On Hooks and Needles: A (personal) Crafting Comparison

Honestly, it's been way too long since I've had a post that actually pertains to two of my crafts of choice. 

So, I thought I'd do a little Q and A regarding questions and comments I've received from others who are either skilled enough in one but don't like the other, or from those who don't craft at all but are interested.  Since I craft in public frequently, it does garner a bit of interest. 

Some of these involve comparisons between knitting and crochet, others regard techniques on one or the other. 

So without further ado...here we go! 

Q.  Non-Crafter:  That's really cool!  So, what's the difference between the two?  They both do the same thing, don't they?                          

A.  *chuckles lightly*  Ah, you are new to this, aren't you?  In knitting, you use a set of two needles (sometimes more, but I don't want to scare you too badly).  In crochet, it's just a single hook.  The resulting fabrics are pretty different, too--crocheted fabric tends to be a bit thicker, and the individual stitches look very dissimilar to those in knitting, as well.  Knitter, crocheter, blogger and illustrator extraordinaire Franklin Habit further clarifies in this wonderfully funny post on the Lion Brand Blog, and describes how to navigate if you would like to write your own story on it.   

Q.  Other Knitter (Crocheter):  Wow!  You do both?  Which do you like better?  Is it hard to learn to crochet (knit)?  I've tried and I don't get it.      
     
A.  As far as how hard it is to learn one when you're well-established in the other, I can't really say.  I learned both within a short timeframe of each other--maybe a couple months, tops.  But just like how you took your time to learn and know your craft, it will take time to get to know the other.  Which do I like better?  When I first started, I somewhat preferred the process of knitting, but I was more inclined and ready  to start a crochet project; my grandmother had given me her set of hooks since she was no longer crafting, so I could just jump right into a new project if I had the yarn.  Nowadays, it really depends on my mood and current circumstances.  A long ride on a packed bus, plane or car?  Definitely crochet.  My elbows tend to spread out when I knit, and dropping stitches isn't as big a deal if you've got a bumpy ride.  On the other hand, if I'm at home working on a large project, then I'll knit.  I could go on and on, but I won't.  Suffice it to say, they each have their merits.  And, on occasion, I'll even use both for a single project!

Q.  Non-knitter:  How do you do it at all?  I don't have that kind of patience! 
A.  Just practice.  You wouldn't believe the awful stuff I was cranking out when I first started. 

Q.  Newbie Knitter:  which is better--English or Continental?  

A.  Like comparing knitting and crochet, that one is pretty subjective.  For the unfamiliar:  Continental knitting has the working end of your yarn in your left hand, English in the right.  I learned in the Continental style, so that's what I'm used to.  Having tried English knitting once, I don't like how slow it seems having to transfer your right needle to your left hand just to wrap the yarn around for every stitch.  But there are some English knitters out there that can knit faster than I can.  This youtube clip has one of the better demonstrations.  There is a benefit to learning both:  if one hand gets tired from using one method, you can give it a break by using the other.   So there you go.


Q.  Non-Crafter:  You're really good at that!  Would you ever sell what you make for money?  You could probably make a lot!  

A.  Ah, thanks but no thanks.  Some people do sell what they make and they enjoy it, and others have their reasons for not selling.  It's really more than I want to get into now, but since I have a job (soon to be two) that pays well, I just don't care to do so.  Granted, that's not to say I don't create things for others--I love to!  But, I like being able to pick out the pattern, select the yarn and other materials, and surprise the recipient.  

Q.  So, your blog is "The Knitting Safari," but you say you crochet too.  Prove it. 

A.  Well, first, that's not really a question.  Second, I will!  Stay tuned for another post on crochet, what it can (and can't) do, and how to use it to its full potential!  It will take a lot of planning, but I will get it done! 

See ya later! 

Alex