Dear Elena,

What’s the difference between crocheting and knitting? I get asked this a lot, probably because I’m surrounded by science boys who ask with a slight sneer after I correct them. (See “What’s the difference?” Hutko 2008. personal communication.)

But Elena, since you asked, here’s an oversimplified rundown with some inherent bias and images lifted from the lion brand yarn website.

One stick or two?

Crocheting uses one “stick”. It has a hook at one end that is used to grab the yarn and pull it through a loop.
Knitting uses (at least) two “sticks”. They have pointed ends used to… grab the yarn and pull it through a loop.

OK, that didn’t sound very different. What do the stitches look like?

The simplest crochet stitches look like knots. When finished, you have a very dense fabric. This is great for toys and bags and such.

Knitting stitches, on the other hand, will look like v’s. Are you wearing a sweater, or a t-shirt, or socks? Look closely and see if you can find the v’s. Knitting produces a stretchy fabric, great for socks!

Which is easier to learn?

Dude*, you just have to try both. Most people like one better than the other. I think young fingers would have an easier time juggling one hook to crochet, but I do know that in the olden days, Waldorf schools taught knitting before reading!

Here’s what you do. Tell your Mom or Dad to take you to the Mosaic Yarn Shop, in Bonomo's Plaza, 880 University City Blvd. You can pet the yarn and talk to the people there who I am certain would be more than happy to get you started.

*Yes Elena, your NorCal birthright entitles you to the vernacular use of “dude.”