Lion Brand Notebook ®
We all learn to knit or crochet at different points in our lives. Some are taught as children, while others don’t pick it up until retirement.
So, right now, we ask you:
A follow up to that is, if you know how to do both, which did you learn first, and at what ages did you pick up each craft?
To answer my own question, I learned to knit when I was 24. After my grandmother passed away, I was helping clean out her house and found a bag of old knitting needles and some extremely scratchy yarn. I eventually replaced both of those things with my own tools (which included some Lion Brand Wool-Ease® Thick & Quick®). However, finding that bag of stuff is what set me on my knitting path.
As for crochet, I tried a few times over the years, but didn’t take it up in earnest until starting my Learn to Crochet series at the beginning of this year.
Let us know your answer in the comments!
You must be <a href="https://blog.lionbrand.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.lionbrand.com%2Fquestion-learn-knit-crochet%2F">logged in</a> to post a comment.
sherylwatkins
I learned to crochet when I was in upper elementary school, so maybe 9 or 10. A friend of my mother’s taught me. I’ve always liked to create, but am not artistic. I discovered a funny pattern in my family. My mother was a beautiful knitter. I think it was a subconscious choice to go another way. So of course, my older daughter took up knitting. (The younger daughter crocheted a bit, but has other artistic outlets.) Recently my cousin posted a photo of her dad as a child, and I noticed he was sitting on a crocheted rug. I asked my mom about it, and she said her mom crocheted a lot. So I guess we’re stuck in a generational pattern. It’s all good – because it uses yarn.
Emily Katehis
I learned to knit when I was around 5 or 6. My mom tried to teach me how to crochet first because it was “easier” however, I was very adamant that I wanted to use two sticks. She taught me to cast on, knit one row and purl the other. I made a rectangle that she then showed me how to sew up so I’d have a hooded bunting for my cabbage patch doll. I still have it, and I still can’t crochet or rather refuse to.
sherylwatkins
I guess it alternates generations in your family, too. I actually have “learn to knit” on my bucket list. I need to break the cycle.
Kathryn H.
I learned to crochet at about age 6 or 7, when my mother taught me the chain stitch and then all the basics. I started knitting soon after, and I’ve been both crocheting and knitting ever since. I predominantly crochet now because I find it easier to correct mistakes and try fancier patterns. I’m so glad I started young, because I’ve racked up a lot of years of practice without feeling I was putting effort into it. The skills grew naturally. I got back into crocheting regularly about ten years ago when I realized it was an easy way to relax after work. I discovered Lion Brand’s website while looking for a specific color of yarn and got “hooked” on the free pattern gallery!
JEB O'Barr
My mother crocheted and taught me when I was 8. She taught me to chain and later taught me the Afghan pattern she was working. She gave the Afghan to my grandmother, and now I have it with a few of the rows done by me. I taught myself to knit when I was 27 in the hospital having my second of five children. At 51 I now teach both at a local craft store.
Julia Mason
I was in high school and in one of my classes the teacher was going to have a baby. So the students in that class , we all decided to give the teacher a baby shower in class’ I bought a little sleeper that some yellow and green design. I bought a Learn to Knit booklet and some yellow yarn (Red Heart I think)I knitted a blanket in the yellow yarn and followed a pattern in the leaflet of outlined purl boxes on a stockinette background. The boxes were graduated sizes that were worked inside of each other to the middle and then went to outlining till the boxes were finished .I put the blanket with the little sleeper and wrapped them up as my gift. Our teacher was very shocked that. we did all of that with out her knowing.
Mary Baribeau
I t ta aught myself to crochet at age 16. I went to the local library, checked out a book on learning to crochet. I read the book, practiced the stitches. Had to putv vi it away due family crisis. Did not actually pick up crochet again until I was in my last year of college. I worked as a nurses aide in the local hospital. Afer my mother finished RN school they moved me to 11-7 shift. Trying to work full time and go by to college full time just wasn’t working. I thought well I’ll start crocheting againthat will keep me awake. I bought yarn, pattern, and hook not realizing I had bought the wrong type of yarn and hook. I made a baby blanket to start. I like it so well I completed the full baby layette set. I still have the layette set today. I made that in 1979, so that was about 38 years ago.
Jeremy Hill
Also learned how to crochet at an early age. I was about 10 when my mother showed me how to make a chain. After that, I was hooked. 😉
Janet Chutro
My Grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was 9, I think. My mother-in-law taught me to knit when I was around 21. I prefer knitting, but only because I can usually do it while watching TV or carrying on a conversation, I can knit simple patterns without looking. I can’t do that with crochet. I think crochet is often a better choice for household items or toys.
Pamela M
I was taught to knit by my Grandmother when I was in second grade. I wanted a knit Barbie outfit. She taught me with two tooth picks and sewing thread. She showed me how to crochet about three years later. Gram was never an accomplished knitter but I swear the woman could crochet in her sleep. I still knit and crochet but knitting is my love even fifty years later