When it comes to art, in any form, something I always try to remember is that art is never “good” or “Bad”, or “ugly” or “Pretty” ; you are simply putting something out into the world that has never existed before. We are our own critics, and as a fiber artist I often wonder if something I made is “good enough” for others to see. I have frogged many projects because they didn’t meet my high expectations, I’m sure many other fiber artists can relate.
When posed with the question “Is Crochet prettier than Knitting?”, I am unsure how to answer that. Crochet and Knitting are often confused for being the same thing, if you so much as look at a ball of yarn, people will think you’re knitting. Yes, both activities involve making creations by knotting yarn, but the tools, techniques, and end result are very different. Just because someone may know how to knit, does not necessarily mean they also know how to crochet, and vice versa.
Knitting involves the use of two or more needles, which work simultaneously together to create tight stitches and pretty garments, blankets, home décor, and many other unique items. Knitting allows the fiber artist to manipulate the yarn with pretty knitting stitches that can create seamless designs, whereas Crochet often has more rigid and pixelated designs (very much like textures on Minecraft).
Variegated yarns, and thinner sized yarns such as lace weight, fingerling, or sport weight yarns translate extremely well to knitted garments. Those smaller yarn sizes work up slowly in crochet and often lose their texture and natural yarn designs. Knitting uses less yarn per row than crocheting, so the color changes on variegated yarns have a more profound effect.
Crochet involves the use of a hook that goes in and out of each stitch, pulling the yarn through each individual loop. Where you can use a knitting machine to make basic knitted garments, crochet cannot be made by a machine. Although Knitting machines do allow for quick knits, more intricate stitches cannot be achieved.
Crochet allows the fiber artist to create more freely, with each stitch getting a little more exciting as the project progresses. Crochet allows for the fiber artist to create accents and accessories with ease. There are so many different stitches and textures that can be brought out in crochet vs. knitting. Freeform crochet has become more and more popular, and allows the artist to create spontaneously with all different stitches and shapes to come up with one of a kind designs.
Crocheted projects work up much faster than knitted projects, and the craft can be an easier concept for people to learn. It is easier to stop and restart a project because you only ever have one live stitch. Due to the ability to work with so many different gauged hooks and yarn weights crochet projects can be anywhere from thick and chunky to thin and drapey.
Is crochet prettier than Knitting? The short answer is no. Both Knitting and Crochet have their pros and cons, but each craft involves a labor of love, precision, and attention to detail. What are your thoughts, are there other details that distinguish one yarn craft from the other?
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Enthusiastic Crocheter of Unique and Creative designs since 2017
Crochet is usually better for structured items like coasters, while knitting can produce beautiful clothing. It really comes down to what you want to make and which craft you enjoy more.
Crochet clothing in general is less flattering than knitted clothing. You can create flattering, draped fabrics in crochet but most knitting is flattering and drapey. A crocheted jumper is likely to be bulkier than a knitted one. It's certainly possible to make flattering crochet clothing but it's usually in lace form.
For beginners who seek convenience and versatility, we suggest crochet. The tools and techniques are minimized, and, therefore, slightly more accessible. It's very easy to pick up as a self-taught hobby. For those looking to master a wider range of tools, then consider knitting.
Crochet waistcoat stitch is worked into the “V” of the previous stitch, creating a fabric that looks a lot like knitted stockinette stitch. It can take a little practice to get the hang of this stitch but once you have mastered it you will be away.
The fashion girlies have spoken, and crochet is the vibe this season. From coastal cowgirls to eclectic grandpas to grunge-chic rockstars, we can all use some boho-chic charm in our closets.
Both knitting and crochet can challenge and strengthen our brains through the repetition of complex stitches and patterns. This actually helps build new neural pathways that help with memory and can reduce the cognitive decline that comes with age.
The short answer is that more yarn is used in a crochet project compared to a comparable knitting project. Think of the knit stitch in stockinette, insert needle into stitch, yarn over, pull through. Think of a single crochet stitch, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull through, yarn over and pull through two.
Knitted textiles survive from as early as the 11th century CE, but the first substantive evidence of crocheted fabric emerges in Europe during the 19th century.
Crochet is slightly cheaper than knitting because it requires one hook compared to two needles, however neither craft is expensive until you start purchasing more specialized tools and yarn.
I love the mix of crochet and knitting and see no reason why the two cannot be combined in projects. You just need to make sure that the number of crocheted stitches for your fabric can be divided by two for a 1x1 knitted rib, or 4 for a 2x2 or 3x1 knitted rib.
If you think that something is knitted, it's easiest to look for the telltale v-shaped stitches that show where stockinette was used. Crochet stitches are – for the most part – much taller than knitted stitches and have a lot more texture to them than does basic knitting like garter or stockinette.
For lacy baby blankets, crochet is recommended since lacework is easier and faster to crochet than knit. For a more solid baby blanket, knitting is a better choice because it creates a solid fabric that drapes well while with crochet, the fabric either has holes in it or is quite dense and rigid.
Knitted textiles survive from as early as the 11th century CE, but the first substantive evidence of crocheted fabric emerges in Europe during the 19th century.
Once popular in the '70s, crochet has officially made its comeback with designers and boutiques alike reinventing the classic technique and offering a fresh new take. From crocheted bikinis and bucket hats to handbags and dresses, we've rounded up our favourite crochet pieces to inspire your summer style.
English knitting, sometimes also called American knitting or "throwing," is the most popular method in England, parts of Europe, and elsewhere. It involves holding the yarn in your right hand and throwing it over the needle to form a stitch.
Introduction: My name is Margart Wisoky, I am a gorgeous, shiny, successful, beautiful, adventurous, excited, pleasant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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