For most people who have not worked with either knitting or crocheting, there appears to be little difference between the two, and even more confusion about what each process actually is. Most people at least know that both involve a needle and yarn, but the understanding usually stops there. In our New Orleans, Louisiana yarn store, we see a lot of people who have done one and not the other, and are confused about what the other method actually does and what things can be created with it.
The basic idea of crocheting is that you start with a long, continuous strand of yarn and use a single hook to manipulate the yarn into loops. The loops get connected together and form rows. The rows get built up and make up the blanket or whatever you happen to be making. Some of the many things that can be made by crocheting are scarves, hats, socks, gloves, Afghans, throws, vests, and stuffed animals; there are of course many more.
Knitting has the same overall idea as crocheting does, but throws in a few changes. Metal objects are used in both to manipulate a continuous strand of yarn. The most obvious difference in knitting is that instead of a crochet hook, two needles are used to make rows of stitches that form together to make up the project. One of the most common knitting projects is the sweater. Many people prefer sweaters that are knit because of the way that color patterns can be put together. Nearly anything that can be made from crocheting can be made by knitting as well.
The reason people like one method over another often has to do with difficulty level. They believe that one is much harder than the other. The reality is that neither method is inherently more difficult than the other, but people might find that one is easier for them to master. Knitting tends to be more about following a very specific pattern, while crocheting is slightly less strict and requires a bit of intuition when creating rows.
Often fans of one method tout theirs as the most versatile and beautiful, but the truth is that there are many advantages and qualities to both. Both methods are versatile and can be used for creating different things. People may develop a preference for one over the other, but should definitely not shy away from at least trying them. Knitting and crocheting are both excellent options for creating beautiful yarn afghans, articles of clothing, etc. Simply put, the best way to know which one you prefer (in many people, it is both) is to try for yourself and find out!
