To all the opinions about crochet looking "homemade" and "handmade", I'm putting down my hook for a moment and saying "Yay!" There are a plethora of knitting machines out there for home use and we all know factories create knitted clothing, decor & accessories. However, there isn't a machine out there that can crochet. So, YES, crochet looks handmade because it IS. Anytime you are seeing something crocheted out there, it was done by a PERSON and not a machine. This sets us crocheters apart and I, for one, am so proud to be one. ☺
Guess I get to be the first...yay! I think saying crochet is old fashioned is no insult, as it IS an antique skill. Modern crochet has not changed the basic stitches, only added new combinations in newer colors. Wool was probably used before any other fiber, and it is all in the twist. Knitting yarn is commonly used for crochet, but there IS a z-twist specifically for crochet stitches. A lot of new crocheters will find that those "old ladies" are a wealth of knowledge. And the hand made is true! You can machine knit and most store bought sweaters are just that, but you CANNOT MACHINE CROCHET. Thanks for bringing some of these to light, we always have room to learn!
I’m self taught in the sense that I self-initiated and looked up each stitch and technique myself. Whether I used UA-cam or Google or crochet booklets, I took the initiative to make my own “curriculum” and work at my own pace.
I think people regularly use ‘homemade’ as an insult instead of what it should be. Which is a compliment that someone has spend the time learning,honing a skill and made something entirely with their own hands.
I think it doesn't matter if you learn on yt. I think self taught just means using resources you can find without have an irl teacher. It's the same for learning a language. You would be considered self taught even if you learned on yt. :)
Fun video. I've heard people referring to crochet looking homemade or "crafty". They just haven't seen my fabulous work. lol But quality yarn, appropriate hook size, blocking and great design, all make a crocheted garment looked refined and professionally made. I'm sure the same goes for knitting or any other diy craft.
13:54 I’m doing a Tunisian Crochet blanket whilst watching this… and there’s a stitch in Tunisian Crochet called the Tunisian Crochet Knit Stitch that looks exactly like the knitting Stockinette stitch… or the “classic v’s of knitting”
I usually associate people saying someone's clothing 'looks homemade' to mean that it looks extra wonky. I've seen people wearing crochet outfits (online) and they look professionally made. I love them!
Its a shame that our society doesn't value the time, effort and artistry is involved in "Handmade ". Other countries value things made by hand so much that children learn how to knit and crochet in grammer school!
I was taught how to crochet in 1970 how to make an 8-sided rug using Rug Yarn and a "J" Boye crochet hook. I purchased books and learned the stitches and over the years have made everything from Afghans, wearables to Baby Blankets and I did not have a cat. Will be 73 next month, retired and still don't have a cat. 🤗🧶
I crocheted for probably half my life before learning to knit maybe two years ago (I went straight from dish cloths to socks). I will always love crochet more, and I will say that when done well, crochet is just as nice as knitting. However, there are definitely some applications that one is better suited than the other - socks being one! I've done both so don't come for me! 😂 Garments though, I love a good crochet sweater, cardigan, hat, whatever. Just choose your yarn/hook/stitch combination well.
I taught myself from small book when I was 8. I’m 62. I was pretty good but I LOVE to learn knew stitches and methods from UA-camrs! Never too old to learn.
11:04 I have found that the more different patterns I learn, the more I am able to improvise and make changes to a pattern that I'm using as a foundation for what I want to do instead
I just saw your video and really enjoyed it. I am in my 50's, but have crocheted since I was 12. In the last six years I have learned (mostly self taught) to knit. I have picked up new tips and tricks on Knitting and crocheting on youtube. I agree that there are some things that look "homemade" with crocheting, but I think that people are judging by the choice of yarn or by the pattern itself. When my mother was ill and in rehab, I noticed a lot of older ladies visiting and crocheting. Some of the yarn they were using was Red Heart super saver. It has it's place for some things, but it's a bulkier weight 4 yarn and I usually steer clear of it unless I am making something that needs body like a witch hat. I think when people see things made with that they think homemade. There are so many nice yarns out there in all kinds of fiber that can make or break your crochet or knitting projects.
I have massive respect for crochet designers - I couldn’t make anything without them! Thank you to all the designers out there! (My favorite designer is my personal friend Margaret Hubert).
I came across a video about doing stacked single crochet-- you do that instead of the turning chain for patterns that count the turning chain as a stitch. It makes the edges a lot more even and less holey.
9:26 i feel like there might be like 2 categories of crocheters, ones that find flat pieces a lot easier and ones that do a lot more amigurumi! i started out with amigurumi and am venturing out into wearables and all kinds of stuff now, but i am definitely the type who can visualize the 3D forms of amigurumi. i really struggle visualizing the panels of clothing tho.
