How Easy or Difficult It Is to Learn Crochet and Knitting?

Crocheting and knitting crafts look similar, however, both have variations in terms of tools, techniques, and texture. To know, the similarities and differences, we have explained them in our blog. If you are starting your creative journey, but unsure which craft to opt for. The answer generally depends on personal preferences, skills, and patience. Before you start your thrilling experience, let's cover all the factors that will help you make a perfect decision.

 

Understand the basics of Crochet and Knitting

There are some aspects that you need to understand before you dive into this beautiful craft. Let's break down this into different sections:

Crochet- an easy and versatile option

You use one crochet hook to make your creative pattern. With this one magical hook, you create loops and stitches that turn into beautiful fabric. These hooks are available in various sizes, which suit the requirements of your project. In this craft, you work one stitch at a time. Read our quick guide to learn, what you need to know before you begin your crochet. If you want to work with intricate and delicate patterns then you can experiment and create doilies, lace, or amigurumi toys.

Slip knot, chain stitch, single (SC), or double crochet (DC) are the main crochet stitches, and help you to make creative designs and dense fabric. As you know crochet terms vary from US to UK. For Example, if you are working with SC (US terms), it refers to DC in the K terms. To know, more in detail, refer to our guide on UK vs US crochet terminology.

Knitting - Classical Approach

In knitting, you will be working with two knitting needles, which help you to design a great pattern. And when working with ebony wooden needles from Lantern Moon, you get a smooth, and comfortable grip.

With just two main knitting stitches knit and purl, you can explore a variety of textures, such as stockinette or garter and in turn make shawls, sweaters, or socks.

Is it easy or Difficult to Learn Crochet?

Do you know, that crochet is often considered a beginner's best friend? Yes, because stitches are too simple and you can create multiple projects with them. Let's find out more about it:

1. Work with Less number of Tools

You need your favorite hook and vibrant yarn to turn your passion into beautiful, creative projects. Choosing the right hook size will make your creation unique, however as a beginner, you can select a common size. But once you start making multiple patterns, we recommend you to use a crochet hook set from Lantern Moon which includes multiple sizes and helps in deciding the best one for your project.

2. One Active Stitch at a Time

After making a slip knot, crochet involves working with one loop at a time. Knitting involves keeping several stitches on the needles. Due to this, the crochet hook lessens the possibility of dropping stitches and makes it easier to manage.

3. Quick Fixes for Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes and resolving the issues is not as difficult as knitting. The best part about crochet is that you don't have to undo the whole row so you can use stitch markers that will help you to track the mistake in your pattern.

4. Faster to Work on Smaller Projects

When working on a crochet project, you get thicker stitches, due to which crocheted projects such as blankets, scarves, or hats can be created quickly.

Challenges of Learning Crochet

Despite so many benefits when working with beginners, there are still some difficulties when learning crochet:

• Beginners might find it hard to hold the yarn and crochet hook.
• It might take time to become proficient in some stitches, such as magic rings.
• Because of the differences in the UK and US terminology, the pattern becomes confusing.

Explore the Difficult Level of Knitting

Knitting is an excellent craft but beginners face challenges. Here are some reasons why:

1. Sometimes Working with More than two Tools

Knitting involves sometimes working with more than one needle, like the DPNs. When working with the Destiny circular knitting needles come with fixed cords, which sometimes makes it challenging for beginners to handle.

 

2. More Stitches to Manage

Knitting involves working with several stitches simultaneously on the needle. This means it can unravel multiple rows if stitches are dropped.

3. Slower than Crochet

Knitting generally takes more time due to stitches or patterns, because these are smaller and more intricate.

4. Tension control is Crucial

It is crucial to maintain even tension on your knitting needle, for example, if the yarn is too tight, you won't be able to move stitches and if it is loose, the project looks uneven.

Challenges of Learning Knitting

Knitting presents a few challenges or learning curve:

• It is essential to know how to correct mistakes, without causing too much trouble.
• Holding 4 or 5 needles takes time in the case of double-pointed knitting needles.
• When it's difficult to decide between English or Continental styles.

 

Which one is easy to learn- Knitting or Crocheting?

When thinking about the craft - knitting or crocheting, before you buy tools, let's check out a few points:

Choose knitting if you:

● want to make a smooth or stretchy fabric.

● Have patience and enjoy making detailed patterns.

● want to create intricate or colorwork cables.

Choose Crochet if you: 

● Want to start with a simple pattern such, as coasters or dishcloths?

● Work with a single tool instead of multiple ones.

● Want to explore textured patterns such as amigurumi, or granny squares and want to make unique creations?

Whether you learn to crochet or knit, both crafts have their own style and appearance. However, because of crochet's simplicity and ease, it's considered simple for beginners whereas in knitting, you get more elegant and stretchy fabric. Whichever craft you want to work with, enjoy the whole process of making a beautiful and unique creation.