To Learn Knit or Crochet

Deciding whether to learn to knit or crochet can be the most difficult part of getting into a yarn based craft.

Due to this difficult decision I have come up with a list of pros, cons, and other notes for both knit and crochet.  I am going to separate everything by the respective craft and things will be listed in bullet form.  So, pros, cons, and other notes for knitting.  Then, crochet pros, cons, and other notes.

Knit Pros

    Fabric made from knitting uses 30% less yarn than crocheted fabric does (you can see the article in which I cover more in depth linked here: Why Crochet Uses More Yarn Than Knit).  This knowledge is positive and a good thing to keep in mind, especially if working with yarn from a small store, meaning any yarn that could not be easily bought at any commercial craft store.

    Unlike in crochet, there are really only two stitches that are fairly simple to learn.  After learning both the knit and purl stitch (the two stitches) almost everything in knit can be made.  Any other “stitches” created in knit are just combinations of knit and purl stitches. There is a sort of exception to this simplicity, that is, there are more advanced techniques and combinations of these two stitches.

Knit Cons

    It takes longer to see progress because of the way that knit fabric is formed.  This is coupled with the fact that knit stitches are generally smaller than crochet stitches means that it takes longer to make things through knitting.
    Due to the way that loops are stacked on one another as the rows are formed in knit it is more difficult to fix a dropped stitch (I discuss this more in a different previous article about why it is more difficult in: The Differences Between Knit and Crochet).  It is something that can be fixed, but would be more difficult and frustrating for a beginner trying to fix this sort of mistake.

Other Notes

    While the materials to begin knitting are not that extensive (just the usual suspects of straight needles, you would only need a couple of sizes to start with, yarn, scissors, and a yarn needle).  However, if a knitter wants to continue progressing their skills, they would need to buy more knitting needles.  There are circular needles (that come in both: multiple sizes of needles and different lengths) and double pointed needles.  Something such as a set of interchangeable needles would take care of the multiple variations of the circular needles, these can be an investment, but they would also be an investment into your knitting skills.  I put this in the section for "Other Notes" as opposed to either pros or cons, because it is it is something that may matter more to some people than others.  It is also something that is not necessary to know when beginning since it does not come into play until one becomes more advanced.

Crochet Pros

    The stitches made from crochet are larger than the stitches made from knit which means that crochet is faster and progress is made quicker than when knitting.  This helps give that instant bit of satisfaction or dopamine that comes from seeing how much work you can get done in a relatively short amount of time.  Although, I think it can take a little longer when one is first starting out and trying to just remember the steps to complete each stitch, but I think that it would still not take as long as knit to complete an equivalent project (e.g. knit vs. crochet scarf).

    Due to the way that each stitch is made individually if your crochet hook slips out it is just one loop.  Thus, it is easier to fix mistakes while crocheting because a slipped stitch is something that can be picked up fast and then you can continue on.  It is also more easy to pull apart crochet and redo it, because once again, since there is only a singular working loop on a crochet hook at a time, it is easy to resume after tearing it out.

    People find crochet as something that is learned more easily because you only have to focus on the one working loop at a time and the stitch you are forming.  Whereas in knit, you have a lot of loops on each needle to focus on at once, as well as the transferring of each loop as a stitch is completed from one needle to the other.

    Since crochet is worked by focusing on each individual stitch at a time it is easier to make more shapes.  Such as a flat circle, a cylinder, a sphere, etc.  This is the reason that crochet is the yarn-based medium that is usually used to make three-dimensional shapes.

Crochet Cons

    The opposite of the first pro mentioned in the knitting section means that crochet uses 30% more yarn than knitting does.  Again, for more in depth information on this, a separate article written on this specific topic is linked above.  When using commercially store bought yarn this is still something to keep in mind, but is not a huge deal.

    There are five basic stitches to learn in crochet, along with more advanced stitches that can be learned.  These basic stitches are used the most and many projects can be made with just these.  Any extra stitches learned can help when making more advanced projects.  Some of these more advanced stitches apply the basic stitches in a particular order to create a specific pattern.