(Just stumbled across your channel and love it!!) I started enjoying Tunisian crochet recently, and Toni at TL Yarn Crafts is an amazing teacher for it!! If you understand knitting, it really is a cross between knitting and crocheting. It's essentially (in knitting) picking up stitches, and casting off over and over. It's super easy and there are some really beautiful stitches that can only be made that way. What a fun video - there are some interesting opinions here!
Ooo this was spicy!!! I love these videos. I’m guilty of a lot of these opinions but once I educated myself I fall in love with crochet more and more everyday. I feel like crochet is viewed negatively because of the stereotype of it being not viewed as “beautiful” or “less than” compared to knitting.
I have made a few crochet socks. Crochet is stretchy lengthwise, but not very stretchy width wise. It makes a snug tube around your foot and does seem to be a bit loose around the ankle.
It depends on how the wool is treated. Superwash yarn tends to be softer than non-superwash. However, there are some non-superwash yarns that are not super scratchy. Thanks for watching!💜
Nice video! I've never heard of knitting yarn, and I've been knitting for over a decade. As for crochet looking "homemade," I've never thought crochet looked homemade. I do think the "homemade" look (whether knit or crochet) comes from the quality of the yarn. For example, some extremely cheap yarns look plasticky.
I really enjoyed your podcast! I shared some of these comments when I first started crocheting, but after more experience I could make things come out the way I want by using the correct yarn, hook size, etc. My absolute favorite pattern right now is the Juniper Cowl. I've made two with plans to make more! It uses the puff stitch which can feel heavy...or thick. But because you use fingering weight yarn, the cowl is light and has a wonderful drape! I look forward to more of our podcasts!! Thank you!
I find that some local yarn shops only cater to knitting. I knit and crochet, but it seems to me these people look down upon crocheters. I personally think some items are better crocheted, like handbags, toys, and dishcloths.
I prefer natural fibers over acrylic. I refuse to use acrylic. I'm currently learning tunisian crochet. The knit stitch is created by a certain placement of the hook when yarning over and pulling through.
As a young woman who has cats, I feel attacked :) Having cats is very inconvenient when you crochet because their hair sticks to everything you make, especially garments, and it's difficult to remove. They also sit on your lap in a loving way whenever you sit down to crochet, which restricts your movement - and you spend a lot of time petting the cat instead of crocheting. And my cat ate some yarn yesterday and vomited all over my flat (my fault for not noticing he'd stolen the yarn). He's ok. But cats are incredibly beautiful and can be very loving. They're amazing pets.
Crochet should look more hand-made than knitting. Knitting machines make most our clothes. There are no real crochet machines, only humans can crochet. So fuck yeah, it should look very hand-made, there is no other way for it to exist.
I hate swatches I've never done one so far and up to this point everything's turned out the way I wanted so i'm ok with it but only make stuff for myself so that might have something to do with it
12:59 If people don’t know you can use thinner yarn and crochet hooks just say that. Too thick, girl I’m crocheting lace, how would that be “too thick”? 🥲🥲
Defiently pattern dependant(love that as a saying), Im still a newbie, though. The youtuber TL Yarns Crafts, would be a great start for tunican crochet. Has a bunch of tutorials last year. Shes a great youtuber either way.
I prefer the look of crochet to knitting I think knitting looks more home made. The stitches look more Holly I'm not sure how to describe it but I much prefer crochet items to knitted irems
I think being "self-taught" via UA-cam still counts. You didn't have someone to show you in person exactly what you were doing wrong, you had to rewind, watch again, try again. Over and over until you had it right. Same goes for anything learned via UA-cam.
Why don't we talk about the real reason most who like knitting and hate crochet garments is their love for front facing stitches? Grain pattern. Do the same thing in Tunisian(which is all front facing stitches) ambidexterity, or the row and cut method, or in the round and the same person will instantly love that garment that they previously thought was ugly. Grain pattern is king of needle textile texture. This problem is in my opinion is because of 100 years of conditioning due to most clothing being knitted on machines. The turn style of method crochet has both front and back facing stitches on both sides of the fabric (really it's a reversible fabric) which 'looks' wrong to our to fast fashion preconceptions of fabric 'should' look like. Honestly, pick up any needle craft book pre 1945 and this topic is discussed at length.(Or at least it is here in England) If you're interested in this topic of grain pattern try to find one of the old DMC books like the encyclopedia of needle work is a good place to start your research about this grain pattern topic.
