Stitches

Which is easier for a beginner, crochet or knitting? Can a crochet needle be used for knitting?

I am trying to make a scarf with yarn and was thinking about either crochet or knitting. Is there another method that may be easier?

Public Comments

1. Crochet is easier at first. Simply because you have only one needle and stitches aren't as easy to unravel (drop). In the old days, anything was used for needles, so I'd say yes, but they would be terribly difficult due to length and no end to stop the stitches from dropping. Have fun!
2. Crochetting is much easier to learn, and it goes quick once you get the hang of it. If you keep at it you could easily make a scarf in 2 days.
3. I think crocheting is easier for me. I like crocheting because it goes faster. You can't use a crochet hook for knitting because of the hook on the end, it would pick up the thread of the previous row as you were trying to pull it through.
4. either crochet or knitting would be a great way to make your scarf. I find crochet easier. A crochet hook has just that, a hook at the end and you use only one hook. Knittng needles are a pair and you hold one in each hand. Check out the website www.lionbrandyarn.com and they have instructions there on how to knit or crochet and how to make a scarf for beginners. Joann Fabrics sells DVD's for $6.99 called Crochet made easy and Knitting made easy. Also, check out your local Home Extension office or Senior Center as they may know somone who could help you. Contact your local High School and talk to the Home Ec Teacher. She may be able to get you started also. Scarves are a great beginner project for both knitting and crocheting. Once you get started, they work up fast. There are also some yarns called "chunky" or "thick and quick" that will work up faster. Hope this helps! Wish you were near me as i could show you.
5. I picked up crocheting very quickly and I've made lots of scarves and blankets as gifts over the years. The LearnToKnit website is a great resource - you can browse through and see if knitting or crocheting is for you. Good Luck!
6. i've never tried knitting, mostly because it requires 2 needles where crocheting only requires a hook. i love to crochet and am working on several projects at the moment. it's a great stress reliever for me. i do fairly simple patterns so i usually end up watching tv while i'm crocheting. you can get very simple how to books at your local craft store. i would also recommend picking out a yarn you like to practice with and then practice lots of different stitches. once you have those down, try a quick pattern, like a scarf. whichever you choose, enjoy!
7. They are equal in learning ease!! I personally think crochet is easiest because that is what I learned first. My friend E thinks knitting is easiest because that is what she learned first! No, you cannot use a crochet needle to knit with. It is too slow even if it does catch the thread and pull it through easier. I am assuming you mean the afghan hooks? I really think the afghan stitch is easiest to do. You make your base chain, pick up loops on the hook, then work them off. It is sort of a combo of knit and crochet. If you do this, do not be concerned when the bottom starts to roll up. It does this and will until you do the finishing round on the whole thing and block or wash the item. Welcome to the world of fiberholics and a Merry Christmas to all fiberholics.
8. a tip that i used would be to use a crochet hook to bind off the stitches with a slip stitch, making the stitches looser. i think that knitting is easier to begin with.
9. Learning how to crochet is much easier. I taught myself when I was 11 years old. After many attempts to learn to knit, I did after taking a series of classes at a local yarn shop. Practice, practice, practice. Like any thing the more you do the better you'll get at it. With crochet you generally deal with one stitch at a time whereas with knitting you need to be more concerned with many stitches being held on a second needle that tend to want to slip off or if your tension is too tight are difficult to access. Good luck with your project. :)
10. I think it depends on who is around to teach you! Is there another way? Sure! You could learn to weave! I think that's easier than both, actually. Though I've only tried tabletweaving. Inkle weaving looks pretty easy though. I can provide you with tablet weaving info if you like, just email me.