Other Notes

    Making a crochet version back to what I mentioned in the "Other Notes" section of knitting, crochet uses fewer tools overall, at all skill levels of crocheting.  While to get started, similar to knitting, you just need a few basic tools: one or two crochet hooks, yarn, scissors, and a yarn needle.  To advance in knit you just need multiple sizes of crochet hooks which is different to knit in which there are different kinds of knitting needles.  To do basic crochet there is only one kind of crochet hook.  Something that I briefly mentioned in the article also referenced above that is linked in the "Knit Cons" section, is that there are multiple crochet hooks.  However, different from knit, the multiple kinds of crochet hooks are more parallel crafts (such as Tunisian crochet) instead of knitting needles that are all used in basic knitting.  There are a couple of different kinds of crochet hooks that come to mind: double hooked and a Tunisian crochet hook.  I put this in the section for "Other Notes" as opposed to either pros or cons, because it is it is something that may matter more to some people than others.  It is also something that is not necessary to know when beginning since it does not come into play until one becomes more advanced.

Week of 2/5 Update

I did not start a knit scrunchie like I said I hoped to start at the beginning of the week.

Making a scrunchie by knitting is something that will be a project in the back of my mind, waiting until I want a knit project.  At which point I will remember this idea and finally bring it into reality for me.

Crochet Beret

    I finished this crochet beret pattern.  It came out a little bit droopier or wider on the top than I may have liked, but I made it for my sister and this beret looks amazing on her.  The two pictures show the finished crochet beret.  The one on the left shows the top of it and the picture on the right shows the bottom of the beret.

Crochet Cardigan

    I have started this crochet cardigan, and I am about a third of the way through the back panel.  The yarn that I am using for this pattern is different than is used in the pattern.  It is still a weight 4 yarn, but I am using Caron Marble Cakes in the color of blue velvet.

Crochet Personal Pouch

    This was not a pattern that I mentioned in my weekly goals, but this personal pouch is something that I found on Pinterest and have wanted to make for a while and I finally got the chance to make it this week.  I used a different yarn, that is weight 4, but for this pattern the only thing that it will change is the finished size.  Coincidentally it was the same yarn that I used for the crochet beret.  I am very happy with how it came out and cannot wait to use it to hold any little extra things that I want to carry around.  This was an easy to follow pattern with a great outcome and it worked together fairly quickly.

Why Do Crochet and Knit Use Different Amounts of Yarn?

Knit and crochet seem very similar at first glance.

The differences between the two yarn focused crafts is something that I discussed in an earlier article called Differences Between Knit and Crochet.  Although I think something that might be shocking to people, is that crochet uses 30% more yarn than knitting does.  The difference in yarn usage is something that I wanted to discuss more in depth, because it is something that I find very fascinating and initially surprising.

This is both because of the way that the loops fit together in the fabric created from each respective craft as well as how each stitch is made.

How the Loops Fit Together

    Since knitting is mainly worked as an entire row at once, this means that to form each stitch the yarn has to travel less distance than in crochet.  When crocheting stitches are formed individual stitches, where each stitch is fully formed and completed before the next stitch begins, since each stitch must be fully completed to finish a stitch the yarn must travel more distance than in the knit fabric version.

    To make any stitch in knitting, purl or knit, the yarn only travels down to the previous loop, then back up.  Only two small lengths of yarn are used to form each stitch.  However, in crochet a stitch, even one as simple as a single crochet, makes the yarn travel three times.  Down into the loop of the row below, back up, then back down for a final time.  Due to the difference of two yarn travels within knitting versus the three yarn travels within crocheting, there are changes in the resulting knit or crochet fabric.  

Differences in the Resulting Fabrics

    Fabric made from knitting drapes better and has a better flow than that made from crochet.  Knitted fabric is also generally thinner and more pliable.  The reverse of this means that crocheted fabric, generally does not drape as nicely, is slightly thicker and more stiff.  This goes back to what is written above about the formation of the loops and crochet using a third again as much yarn.  The way that a fabric is made through knitting means that any spot in the knitted fabric will have at most two layers of yarn, which is still quite thin.  Having only two layers of yarn at most in a knitted fabric is the reason for the better flow and draping as well as its thinness and pliability.  Whereas in crochet at any point in that fabric there is at least two layers of yarn, if not three or more.  Having more layers of yarn at any point in crochet fabric is the cause for it being thicker as well as having less drape, flow, and pliability.

