A fun way to get in touch with your creative side and make unique clothing pieces, the fiber arts have exploded in popularity as of late. Photos of sweaters, scarves and hats are going viral on Pinterest, many of which have been lovingly knit or crocheted by hand. With this sudden spike in interest, many young people are learning to knit or crochet as a pastime. It is important to note that though knitting and crocheting may look deceptively similar upon first glance, there are several important distinctions to consider before committing to one craft over the other. The following tips will help you choose the hobby that is right for you!
Tools
As for essential equipment, knitting involves yarn and two knitting needles. There is a wide range of options for needle size and material. While needle size is largely dependent on the knitting pattern you are working on, the material of the needles you choose is determined by personal preference. For instance, bamboo knitting needles are very lightweight, but aluminum needles are much more durable. Additionally, tapestry needles are essential for weaving together knitting projects with multiple components.
Aside from a spool of yarn, crochet only requires a single crochet hook. The selection of crochet hooks is simpler than that of knitting needles. Most crochet hooks are aluminum, eliminating the need for an extensive search. The primary determinant of which crochet hook to use is the size. Crochet hooks typically come in sizes as small as 0.5 millimeters and as large as 30 millimeters. Like knitting needles, hook sizes correspond with certain designs. Make sure to pick the correct hook size listed in the crochet pattern you intend to create.
techniques
Knitting largely revolves around casting yarn onto one knitting needle and then maneuvering that yarn onto another needle, creating stitches in the process. To truly understand knitting, there are two stitches you must master: the knit stitch and the purl stitch. There are lots of great tutorials online that offer in-depth tutorials for how to perform these stitches. Once you grasp these foundational steps, you can learn countless variations of these two stitches to create new designs.
In contrast, the chain stitch is the base of all crochet work. A chain in crochet resembles a series of loops. In order to make a piece of crochet, you use your crochet hook to pull yarn through the loops and create stitches. Much like knitting, there are many video tutorials demonstrating how to perform this step. After learning this step, you’ll be ready to try some basic crochet patterns.
Patterns
Though knitting and crochet both involve working with yarn to create intricate patterns, these techniques are typically used for different projects. Knitting produces a stretchy, smooth fabric, making it ideal for clothing. Crochet creates a bulkier but more durable fabric suited for decor such as blankets, pillow covers and stuffed animals.
Though crochet and knitting bear many differences, both are great ways to get creative and handmake items that you will treasure for years to come. Hopefully, these tips will inspire you to take up knitting or crochet as a hobby!