Knitting and crochet are both wonderful yarn crafts. Both work with yarn and transform them into cozy and stylish garments, accessories, home decor and more. Are you thinking of stepping into yarn crafting and are confused whether to choose knitting or crocheting? If yes, then you face the same situation, as other crafters. In simple words; they both do the same task using knitting needles or crochet hooks; but, the look and appearance of the final product are different. Therefore, it's important to understand the differences, and similarities between the two to help you to decide which craft is better or easier for you. This blog will explain the qualities, tools, and techniques of both.

Explore the differences and similarities between the two crafts

Do you know the craft industry follows its own rhythm, tools, and techniques? But they share a common bond that is transforming a simple yarn into something extraordinary. Both crafts are enjoyed and cherished due to their versatility and beauty. When choosing between the two, you might wonder what is the difference between the two. Which one should we start with? Let’s discuss this in detail. You can start experimenting with how to knit and crochet a hat. After some time, you can work on complex patterns. 

Here are some of the differences:

• Tools for creating projects

Knitting requires two needles, while crochet uses a single hook. In knitting, stitches are transformed back and forth between the two needles. For beginners, wooden knitting needles are a good choice due to grip and warm feeling. In crochet, the yarn is worked using the hook to pull a loop through other loops. Choosing the right tool is determined by the project you want to create. You will find the sizes of needles or hooks on all the yarn labels. Crochet uses more yarn than knitting due to the stitch formation and height of the stitch. However, texture knitting patterns also use more yarn.

• Stitches and techniques

Both crafts require yarn to form stitches, but the method is different. In knitting, it transformed from one needle to another and formed a ‘v’ shaped stitch. It creates an interconnected fabric, resulting in a smooth, elastic garment. The best about crochet is that it uses only one hook, which works one stitch at a time and results in textured and bulkier fabric. In knitting, you must master the two basic stitches knit and purl. Crocheting has multiple stitches to learn, which is not that difficult. These are single crochet (SC), double crochet (DC), and many more.

• Use cases and versatilities

Knitting is famous for creating sweaters, socks, and gloves due to its elasticity and soft drapes. Even making a delicate lace pattern is possible by using a premium knitting needle. As you know, crocheted fabric is thicker and more textured. It is mostly required in blankets, hats, and amigurumi stuffed toys.

Both techniques can be used in a variety of projects. To make small or round projects, you can use double-pointed knitting needles. Refer to our blog for the ultimate guide to knitting in the round.

Similarities between the two techniques

Despite so many differences between the two. They still share some similarities, which makes them popular among the community.

• Reduce your stress and a beautiful mindful activity

Both craft reduces stress and promote mindfulness. Due to repetitive motion, both offer calmness and relax your mind.

• Unlock the creativity

Knitting and crocheting provide immense creativity to the crafters. It allows you to express your imagination through colors, textures, and designs.

• Great flexibility

You just need yarn, needles, or hooks to create a project of your choice. Try using knitting accessories that help to make your project more enjoyable and unique.

Now that you understand both crafts, it is time to discuss which one to choose.

How to choose which is the better option?

Don’t worry; it is difficult to answer, which technique is perfect for you. However, it sometimes depends on what you want to make. If you enjoy intricate, delicate work, then knitting offers more of your style with its stitches and drapey fabric. However, having the right knitting needles enhances your experience. Furthermore, if you want fast results and bold texture, crocheting is great. It produces a bulkier fabric that is ideal for making blankets and hats.

The best answer to the above question is to try out both techniques. Many crafters switch between knitting and crocheting, depending on the project. With regular practice, you might discover that you love both.

Happy Crafting!

Do you want to learn how to crochet in the round? We will guide you in learning new crochet skills. The magic ring or the loop is the same technique that helps you make circular projects. If you love making amigurumi toys, flowers, or hats, then we recommend mastering this technique. As a newbie, you must grasp this amazing skill to create wonderful projects using crochet hooks. Don’t worry. Through this blog, you will easily learn the art of magic rings for your project.

Ready to jump to learn this fantastic method? Great!

Magic ring- unlock the creativity

Are you planning to expand your crochet knowledge? The magic ring, also known as the magic circle, allows you to start making items in the round. Unlike the foundation chain, the magic ring helps to avoid gaps or holes in the middle. The method works best in patterns like amigurumi toys or hats, baskets, etc. You can use a crochet hook set, including hooks of various sizes, and then use it according to your project requirements.

Terms used while making a magic ring

If you are new to the magic ring or have some knowledge of making rounds, you can easily understand it. Create a loop using your hand and then you can work on wooden crochet hooks or any other you choose.