    Some people prefer the thickness and stiffer crocheted fabric to the more drapey and thinner knitted fabric.  The differences in thickness are also why some people prefer fabric made from knit to that made of crochet.  The stiffness of crocheted fabric lends itself to being more useful for the creation of three dimensional forms.

2/12 Weekly Goals

 I am starting a new class this week and will probably have a lot on my plate for a few weeks.

This is important to know because I do not know how much time I will be having to craft especially as I am getting adjusted to a different schedule.  While I may not have as much time to craft as in the previous month I still hope to be able to crochet or knit when possible, or maybe during lectures.  Crafting is something that brings me joy and I hope to make time for, but it will most likely not be for very long, or infrequently.

Crochet Cardigan

    This is something that I hope to continue working on, although it will probably be infrequently.  I hope to add at least another row or two before the end of the week.

Crochet Cable Shorts

    This is a pattern that has grown on me over the past week or so.  It is also something that I finally got yarn that I think would be perfect for these crochet cable stitch shorts.  This is a pattern that can be bought, or can be used free by watching the youtube video tutorial by TCDDIY.  She has video patterns that are very easy to follow and walk you through step by step.

Knit Arm Warmers

If crochet is not your thing and you still want warm arms, here is my pattern for knit arm warmers.

Materials

• Size 10 or 6mm knitting needles
• Medium weight 4 yarn (approx. 75m)
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Other Information

    The yarn that I used for this project was the same as that of my Super Simple Crochet Arm Warmers.  It is called Dream and I chose a beautiful dark mauve shade.

    The number that I casted on was determined by the circumference of my wrist.  My crochet version of arm warmers was worked lengthwise to then fit around the wrist.  Whereas for this knit version I was working with the circumference of my wrist  to then reach length after enough rows were completed.

    The size/weight of yarn that you choose is not very important.  However, this will affect the size of knitting needles that you choose, the number you cast on, and how many rows you knit.  If you choose a thinner yarn you will most likely use smaller needles and need to cast on more stitches along with having to knit more rows overall.  The opposite would happen for each if you use thicker yarn.

    To be entirely honest you may have to work enough rows to be able to tell whether or not this will fit around your wrist.  In which case you would have to start over if it is too small or too big.  Remember that this pattern will make the arm warmers stretch quite a bit.

Instructions

Cast on: Make sure that you leave enough of a tail to stitch the part of the arm warmers from your knuckles to where you want your thumb hole to begin.  Then cast 28 stitches onto your knitting needles.  The weight of yarn or needle size does not matter as long as they are compatible.  I used a weight 4 yarn and size 10 or 6mm knitting needles.

To keep following the pattern make sure that it is in a multiple of 4.  I also used a really stretchy stitch so you would probably be more worried about the arm warmer being too big rather than too small.  You can see how stretchy this stitch is in the picture below.  At the top of the rectangle you can see how narrow the rectangle seems before it is stretched and at the bottom of the picture you can see how stretchy it is.

All rows: A 2x2 ribbing, which means 2 knit stitches then 2 purl stitches.  Repeat this for the entirety of the row.

Since this arm warmer was knit flat to achieve the ribbed look, you have to alternate what stitch is knit.  For the stitches that you knit in the previous row you will purl them, and those that you purled you will not knit those stitches.  If you followed my suggestion above and cast on a multiple of 4 you do not need to think about what stitch you made in the previous row.  Instead you will just start with 2 knit stitches for each row.

I repeated this rib stitch for a total of 43 rows.  This can really be for as many rows as you need to go from your knuckles until your desired length for the arm warmers is achieved.

Once you have reached your desired length you will cast off.  The way that you cast off is not important to the result of the arm warmer.

You will need two of these ribbed rectangles.  If you have made any changes to either the number of stitches cast on or number of rows worked remember to make these changes to the second arm warmer too.

Rectangle to Arm Warmer: I left a long end after I cast off to use for the majority of the yarn used to stitch both sides together.  It can be up to you how you sew the sides together, I just used a whip stitch, nothing special.  The picture below on the left is after my knit ribbed rectangle is cast off.  In the middle is a picture of my arm warmer after it is stitched (you can see the thumb hole that I did not stitch together), but before the ends were tucked in and cut, it is inside out.  On the right is my pair of finished arm warmers (stitched up, the ends tucked in, cut off, and turned right side out).

