What do you want to make? I do both and like both. It really depends on what I want to make at the time. It's definitely possible to make just about any object with either craft, but in general, if you're interested in sweaters, knitting might be the way to go. Hats, blankets, soft toys -- either one. Crocheted chunky cowls or scarves seem pretty popular right now.
I'd go to Ravelry and take a look at patterns and projects to see which craft you find yourself liking more.
It's a very different motion for each method but I can pretty easily go back and forth.
For beginners though, I would suggest you pick one and stick with it. I learned to crochet first since that's what my grandma does most (for baby blankets). I self-taught myself knitting three years ago since I wanted to be able to do cable patterns and sweaters. I can still crochet far faster than I can knit.
For either one, I would suggest looking on Ravelry for some free dishcloth patterns. They come in knit and crochet and are a good way to work on maintaining regular tension with basic stitches. They are also nice and quick so there's a good sense of achievement that comes with them.
I don't have any trouble switching. IMO it's kind of like switching between chopping veggies and sauteing veggies -- totally different things but using the same ingredient. But I definitely agree with aprilsails that as a beginner it will be much easier to pick one and get comfortable with it before trying the other. I started with crochet (learned from my mom) and focused on that for quite a few years before I tried knitting. (BTW, there are crochet cables -- this blanket is on my someday list: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/solas-caomh)
I was just going to post this same question! Would it affect your answer if I said I live in a hot climate, so don't really wear sweaters or scarves?
I'd still say it depends on what you do want to make. The best way to decide is probably to check out examples of both crafts and see which look appeals more to you.
Knit pros: Stuff looks more "finished" than crochet, lots of patterns, only 2 basic stitches you need to know Knit cons: Need 2 needles instead of one hook, it takes some practice to figure out how to rip back without having to start over completely
Crochet pros: Only one hook, easy to learn whther you're R or L handed, fun toys to make, easy to rip back Crochet cons: 6 basic stitches to learn, looks less finished than knitting
I knit nore than I crochet, but I still crochet here and there. There are some really cute patterns either way
I started with crochet & learned really quickly. I tried to learn to knit and just didn't get it. I found it more tedious and boring. I love the vast number of stitches you can do with crochet. You can make little flowers and animal appliques. And little crochet stuffed animals.
Post by brittmk0922 on Feb 3, 2013 17:14:05 GMT -5
If you go check out Ravelry and get an idea of what projects you want to do then that'll definitely help, as the previous posters have said. I really enjoy crocheting and am just learning to knit.
Based on your reply I would suggest you start with crochet. If you're looking to make things for around the home (maybe a light afghan or throw pillow) or stuffed animals then crochet is the way to go IMO. If you want to make clothing, then I would tend towards knitting.
I'm certain that the ladies here can help you out with recommending good starter patterns either way. Just let us know what you would like to make!
Post by PinkSquirrel on Feb 4, 2013 13:40:02 GMT -5
Outside of blankets and baby toys I really just don't like the look of things that are crocheted, so I would say go with knitting. That said, they're both fairly easy to learn and I don't have problems switching between the two.