meanwhile I think crocheting is more of a young thing while knitting is for middle aged people it's BS though. technically both are "old-fashioned" hobbies but young people can and do enjoy them and it's really not hard to find modern patterns and young people making or designing them anyway, my cats are watching me crochet
the crochet socks thing: I own knitted socks but have never made any, but I have made 5 pairs of socks - and yes, they don't stretch as much. there's no leeway with size really, they will fall off or be too tight unless you do the right measurements. they are fun and fast to make, but not really worth it imo. yeah I'll wear them when it's cold but they won't be my favorites. (I mean, I love to look at the ones I made because they're cute. but practical not so much)
I don't understand WHY self taught crochet would not be valid..? Like.. please someone enlighten me, Valid in what sense?? Depends on the wool.. like I don't like when it mats together, and I don't reach for expensive wools Amis vs Flat, really depends on what you want to make.. if you're in love with Amis, you don't see the work as tedious, but if you don't like it, its SO MUCH work I THINK the "looks too handmade" is more of a, that it looks more Rustic, 'cause its not perfect straight lines I don't really like crochet socks :P too rough for me to use I do a stacked single crochet, 'cause it looks neater :P than chaining
To all the opinions about crochet looking "homemade" and "handmade", I'm putting down my hook
for a moment and saying "Yay!" There are a plethora of knitting machines out there for home use
and we all know factories create knitted clothing, decor & accessories.
However, there isn't a machine out there that can crochet. So, YES, crochet looks handmade because it IS.
Anytime you are seeing something crocheted out there, it was done by a PERSON and not a machine.
This sets us crocheters apart and I, for one, am so proud to be one. ☺
Exactly! Crochet is only made by hands. 👐🏾 Thanks for watching! 💜
If someone says “oh that looks hand made” what I hear is “that doesn’t look mass manufactured” and I take that as a compliment 😊
Yeah, that is a great way to look at it. Thanks for watching!💜
Guess I get to be the first...yay! I think saying crochet is old fashioned is no insult, as it IS an antique skill. Modern crochet has not changed the basic stitches, only added new combinations in newer colors. Wool was probably used before any other fiber, and it is all in the twist. Knitting yarn is commonly used for crochet, but there IS a z-twist specifically for crochet stitches. A lot of new crocheters will find that those "old ladies" are a wealth of knowledge. And the hand made is true! You can machine knit and most store bought sweaters are just that, but you CANNOT MACHINE CROCHET. Thanks for bringing some of these to light, we always have room to learn!
That's right! You can't machine crochet. Thank you so much for watching!💜
I’m self taught in the sense that I self-initiated and looked up each stitch and technique myself. Whether I used UA-cam or Google or crochet booklets, I took the initiative to make my own “curriculum” and work at my own pace.
Yes, I was taught crochet by my step-mother but I feel like I am a self-taught knitter. I learned to knit via UA-cam.
I think people regularly use ‘homemade’ as an insult instead of what it should be. Which is a compliment that someone has spend the time learning,honing a skill and made something entirely with their own hands.
Great point! Thanks for watching! 💜
I think it doesn't matter if you learn on yt. I think self taught just means using resources you can find without have an irl teacher.
It's the same for learning a language. You would be considered self taught even if you learned on yt. :)
I appreciate that. 💜 Especially about the language part. I use UA-cam a lot to learn French. 🥐
Lol me watching while I crochet snuggled up on the couch with my cat 😂🐱👀
LOL! Thanks for watching!💜🐱
You can make crochet look knitted by using the waistcoat stitch.
Ooh I'll have to check out the waistcoat stitch. Thanks for the suggestion!💜
I hate working with wool, I only use it when it’s requested. I don’t go out of my way to work with wool
Thanks for watching!💜 What's your favorite type of fiber to work with?
Fun video. I've heard people referring to crochet looking homemade or "crafty". They just haven't seen my fabulous work. lol
But quality yarn, appropriate hook size, blocking and great design, all make a crocheted garment looked refined and professionally made. I'm sure the same goes for knitting or any other diy craft.
You are so right! You just need the right materials. I'm sure your work is fabulous! Thank you so much for watching!💜
13:54 I’m doing a Tunisian Crochet blanket whilst watching this… and there’s a stitch in Tunisian Crochet called the Tunisian Crochet Knit Stitch that looks exactly like the knitting Stockinette stitch… or the “classic v’s of knitting”
Thanks for watching!💜
I usually associate people saying someone's clothing 'looks homemade' to mean that it looks extra wonky. I've seen people wearing crochet outfits (online) and they look professionally made. I love them!
