Guess What?
I'm learning to knit! And I'm having more success this time! I think the key for me this time was trying the Continental Method as opposed to the American/English Method... I finally pulled out The Absolute Best Way to Learn How to Knit with Leslye Solomon dvd that I bought from this nice little local yarn shop when I was living in California. The owner was so nice and helpful and told me that a lot of crocheters have an easier time knitting Continental because they can hold the yarn in their left hand and primarily move their right hand, just like in crochet (unless you are a left handed crocheter). She's so right! I haven't moved passed the knit stitch yet, as I want to make sure I really have it down before moving on to purling, but so far this dvd is great!
For those of you who can crochet and knit, which method do you use to knit? Did you learn to crochet or knit first? Do you prefer one over the other?
Good for you!!
ReplyDeleteIve learned first to knit and then to crochet.
I began with the "normal" way of knitting until I found the Continental way, much easier for me.
good luck and have a nice weekend
Thanks! It's good that you were able to learn a second way of knitting... I was wondering how hard it would be to switch to the other method after having learnt one!
DeleteHope you have a wonderful weekend as well!
Kate :}
I started to knit at a young age(I was 11!), while crochet is a recent achievement (last Easter holidays!). I'm in love with both of them, but I found crochet much easier and really quick! I think it's really good to know both because you have a bigger variety of fabric results!!! I can't define my knitting method, I only know that it works!!! ;oD
ReplyDeletexxx Alessandra
I wasnt aware that there were differant ways to knit i have always done it the usual way, but now i am intrigued, i want to have a go at this other exotic way.
ReplyDeleteI think i learned to crochet first, it always seemed so much easier than knitting, i dont have a preference, it just depends what mood im in. x
I first learnt to knit (very badly though!) and then to crochet. I don't really know which "style" I prefer: I'm a quite good at crochet, it's fast and allows you to experiment on the way; knitting is slower, requires more method but it's also perfect for big project and... it's the only way to do cables, which I love! (I don't like crocheted cables at all.)
ReplyDeleteI used to get bored at knitting but lace patterns and the will to be able to make a sweater someday are changing my point of view. Maybe I should really learn the continental method - I use the English one now - they say it's more dynamic and faster but I still can't get used to it :D
I was wondering if knitting was generally slower than crochet... Hopefully, once I get going with the knitting, moving slower won't frustrate me too badly! I don't mind crocheted cables, although depending on the yarn, they can look really chunky!
DeleteGood luck if you end up trying the continental method!
Happy crafting,
Kate :}
I've just nominated you for a blog award!! ;oD
ReplyDeletexxx Alessandra
Hello, just popped by from Alessandra's :) I am a knitter who can barely crochet, because I try to crochet in the way I knit, and that's not continental. Someone once told me if you've been crocheting or knitting for years you will inevitably have trouble learning the other skill. No idea if that's universally true but it's certainly been my experience.
ReplyDeleteWell done for giving knitting a try! I think I need to work some more on my knitting before I forget what to do - I've been concentrating too hard on learning to crochet!
ReplyDeleteCarly
x
I've been crocheting and knitting for 30 years. Learned from my Grandma. I to use the Continental method it just seems easier. But I definately prefer crocheting I don't think it takes as much patience (something I need to work on)
ReplyDeleteYes, I have a feeling knitting is going to take much more patience for me as well! I'm taking the learning part very slowly because of it!
DeleteHappy crafting!
Kate :}
So Kate, how are you enjoying knitting? I like the soft yellow yarn your using! I used to knit a little more, especially when I was pregnant, but now I just adore crochet - it's faster, more artistic, more fun. Clicking knitting needles have a soporific effect on me! On the other hand, I have made a few scarves in fun and hairy yarns that are difficult to use in crochet! I hold my knitting needles and yarn the English way and find it more comfortable and less tense! It's all a question of habit, I guess. Try both the Continental method and the American/British method before you decide which is right for you! You never know until you try! Happy clicking!
ReplyDeletehello Kate, congratulations on picking up the knitting needles! Your stitches look perfect so I think you are off to an excellent start. I learned to knit when I was 6 but hadn't knit anything since I was a teenager until this last year. I learned to crochet last year and love it for making rugs but not much else (I'm not as imaginative as you). knitting for me is much more about the yarn and making of garments. I love having a pattern to follow and making something that is wearable (I'm not much into crocheted clothing). I'd never heard of the continental method of knitting before my flight to Addis Ababa when my knitting was kidnapped by a fellow passenger who showed me how to do it that way. I agree though that if you already crochet it probably seems easier to learn that method.
ReplyDelete