knitting needles aren't too expensive - grab a standard size of both and try both styles to see which you prefer! I have been crocheting since I was about 8 (I'm 24 now) and I love it. I've tried to learn how to knit several times but I just can't pick it up for some reason! With solid-fabric-type items (scarves, blankets, sweaters) I really prefer the look of knitting. I find it looks more professional and store-bought. But crocheting is fun because a) it's quicker than knitting and b) it's easier to make up your own patterns and cute items - amigurumi, for example! All of that said, there are lots of different ways you can crochet to give some variety to a scarf or blanket - a straight single crochet stitch for the whole item looks kind of terrible (in my opinion) but you can alternate crocheting in the front & back loops to add texture (for example, in this crochet blanket from my Etsy shop - http://www.etsy.com/listing/30188720/ ), crochet granny squares and sew them together, etc. Here's a site with a pretty good list with links for various crochet stitches: http://www.barbscrochet.com/id66.html Good luck! :)