Some terms that are frequently used are:

• Yarn end or tail end: You can make a slip knot using an extra length of thread, which you have not used in crochet, but it is used at the end to weave, using the finishing needle after completing the project.
• Working yarn: This is the yarn tail, that comes from the ball.
• Besides these, you must know single crochet (SC), double crochet (DC), half double crochet (HDC), and treble crochet (TR) stitches.

Great! Now you have understood the concept.

Step-by-step procedure to crochet a magic ring

The magic ring is made in steps. Follow these easy steps and learn the method:

Step 1: First, loop the yarn around your fingers. Hold the working yarn, make a slip knot by laying your dominant hand flat and looping the yarn closely around the back of your first two fingers, then cross the yarn end over the top of the tail end and to the left and with your thumb to pinch the yarn where it intersects. Using your finger, make a ring.

Step 2: Then insert the crochet hook in the circle, grab your working yarn, and pull it through the loop.

Step 3: Now, chain one or the required number of chains mentioned in the pattern. Make a magic ring using (SC) chain and one extra stitch. For the (HDC) chain, two (DC) chains, three, and for the (TR) chain, four stitches.

Step 4: Now, make these stitches into the ring, then insert the crochet hook into the center of the ring, yarn over it, and pull up a loop to begin your first crochet stitch. After that, crochet over both strands: the loop and yarn tail. Continue this process until you finished the number of stitches required in your pattern.

Step 5: After finishing the stitches, pull the tail end of the yarn gently. This will tighten the ring and close the hole in the middle completely.

Step 6: At last, complete the round and slip the stitch into the first stitch of the round.

Tips/suggestions to crochet a perfect magic ring

• Avoid pulling the yarn too tight when closing the ring. If you pull it too tight, you may face difficulty later in adjusting it.
• Use smoother yarn because you will easily see the stitches.
• Keep practicing, until you are perfect in creating it.

Common challenges you face while making a magic ring

• Make sure you are pulling the right tail yarn.
• If you see a gap or hole in the ring, it might be because you did not pull the yarn tight enough.

So, grab your yarn and premium crochet hooks to make a magic ring.

Now that you've learned the magic ring technique, you’re ready to take on any project that works in the round. From hats to amigurumi, the possibilities are limitless! Try using this technique in your next crochet project and experience the difference it makes.

There are many options when it comes to crochet hooks deciding on one can be a challenge. While there are many choices of materials, wood is a popular choice among many crocheters for a variety of reasons. 

Wood has many properties that make it a reliable choice for knitters. Whether it's single-ended crochet hooks and Tunisian Crochet hooks there are suitable for every project. Easy on the hands and warm to the touch, they are ideal for newbies in crochet. 

Even for knitting whether you are new or experienced, the single-point needles are ideal for all back and forth knitting -   especially when you are new to knitting. Wood provides a nice grip on most yarns.  You can count on the double points to hold your knit-in-the-round projects comfortably – even when knitting with 3 or 4 needles at a time.  Fixed circular needles come in a variety of sizes and lengths and are suitable for knitting a full range of projects – from socks to blankets. 

To help you make the right decision, let’s take a look at what makes wood a great choice for crocheting or knitting. In this post, we’re going to dive into everything you need to know about working with wooden tools for your craft so that you can decide for yourself if they’re better than the rest.

Pros & Cons of Wood knitting needles and crochet hooks

Here’s a rundown of some of the noteworthy qualities of wood hooks & needles:

• A great choice for beginning knitters. It’s easy to see your work and the knitted material does not slip off the needle easily. Experienced crafters also love them as the smooth surface allows them to knit or crochet quickly.
• Easy on the hands. It is lightweight and causes less hand fatigue. Because wood is warm to the touch, it is easy on hands that suffer from arthritis or chronic pain and fatigue in the wrists and hands.
• When using a slippery yarn, like silk or viscose, wood hooks and needles keep your stitches from easily sliding off. This makes them better for slippery yarns that tend to fall off your hook, but worse for coarse yarns that are tricky to move.
• The wooden hooks for projects that are larger. Given wooden crochet hooks and knitting needles are stickier, it can be tricky to push them through smaller stitches.
• To keep wooden tools in good shape, it’s a good idea to wax or polish them every 6-12 months. This will keep them in beautiful, tip-top shape. You can also check our blog for tips to care for your knitting needles.
• The small size of knitting needles and crochet hooks need to be carefully away from damage or accidents.