                        

Super Simple Crochet Arm Warmers

This is a super simple crochet pattern to turn a rectangle into some nice arm warmers.

A great project for crochet beginners or a crocheter looking to start making wearable projects.  It just uses a few basic crochet stitches.

Similar to the super simple knit scarf this is a pattern that could be used with almost any yarn and a crochet hook to match.  The only thing that would need to be changed is the number of chains made in the foundation row.  Although this is something that could be altered quite easily by measuring from your knuckles and up your forearm until you reach your desired length.  Then, the rest of the pattern can be followed as is written below.

This is also a pattern that could use a different stitch to make the rectangle, such as a single or double crochet.  This would affect the number of total rows, but again this is something that could easily be altered, even by a beginner, by just measuring the rectangle around your wrist until it fits around comfortably.  The pattern could then be followed as written and just ignore the row count if you choose to change the stitch that you use.

For this pattern I used the yarn Dream in a gorgeous shade of dark mauve.

Materials

• 4.5 mm crochet hook
• Medium weight 4 yarn (approx. 100m)
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

Stitches Used

• Chain (Ch)
• Half Double Crochet (HDC)
• Slip Stitch (SS)

Instructions

First and foremost since it will be used later on in the project be sure to leave a beginning tail that is at least 6 inches long.

Foundation Chain: To begin I made a chain of 40 because it was the length from my knuckles to about 1/2 or 3/4 up my forearm (although this chain could be made as long or as short as you want them to be.  To the right is an image of my foundation chain with the longer beginning tail which can be seen at the bottom.

Row 1: In the 3rd chain from the hook I made a HDC and then HDC in each chain until I got to the end of the row.  In total 38 HDC.  To the left is a picture after row 1.

Row 2: Ch 2 and turn your work.  Then put a HDC in the back loop only of each and every stitch down the row until you get to the final stitch in which you will put a regular HDC through both loops, so you keep your total of 38 HDC.  Crocheting in the back loop only is something that sounds more complicated when it is.  When looking at each stitch you will see the top of it has formed a sort of "v" shape on its side, you will just go through the loop that is farther away from you (the back loop) instead of both loops that form the "v".  The back loop is used because it gives this nice ribbed texture to our arm warmers as well as giving them a little bit of stretch to allow them to slip easily onto each arm.

Repeat row 2 for a total of 16 rows or until the resulting rectangle can be wrapped around your wrist comfortably.  The picture below is of my finished rectangle.

Then, Ch 1, turn your work and fold the rectangle in half.  Then, make SS connecting the two sides until you reach where you want your thumb hole to open (for me this was 25 SS, I left 7 stitches for the thumb hole).  At this point, you can tie off this end.  This will be the section that is closer to your elbow.

Returning to the longer tail from the beginning of the project, this should be on the opposite end and is closer to your knuckles.  Thread the tail through your yarn needle.   Then, you want to sew the two sides together.  I just used a whip stitch, the stitch that you used is not of great importance.  I sewed 6 stitches together on this side.  Then, make a knot and tuck in both ends using your yarn needle, cutting off any excess.

In the pictures below the one on the left is after it is seamed together, but before the ends are tucked in.  On the right is still inside out, but after the ends are tucked in.  In both pictures you can see the thumb hole if you look carefully.

Turn right side out and you have an arm warmer.  Repeat the pattern in order to have a pair of arm warmers.  Below is a picture of my right side out finished pair of arm warmers.  For being such a simple project they turned out a beautiful product.

2/5 Weekly Goals

I have a few projects that I plan to work on this week: a crochet beret, cardigan, and a knit scrunchie.

I hope to finish a project that I already started last week.  Then, there is a bigger crochet project that I hope to be starting this week that may take me some time to complete.  Finally, there is a small knit project that I hope to make at least once or twice before the week is over.

Crochet Beret

    I hope to have finished this project by the end of the week.  This means to have completed the rest of A.2 and A.3.  If you do not know what I am referring to you can take a look at my updates from last week linked here: Week of 1/29 Updates.  I am super excited to complete this project and to see the final result and how it turns out!

