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If you learned to crochet before you tried to learn how to knit, you may find knitting to be confusing. Today I’m answering one of the many knitting vs crochet questions and also how to knit if you already crochet!
Since I create both knitting and crochet patterns here on the blog, I get a ton of questions about knitting vs crochet. After several folks have asked me about a knitting tutorial, I decided to make one. Thank you for the requests!
Let’s hop right to it!
Follow along with my video below, and feel free to pause as needed.
Don’t forget to grab your needles and yarn before you start! Have fun.
That is all there is to it! Isn’t it fun? And you can see how the hand movements are similar to crochet with this method.
Knitting vs Crochet: Learning My First Method
Believe it or not, I learned to knit from YouTube videos. In fact, it’s a funny story…
I tried learning how to knit from a book. If you learned from a book, I want to tell you that I believe you are a straight-up genius! It was impossible for me to figure out how to do it without seeing it in action with my own eyes. Thank goodness for YouTube because I could watch a zillion different videos and find one that worked for me.
You guys, I almost gave up on yarn crafts completely. Can you imagine that? Before I gave up, I happened to stumble upon a “How To Crochet” video and learned how to crochet.
It hadn’t even crossed my mind to look to YouTube in order to learn to knit. But once I discovered it, a whole new world opened up to me! So, as it turns out, I tried to learn how to knit but ended up learning how to crochet first!
Can you teach yourself knitting?
Yes! I certainly did, and I know many other people who taught themselves too. Of course, if you use a tool like YouTube, that’s much easier to do.
Watch plenty of videos because some may make more sense to you than others, and expect a learning curve like you would for any other new skill.
There are many ways that people like to knit, but the version that I detail here is easiest for me, and I believe it’s the easiest version for crocheters to learn.
Different Knitting Styles
When it comes to knitting, there are two basic technique styles: English and Continental (sometimes called German). The big difference between them involves how you hold the yarn. With the English method, you hold the working yarn in your right hand. However, when using the Continental method, you hold the working yarn in your left hand, similar to crochet.
Is English or Continental Knitting faster?
Although there are people who can knit very quickly using either method, I personally believe that knitting Continental style is slightly faster. Since it employs smaller arm and hand movements, I think this method is both just a tad faster as well as better for people who have repetitive movement injuries.
I happen to use the Continental knitting method. Similar to knitting vs crochet, I don’t think one technique is any BETTER than the other. Please, do whatever method works for YOU. Continental style “clicked” for me since I learned to crochet first, so that is what I’m showing you today.
Maybe you’ll despise the way that I do it, and that’s fine! If that’s the case, I encourage you to search around YouTube and see what clicks for you.
Learning How To Knit – The Basics
- Step 1 – Pick a yarn and needles that match (read the label on your yarn to see what size needles to use)
- Step 2 – Cast on your stitches (see the video on how to cast on to your knitting needles)
- Step 3 – Knit across the row (see the video as I use Continental Style knitting to knit across the row)
- Step 4 – Continue knitting for as many rows as you’d like
- Step 5 – Cast off (I don’t show this step in this video)
That’s all there is to it!
As with any new skill, it takes some practice. You’ll find that just as with crochet, you have to practice getting the right tension for each stitch.Once you get that down, you’ll be off to the races and ready to learn more stitches.
I just showed you the knit stitch, but soon you’ll learn to purl! Then, you’ll be able to make stockinette stitch which is that beautiful flat fabric you see on most sweaters.
Knitting vs Crochet FAQs
As I mentioned earlier, I tend to get lots of questions from readers, so I thought I would use this opportunity to add a few of them (and their answers) here.
Is knitting or crocheting easier?
Like with anything, once you learn a skill and practice it, it becomes much easier. While you will find people who will argue one way or the other until they’re blue in the face, I personally think that crocheting is easier for beginners. Here’s why:
- You don’t need to move the stitches back and forth between needles.
- You only need to use one needle.
- Crocheting is less likely to unravel than knitting.
That said, I personally love being able to do both and enjoy both.
Is it better to knit or crochet?
While, for the most part, I would say this is a matter of personal preference, there are a few instances where I think knitting vs crochet DOES matter. But one is no better than the other! Nope!
Knitting vs Crochet: More Resources You’ll Love
- Modern Mountain Throw Knitting Pattern
- Tierra Stitchy Hoodie Knitting Pattern
- Knitting Patterns
Are you a knitter or a crocheter? What advice would you give to someone who is just learning?
Happy knitting and crocheting to you!
XO
Jessica
