Difference Between Crocheting and Knitting
The difference between crocheting and knitting is that knitting is done when using two needles and crocheting is done with only one needle or hook. There are a few other differences between them such as the strength of their stitches, or knots.
Crocheting ties the knot off with each loop and there for is stronger than knitting. But in the end they both look the same. They both end up with familiar looking results. If you have ever used a knitted sweater or knitted scarf and caught the stitch and broke it you might notice that the fabric tends to “run” or in other words the other loops become loose and it looks terrible after a while.
Crocheting closes the loops off one at a time. So if you were to do the same thing with a crocheted sweater or scarf it would likely only break that one loop and no one would notice that it was damaged. You might know its broken there but no one else would. That is because the technique used when crocheting separates each loop and ties them off. And at the end all you have to do is pull the left over yarn through the loop and pull tightly and that ties off the last knot there for finishing the item knitting on the other hand you don’t tie off any of the loops until the very end. It is then that you have to tie them off all at once. Which is why it would start to run if you broke one of the loops. That is why many people feel that its better to start Crocheting for beginners and then move on to knitting.
Crocheting Abbreviations
When starting out crocheting you should always try to keep the pattern you use simple. There a some free crocheting patterns available, and its very common for beginners to start with crochet scarf patterns
that you can find on the internet. Whether it is a pot holder, or another pattern, you should keep it basic and simple.
Also it is very helpful to use light colors. Its hard enough to see the loops while just starting out. But to try and keep track of those dame knots if your using a dark color yarn is just extra difficulty. I recommend that you use light easy to see colors such as yellows or blues. Even reds are great to use.
Crocheting patterns and knitting patterns use abbreviations often. So I decided to provide you a list of these abbreviations. You should print this list out and keep it with your patterns it will become very very useful for you if you are working on a pattern and are not sure what the pattern is asking you to do.
Also, there are different types of crochet hooks. And people prefer one or the other. Though there is not much difference. I am talking about whether the hook has a rounded hook at the tip or a pointed one. Some people find the pointed hook easier to get through the loop. While other find that it is much easier to use the rounded hook. It is all up to personal preference. And you shouldn’t judge after only a few loops. You should completely finish a piece with each type before you make up our mind. Its always better to have a complete experience with something before you judge it. also I would recommend that you start off with a larger size hook. They create larger loops, but it is much easier to work with when you are just starting to learn how to crochet.
Common Crochet Abbreviations
- Sp(s)- space(s)
- Ch- chain
- Chst – chain stitch
- Slst – slip stitch
- Sc- single crochet
- St- stitch
- Sts- stitches
- Hdc- half double crochet
- Dc- double crochet
- Trc- triple crochet
- Dtrc- double triple crochet
- Yo- yarn over (hook)
- Sk- skip
- Beg- beginning
- Dec- decrease
- Inc- increase
- Tog-together
- Asterisk: the asterisk (*) serves as a marker in a row or round of stitches. Example: repeat from * four times.
It is best to keep the instructions as easy and visual as possible when you begin. Find a nice basic pattern, so it won’t be confusing, but yet will be very rewarding when completed. There are basic patterns and projects are all over the internet and you will be able to more than you will know what to do with.
The first misconception about crocheting and knitting is that knowing one, makes it easier to learn the other. In my experience, this just isn’t true as many knitters have a difficult time learning how to crochet.
With that in mind though, don’t think that either is very difficult…they are just a little different, and actually quite easy to learn. You’ve just got to be aware of that if you’re already familiar with one or the other.
Before you do anything though, make sure that you have the right tools. If you’re just learning to crochet, it’s best to start with the largest crochet hook you can find, along with a smooth cotton yarn. This will allow you to learn by easily seeing what you are doing at each step. Once you’re more familiar with the crocheting process, you can try using a smaller hook and real crochet thread.
Also, don’t be afraid to use up yarn while practicing your basic chain stitch, single crochet stitch, or double crochet stitch. You won’t get very far without knowing these, and you can always unravel your yarn and re-use it when you’re done practicing.
Once you’ve got the basic steps down, you should look to buy some permanent crochet hooks. I’d suggest choosing a metal or bamboo hooks as they will last much longer than cheap plastic hooks.
I hope these tips are enough to get you excited about your next project.
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