If you haven’t tried knitting with premium ebony wood needles, we suggest you give them a try. The liquid silk finish of the surface is a joy to work with. Lantern Moon has its distinct craftsmanship passed on to its collection of handcrafted ebony wood knitting needles and crochet hooks.

The premium wood has a warm feel, liquid-silk finish, tight grain, and is extremely resilient, providing the knitter with a smooth surface and a pleasurable crafting experience. As knitters yourselves, you know that the right tools affect your creativity and result in a beautiful outcome.

Tunisian crochet is a unique craft, a hybrid of knitting and crocheting. You use your Tunisian crochet hooks to make loops like crochet but like knitting, you keep the stitches on the hook for the foundation row and then work them over in the next row. Tunisian Double Crochet (TDC) stitch is a variation of the basic Tunisian crochet stitch, also known as the Afghan stitch. It creates a taller and more open fabric compared to other traditional Tunisian crochet stitches.

When you’ve mastered the basic Tunisian crochet stitches such as Tunisian Knit Stitch and Tunisian Simple Stitch and The Tunisian Purl Stitch, you can easily explore this unique stitch pattern. The stitch pattern works in a unique way, where you lay the foundation row by picking up stitches on your crochet hooks and then working them over the next row. You work a row twice. The interchangeable Tunisian crochet hooks play an important role in the craft as it offers the desired length to accommodate stitches on the hook before working them off. The interchangeable cords are simply the ones you use in your knitting needles. So, if you are a well-versed knitter you already have the versatility of the cords to work on varying lengths and circumferences of projects. And, if you’ve never tried you have the perfect opportunity to try.

What you’ll need to know before working on Tunisian Double Crochet Stitch

Tunisian Double Crochet stitch is a versatile and attractive stitch that adds texture to your projects. Whether you're making scarves, blankets, or garments, mastering this stitch opens up a world of possibilities for your crochet creations. This one is quite different than the basic crochet stitch of double crochet stitch, abbreviated as DC.

Tension and Hook Size:

Like with any crochet stitch, tension is essential. Make sure your tension is consistent to achieve an even fabric.

You might need to use a larger hook size than you would for regular crochet to maintain the same gauge, as Tunisian crochet tends to be tighter.

Tunisian Double Crochet Fabric Characteristics:

Tunisian Double Crochet creates a fabric with a nice drape and a more open texture compared to other Tunisian stitches like Tunisian Simple Stitch or Tunisian Knit Stitch.

The fabric may be thicker than regular double crochet fabric due to the nature of Tunisian crochet, where you have multiple loops on the hook for each stitch.

Here's everything you need to know about the Tunisian Double Crochet (TDC) stitch:

Step 1:  Basic Tunisian Crochet Foundation:

Before working TDC, you should be familiar with the basic Tunisian crochet foundation, which involves creating a foundation chain and picking up loops from it using a Tunisian crochet hook.

Step 2: Starting a Row (Forward Pass):

To start a row of TDC, you'll first need to complete the foundation chain.

Insert the hook from right to left into the second chain from the hook, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Continue this across the entire row until you have a loop on the hook for each chain stitch in the foundation.

Step 3: First Row (Return Pass):

The Return Pass is the same for all Tunisian crochet stitches. Yarn over and pull through one loop on the hook (this is the edge stitch). Then, yarn over again and pull through two loops on the hook. Repeat the "yarn over, pull through two loops" until only one loop remains on the hook.

Step 4: Working the TDC Stitch:

For the TDC stitch, yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook, leaving two loops on the hook.

Yarn over again and pull through the next two loops on the hook, leaving two loops on the hook.

Repeat the "yarn over, pull through two loops" until only one loop remains on the hook.

Step 5: Forward and Return Pass (Rows 2 and beyond):

For the next row and all subsequent rows, repeat steps 3 and 4.

Insert the hook from right to left under the next vertical bar (the vertical strand of yarn between two loops) and repeat the TDC process until the end of the row.

Work the Return Pass as discussed above.

Combining TDC with Other Stitches:

Tunisian crochet offers various stitch patterns and textures. You can combine TDC with other Tunisian stitches or use it in combination with regular crochet stitches to create unique designs.

Lantern Moon wood crochet hooks are the perfect choice for all your crafting needs. Made with precision and care by skilled artisans, these premium crochet hooks reflect superior craftsmanship. Crafted from prized ebony wood, these tools and accessories have a velvety finish that feels smooth and luxurious in the hands of the maker. Whether you're an experienced knitter or just starting out, the Lantern Moon collection is sure to enhance your knitting experience and help bring your creative visions to life.

