[color=indigo]I have seen various patterns that are available for either knitting or crochet. Assuming one had equal skills in both techniques, which method would go faster?
Landolphe, who is on the threshold of a crochet adventure[/color]
Its hard to say! I think that crocheting goes faster, but then, knitting can also go pretty quick. Crocheting does take a lot more yarn than knitting and some things are better done in either craft. Crocheting does not have the stretch that knitting does.
This is my spin on the subject.
Helen
I think crochet is faster–my daughter made some slippers in an afternoon. I did crochet years ago, but always preferred to knit. I like the knitted fabric much better.
I think, assuming one had equal skill levels in both, crochet would go faster. The majority of people who do both say they can make the same sized piece in crochet faster than in knitting. This is definitely true for me. There are a lot of other differences, but I think crochet is faster.
Crochet is defenently faster than knitting, but It uses way more yarn. So you just have to sort out your priorities… yarn or time? :??
I do both and love both, but most of the time I prefer knitting. Knit fabrics tend to stretch better while still retaining their shape, whereas crochet tends to stretch and stay stretched out. Crocheting is a lot faster, but it eats about three times more yarn than knitting.
AGREED! I still crochet on ocassion though. Crochet is just bulky. I usually make toys or dishcloths with crochet, and everything else knit. If I want something done in a day or two, I choose crochet.
Crochet is faster, but I prefer the knit fabric. Crochet is bulkier and there isn’t as much definition in stitches.
[color=indigo]Thanks for all your replies. I had not even thought of many of your points. Having barely begun with crochet, my hands do not yet feel it to be faster, nor does my eye see it that way.
Am I correct that what would be a 3 hr knit fashion scarf with bulky yarn on big needles could be done faster with crochet? Can one make crochet stitches the size of those made with US 35 or US 50 needles, or even US 17 & 19?? Do they make crochet hooks in HUGE sizes?
Soounds like I would have been better off had I started this infernal ribbon yarn triangular shawl in crochet rather than knitting. :teehee:
Cheers,
Landolphe[/color]
HOw about converting patterns from crochet to knit - is there some sort of “formula” to do that? Just the other day I saw a cute hat pattern ( of course now I´d probably be hard-pressed to find it again… :pout: ) but it was for crochet and I don`t do that. Any ideas? Karen
I’m not sure about the 3x more yarn being used with crochet, it does use a bit more than knitting but not sure about that much more to be honest… and really it would depend on the stitch used. Something made with a double crochet stitch is going to go way faster than something made with a single which is closer to the size of a knit stitch.
You get much more definition with a crochet stitch actually, which can be a good or a bad thing and again, depending on the stitch you get more give and stretch (or less). I’ve crocheted socks in an evening easily and still wear them around the house… as they were done in a worsted weight yarn they are too bulky to wear with shoes, but I don’t doubt that sock yarn would make a nicer sock for every day wear and with that I’d stick to the smaller stitches too with crochet.
It really depends on the project and the stitch combination to be honest as to which I prefer. I just hope people don’t get this idea that knit is far superior to crochet based on yarn usage and speed or what they are used to… they are sister crafts and should be respected equally for their different merits. I’ve crocheted for years and years and there are definitely projects that I prefer crocheted over knitting.
As for the hook size and bulky yarn question, yes they do make them very large and it’s quite easy to complete a 3 hour knitted scarf pattern converted to crochet in an evening… I’ve done as many as 2 or 3 in an evening with a big hook and the appropriate yarn. Just like knitting it takes practice and time to develop the skill… but it’s definitely a skill worth developing and makes for beautiful projects 
[b][color=indigo]My experience is that it uses about a third more yarn in the most extreme cases. A row of crochet is generally a bit taller than a row of knitting so in the long run, crocheting will be about even or just a bit more than knitting.
I’ve crocheted for over 40 years and knitted for two or so. I prefer knitting cuz it’s still a challenge, but when I’m pressed for time, I can crochet a scarf in a couple hours…knitting, not so much.[/color][/b]
Amen to that.
I knit and crochet and I love both. I like the variety of what both gives. Its really not a time or amount of fiber used that concerns me when I choose to knit or crochet it is the look, style, etc.
However, with that being said crocheting is faster that knitting for me.
It does go faster, but aggravates my tendonitis faster too, I found out. Good thing the only things I crochet anymore are hats, and not too many of those.
sue
[color=indigo]I appreciate all the detailed comparisons you all posted. Now I have some idea about the difference in stitch sizes. My crochet skills are limited to chain and single crochet, so I can’t yet feel/see a sweater emerging from the other end.
Lando[/color]
Crochet is faster but in my opinion doesn’t look as nice as knit fabric.
I think it depends on how experienced you are in both. I found that my speed improved with crochet faster than it did with knitting. That being said, I love both and I would have a heck of a time choosing one or the other if I had to.
crochet is definetly waay faster. i didn’t know that it uses more yarn! might be helpful when stashbusting :happydance:
actually i like the way crocheted fabric looks better :hiding: but more for hats, scarves, etc.
crocheted sweater or socks? NOOooo
Of course, I only answered your question about the difference in speed between the two, because that’s the only question you actually asked. Surely on a knitting forum you are bound to get different views than on a crochet forum, so you may want to check out a crochet forum, too. I highly recommend Crochetville:
They have several subforums for FOs, so you can get an idea of the things crochet does as well, or better than, or worse than, or just different from knitting.
And crochet has excellent stitch definition. Too excellent, I think for many things. Knitted fabric is generally more, well, blended and flowing than crochet is, so that you really don’t see the individual stitches in something knitted as you do in crochet.