Crochet Cardigan

    I really want to start a crochet cardigan.  I think that this is a project that could take me some time to complete and I feel like I need a project that I will be working on for a while.  There are 3 patterns for cardigans that I have found and liked, but the most recent one that I have found (Crochet Knit Look Cardigan), I have completely fallen in love with.  I adore the oversized yet feminine look that this cardigan has.  I feel like oversized yet feminine is the style that I wish to possess, currently half of my style is just oversized, thus I think that this crochet cardigan is perfect for me and may be something that I actually wear and use.  I plan to make this pattern in a size small with the yarn Caron (no wool) Marble Cakes in the shade of Blue Velvet which is a gorgeous variegated yarn that has grays, white, teal, and a darker teal.

Knit Scrunchie

    I am taking the inspiration for this project and pattern from Jenna Phipps over on youtube.  I plan to follow her pattern she makes in the video.  Which seems simple enough that I, a beginner knitter, could follow.  The exception being that any scrunchie(s) I make will not have stripes.  I am really excited about this because I have made some crochet scrunchies (which is something that I want to try again and maybe try a different pattern), but have never made a knit scrunchie.  I think that this is a project that I will continue to be excited about after I have finished it and is something that I will actually use.

Week of 1/29 Update

This has been a week of mostly crocheted projects for me.

I have made progress on the crochet beret, finished a pair of crochet arm warmers (and have begun a knit set as well), and I finished a crochet bandana.  Any patterns that I used will be linked below within their respective projects section.  I am very excited to share my project updates.

Crochet Beret    

    I have finished the first section of this crochet beret pattern that is split into three parts.  I am now starting on the second part.  The parts in this pattern, which will be linked below, are listed as A.1, A.2, and A.3.  So, in terms of the pattern I have finished section A.1 and have just begun section A.2.  The sections of this pattern are split into the top section which is the flat part of the beret, also the biggest section and has the most rows in it.  Then, there is the side section where there are no decreased stitches.  Finally, the last section is when there are decreases to get the beret to fit snugly against the head. This beret pattern comes in two sizes: a small/medium (S/M) and medium/large (M/L).  The S/M size is the one that I am using.  I am using a 4mm hook which is the size in the pattern.  The yarn that I am using is Lion Brand Heartland yarn.  It is a 100% acrylic yarn, and it is quite soft, in the shade of black canyon (so it is mostly black with flecks of white or light gray).

    This pattern also comes with a neck warmer in a matching pattern to that of the beret.  I am not going to be making this neck warmer although the option is there.  I am using a different weight yarn that it calls for and I managed to get the right number of stitches for the width of the gauge, but not for the height so I ended part A.1 a few rows early, but by making minor changes I can still follow the pattern.  Something else to keep in mind about this pattern is that it is shown solely in pictures/diagrams.  Some people have an easier time following patterns that are in diagram form instead of written out form.  There is a key to help with the interpretation of the pattern.  I do think that this would be a good pattern to use as a first attempt at following a diagram instead of just a pattern written with words and pictures.  Every crocheter, I think, should try at least one pattern in each style (diagram vs. written out), this will help them to expand their knowledge with greater understanding about patterns.  It would also help in allowing someone to be able to use more patterns instead of having a pattern be ruled out because of the form in which it is written.  Also, a new crocheter could discover that they actually prefer a diagram pattern over a fully written out pattern.  Either way, having the ability to follow both styles of patterns would be extremely useful.

Crochet Beret Pattern

Crochet Arm Warmers

This is how my crochet arm warmers turned out.  I will have a pattern for this super simple pair of arm warmers coming next Wednesday, so check back in for that update.  These only took me about 2 hours in total to make the pair, or about an hour for each individual arm warmer.  I think they are beautiful and am very happy with how they turned out.  Just look at them, they fit me well, I really like their color, and overall and am simply thrilled with the outcome.  It was just a simple rectangle that was then stitched together leaving a hole for my thumb and this was the result.

I am also working on a knit pair, for which I hope to have a bonus pattern coming out next week as well.  I have finished one arm warmer and am just under halfway done with the second arm warmer.  The pattern for the knit version (which will be made out of the same yarn), may not be as simple or as beginner friendly as the crochet version.  Although this is my opinion and it may depend on the crafter.  

