Knit in a Crochet Magazine??? GRR…

Okay, I’m not really growling. Yes, there are “crochet purists.” I have several crochet friends who will probably never pick up a set of knitting needles (or maybe they will after reading this article). On the other hand, I also have a sweet knitting friend, Janet, who staunchly refuses to crochet. But I forgive her because she makes great desserts.

- BENDY CARTER

I was thinking about it, though, and the more I thought the more confused I became. Why should knitting and crochet be separate? Both crocheters and knitters love yarn. We both love to relax while twisting and looping yarn into our own special creations. We have a common ground to build upon. And I have to be honest with myself, despite the fact that I am a die-hard crocheter, knitting does have … well … a few unique qualities.

So, being a puzzle fanatic, I’ve decided to turn my growl into an acronym.

Garter

Roll

Ruffles

Before I explain what those are, I need to mention a few other things about adding knitting to a crochet project.

1. After a crochet stitch is worked, it is taken off the hook and laid down in a horizontal position, leaving only one loop on the hook to begin the next stitch. After a knit stitch is worked, it is held on a knitting needle in a vertical position. Due to the way crochet stitches are worked, they create more bulk than knit stitches. For this reason, one is generally instructed to use a larger crochet hook than the equivalent knitting needle that is recommended for knitting with the same yarn. The larger hook opens the crochet stitches up creating less bulk and allowing the fabric to drape. When adding a knit edging to crochet fabric, it is best to ignore hook/ needle recommendations and use a knitting needle the same size as the crochet hook unless a tighter edge is desired, for instance for a sweater cuff or cap brim, in which case a knitting needle one size smaller than the crochet hook can be used.