Question for those who knit and crochet

[jamiejeans]

I have been thinking of trying out crochet. My mom knows how, so I could ask her to teach me. She claims knitting is harder (for her at least). However, is it difficult to learn if you already know how to knit? I imagine the stitch work is much different as you are using one hook vs two needles and the fabrics come out so different.

And it would be nice to use both techniques on one project. I have seen some great patterns that use crochet borders.

[Ingrid]

I much prefer knitting, but I have also crocheted. Years ago, I alternated between both. They're different enough that they're both easy to learn. I don't think one is harder than the other, but crochet is faster. I'm just not fond of the fabric it creates, but it does come in handy for edging.

[kellyjo32]

I do both as well. I learned how to crochet a long time ago, and then got interested in knitting much later in life. I usually have a crochet project going at the same time as a knitting project. It works up much faster than knitting, so it's good for afghans and large projects, for me at least, as I tend to get bored easily. They are completely different from each other, I even hold my yarn in the other hand for crocheting.

[dustinac]

I don't think it would be harder to learn.. I think it would also come in handy too.. I don't know very much about crochet just enough to get me by on a edging.. however there is this sweater I've been eyeing and want to try.. will have to call mom for help on that though LOL.. she likes crochet better than knitting... I just got bored with crocheting my afghan still looks like a scarf

[Jan in CA]

That does seem to be the way people think of knitting vs crochet..that knitting is harder. I guess because you are using two needles. I crocheted long before I knit and, like Ingrid, I didn't like the fabric it produced nearly as well as knitted fabric. Crochet is fun though and a good addition to knitting.

[kemp]

I was a long time crocheter before I learned to knit and now that I know how, I actually thing knitting is easier in a way. It can be hard to see where to insert your needle sometimes with crochet depending on the type of yarn/pattern you're doing.

I don't thing either one was really harder to learn initially. You know, awkward at first but it gets better with practice.

[Lana]

I had knit for several years before I learned to crochet.
I taught myself from an old Coats & Clark Learn How Book.

It was my MIL who noticed that I wrapped my yarn in the wrong direction.
Also I hold my hook the same way I hold a knitting needle.
I don't know if one is easier than the other,
but I have been able to teach people to knit who can't "grasp" crocheting.

[suecq]

I knit and crochet. I don't think one is harder than the other, they are just different. As crochet is done with only 1 needle people who crochet well tend to do the mechanics quicker and therefore it appears harder.

[knit-errant]

I bet with a little patience you'll have no trouble picking it up. I found learning to crochet much easier than learning to knit. For a while, I never thought I'd learn to knit!

I'm very glad I can do both -- they're pretty different, but I think they complement each other in a lot of ways.

[1to1]

I learned to knit in Feb, 2005 and to crochet in Feb, 2006. I had completed many knit projects before learning to crochet.

IMO, it is easier to learn to crochet and it is faster. As others have said--you get two completely different looks. Knit is more defined and crochet seems to be bulkier. I definitely recommend crocheting afghans.

I enjoy doing both and have a couple of project of both going right now.
I glad I can do both.