Crochet Bandana

    Originally I had planned on making my own pattern up for this crochet bandana.  I tried to start this a couple of times, but then I decided that I would use this free and simple crochet bandana pattern that I found.  Before I started this project I had scrolled through dozens of bandana patterns on Pinterest before I found this one, that I adored and was exactly what I was looking for.  For this pattern I used a different yarn and crochet hook size, but it still turned out gorgeous.  I used a 3mm crochet hook and Truboo yarn made by Lion Brand.  It is yarn that is made out of 100% rayon from bamboo.  It is super soft and I chose a light blue color.  The picture below shows how beautifully the bandana turned out.  This bandana is worked in a granny square pattern, but in rows.  Other bandanas that use a granny square stitch are worked in a triangular pattern, but that was not the look that I wanted.  This is why I was extraordinarily thrilled when I found this crochet bandana pattern.

    I really liked working this pattern, it was quite simple and easy to follow.  The only thing that I changed about this pattern besides the yarn used and hook size was that for the straps I chained 30, and then put a double crochet in each chain, and then double crocheted all along the top most row before chaining another 30 and putting a double crochet back in all the chains.  I made this change because the yarn that I was using was quite thin and I did not think that just putting a slip stitch in each chain would be sufficient, I wanted my straps to be a little bit sturdier.

Crochet Bandana Pattern

Differences Between Knit and Crochet

 What are the differences between knitting and crocheting?

People may think of knitting or crocheting as being interchangeable words and hobbies for grandmas, but that is definitely not true.  It is a crafting form that can be enjoyed by all and there are several distinct differences between knit and crochet.  An example of a fabric made from knit is on the left and made from crochet on the right.

I have organized the differences between knit and crochet into three categories with the number of working loops, how each is worked up, and the materials required for each activity.

Number of Working Loops

    Knitting uses 2 or more long needles with many working loops at a time.  The number of loops is determined by the row length of the project.  The wider the project or the thinner the yarn the more loops will be on the needles at a time.  As each stitch is completed each loop is then transferred from one needle to the next.  Working with a singular hook crochet has only 1 working loop at a time.  For each stitch loops are added to the hook, but before moving on to the next stitch the number of loops on the hook returns to 1.  Due to the difference in the number of loops this means that it is easier for a singular stitch to slip off of a hook by accident while knitting.  This is similar to problems arising from a needle slipping out of all of the loops at once which can happen quickly and by accident.  Both of these problems are ones that can be fixed, but can be very frustrating and more difficult for beginners to fix.  Whereas if the hook was to slip out of your crochet piece it is just one loop that is much easier to pick up than a needle full of loops.

How They Are Worked Up

    Knit is something that can be replicated on a machine or a loom whereas crochet pieces are something that can only be hand produced.  This is why you do not see crochet sweaters in stores everywhere. :)  Part of the reason that machines can make knit items is because those pieces are worked on row by row instead of singular interlocking loop by interlocking loop in crochet.  Each stitch in crochet is more like a knot made of loops which is why it is more difficult for crochet to unravel.  This also means that each stitch is added directly to the piece of crocheted fabric.

Materials

    Besides the difference of needles for knitting and a hook for crochet there are other deviations between the materials required for each.  First, let's look at some materials that are the same for both: scissors, for cutting off any yarn that is leftover and any yarn left after it is tucked into the work; yarn, as the medium for the project; stitch markers, to know where specific stitches are, to indicate where the beginning of a round is, a place for a row to end, or a decrease or increase to take place; a yarn needle, to tuck in the ends after a project is finished; and a row counter, to keep track of what row you are working on during a project.

    Some tools that are specific to knitting include: straight knitting needles, double pointed knitting needles, circular needles in different lengths, and stitch holders (for making cables).  Each type of needle (straight, double pointed, and circular) all come in different sizes (or thicknesses).  While to get started all you would need is some straight knitting needles and some yarn as you become more advanced the materials that you would need to continue progressing your knitting projects would become more.  Although not required, many of these additional knitting specific tools are helpful in continuing to advance your abilities.

    For basic crochet you would just need a set of standard hooks in various sizes.  There are some offshoots of basic crochet that use more than a standard crochet hook.  Such as Tunisian crochet that a Tunisian crochet hook can be used for which is longer than a standard crochet hook.  Although different from knitting, something like Tunisian crochet is not necessary to progress your crochet skills.  As a beginner you would just need yarn and a basic crochet hook in a size that works well with your chosen yarn.  So, a crocheter could get by with only a few crochet hooks while progressing in their craft, whereas knitters would need to purchase more supplies as they progress.