In knitting, all stitch patterns work with knit and purl stitches made with any of your trusted knitting needles. Combined with other techniques, you make textured fabrics .  Among the wide variety, garter stitch pattern is a classic. One of the craft's basics is simply a pattern of knit stitches. You continue making knit stitches across rows. The stitch is not limited to beginners but even seasoned pros use the pattern for various purpose. The stitch pattern lends itself to almost every project imaginable from a dishcloth to a blanket and even garments. So, what are you waiting for? In this blog, let’s explore everything you need to know about garter stitch.

What is Garter Stitch?

The fundamental knitting stitch, garter is worked entirely in knit stitches. Another fundamental pattern is stockinette made of alternating rows of knit and purl stitches. Refer to our guide on how to knit and purl for beginners before getting started with garter. In knitting patterns, it is abbreviated as gt or GT, or garter.

As a beginner you’re basically taught to work the knit stitches on a pair of single pointed needles before moving on to the purl stitch and later to other techniques. When you continue knit stitches over rows the pattern is known as garter. The fabric is reversible and has added bonus of elasticity. It is admired for its simplicity and versatility. Think of projects such as a cozy scarf, warm blanket, or easy garments; the stitch pattern works beautifully. Even for complex patterns such as lace and cables or colorwork, they are the ideal backdrop to let texture shine.

The name ‘garter’ dates back to the 1300s. It comes from the garter that was basically a strip of garment used to tie the top of the stocking. The elastic purpose of the garment has a similar tendency to its knitted counterpart; therefore, the name knitting. Similarly, the name stockinette dates back to the 1500s, inspired by the garment stocking. Eventually, both names made their place in knitting. Garter is not basically a stitch but is referred to the knitted fabric made with knit stitches.

Knitting Garter Stitch Back and Forth

Choose any straight or circular knitting needles. Just make sure the knitting needle size matches the yarn weight. For yarn, if its for practice choose any DK weight yarn.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Make a slip knot on your knitting needle.

2. Choose any cast on method that suits your project. If you are working on a practice swatch, work any basic method.

3. Insert your right needle into the first loop on the left needle, wrap the yarn around the needle, and pull it through the stitch. This creates a new knit stitch on your right needle. Repeat this process for all stitches on the left needle. You have knit the row.

4. Turn your work; simply knit all stitches on the back to the empty needle.

5. Continue working on rows. You are creating the garter stitch.

6. Bind off when your project has reached desired the length and size.

Knitting Garter Stitch in the Round

Garter stitch is not just for flat projects. You can also use it to create seamless fabrics by knitting "in the round." You can work on hats, socks, and garments with double-pointed needles or circulars.

Now, there’s something you must know; knitting garter over rows is different than knitting garter in rounds. You do not make knit stitches every round but alternate with knit and purl stitches.

When you knit back and forth you basically work on the stitches on your left-hand needle and create new stitch on your right-hand needle. Once you’ve completed the stitches, you turn the project, and the needle with stitches goes to your left hand while creating a row on your right-hand needle. But when knitting in the round, you do not have to turn the project. Now, this means when you are knitting garter in the round it does not follow the same rule as knitting flat. As you are constantly working on the project's right side, the, alternate rounds of knit and purl stitches won’t create the usual stockinette but the rather garter stitch.

Step-by-step guide to knit garter stitch in the round

1. Start with a slip knot. But as you advance, you can forego it and start straight with cast on.

2. Cast on stitches using any technique that best suits your projects. If you are working with double-pointed needles, divide the cast on stitches equally. If you are working on the magic loop technique with a circular knitting needle with an extra-long cord, divide the stitches over the cord. Join the cast-on round with a slip stitch or any other preferred method.

3. Here, you’ll need one of the most essential knitting accessories- stitch markers. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of your round to help you keep track of where you are.

4. Knit the first round till you reach the stitch marker.

5. Purl the next round till you get to the stitch marker.

6. Continue knitting and purl rounds till you’ve reached the desired length and size.

7. Bind off once you’ve finished.

Expanding Possibilities of the Garter Stitch

A garter stitch is more than a simple stitch pattern; it has endless potential. Try adding stripes, cables, or colorwork. Another interesting pattern, condo knitting is based on garter but worked with two different knitting needle sizes.

The secret to fun knitting sessions is high-quality tools and accessories. Lantern Moon offers premium ebony wood knitting needles in options of straight, DPNs and circulars. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned maker, enjoy the luxury silk finish of the needles that makes stitch making a dream come true!