Yes, crochet can be very professional. Thank you so much for watching! 💜
Its a shame that our society doesn't value the time, effort and artistry is involved in "Handmade ". Other countries value things made by hand so much that children learn how to knit and crochet in grammer school!
Yes, handmade items can be so valuable. Thank you so much for watching! 💜
I was taught how to crochet in 1970 how to make an 8-sided rug using Rug Yarn and a "J" Boye crochet hook. I purchased books and learned the stitches and over the years have made everything from Afghans, wearables to Baby Blankets and I did not have a cat. Will be 73 next month, retired and still don't have a cat. 🤗🧶
Thanks for sharing. And thank you so much for watching! 💜
I crocheted for probably half my life before learning to knit maybe two years ago (I went straight from dish cloths to socks). I will always love crochet more, and I will say that when done well, crochet is just as nice as knitting. However, there are definitely some applications that one is better suited than the other - socks being one! I've done both so don't come for me! 😂 Garments though, I love a good crochet sweater, cardigan, hat, whatever. Just choose your yarn/hook/stitch combination well.
Yes, I've seen some good crochet socks and some not so good crochet socks. So, no judgement here! Thank you so much for watching!💜
I taught myself from small book when I was 8. I’m 62. I was pretty good but I LOVE to learn knew stitches and methods from UA-camrs! Never too old to learn.
Yes, you are never too old to learn. Thank you so much for watching!💜
11:04 I have found that the more different patterns I learn, the more I am able to improvise and make changes to a pattern that I'm using as a foundation for what I want to do instead
1:48 I crochet, my partner has a cat and I have a cat, and whether I’m at home or my partners house the cat is always trying to impede my work 😂
Got to love those curious cats. Thank you so much for watching!💜
I just saw your video and really enjoyed it. I am in my 50's, but have crocheted since I was 12. In the last six years I have learned (mostly self taught) to knit. I have picked up new tips and tricks on Knitting and crocheting on youtube. I agree that there are some things that look "homemade" with crocheting, but I think that people are judging by the choice of yarn or by the pattern itself. When my mother was ill and in rehab, I noticed a lot of older ladies visiting and crocheting. Some of the yarn they were using was Red Heart super saver. It has it's place for some things, but it's a bulkier weight 4 yarn and I usually steer clear of it unless I am making something that needs body like a witch hat. I think when people see things made with that they think homemade. There are so many nice yarns out there in all kinds of fiber that can make or break your crochet or knitting projects.
Thank you so much for sharing your story!💜
I have massive respect for crochet designers - I couldn’t make anything without them! Thank you to all the designers out there! (My favorite designer is my personal friend Margaret Hubert).
Ps. I currently have 4 cats and am 71 but I’ve been crocheting since I was in my thirties.
Thanks for watching and for the designer recommendation. 💜
I came across a video about doing stacked single crochet-- you do that instead of the turning chain for patterns that count the turning chain as a stitch. It makes the edges a lot more even and less holey.
Thanks for the suggestion!💜
I LOVE YOUR SWEATER & I ALWAYS ch 1 to start a row because it evens the edge and eliminate gaps.
Thanks for watching!💜 Eliminating gaps are so important.
9:26 i feel like there might be like 2 categories of crocheters, ones that find flat pieces a lot easier and ones that do a lot more amigurumi! i started out with amigurumi and am venturing out into wearables and all kinds of stuff now, but i am definitely the type who can visualize the 3D forms of amigurumi. i really struggle visualizing the panels of clothing tho.
I understand that. I want to try amigurumi. Thanks for watching!💜
(Just stumbled across your channel and love it!!) I started enjoying Tunisian crochet recently, and Toni at TL Yarn Crafts is an amazing teacher for it!! If you understand knitting, it really is a cross between knitting and crocheting. It's essentially (in knitting) picking up stitches, and casting off over and over. It's super easy and there are some really beautiful stitches that can only be made that way. What a fun video - there are some interesting opinions here!
Thanks for watching!💜
Ooo this was spicy!!! I love these videos. I’m guilty of a lot of these opinions but once I educated myself I fall in love with crochet more and more everyday. I feel like crochet is viewed negatively because of the stereotype of it being not viewed as “beautiful” or “less than” compared to knitting.
I'm happy you liked this spicy video full of shade! 😀 Thank you so much for watching!💜 I wish that the negative stereotypes of crochet would go away.
Old lady with cat here. I’m a grandma and great grandma. I have been crocheting since I was 9.
That's so awesome! Thank you for watching. 💜
i moreso use patterns as guidelines, i usually need it to get started to get an idea.
Very cool. Thanks for watching!💜
Another factor for stiffness is the crochet hook size. I normally go up a size as if you use the needle size for knitting, it can lead to stiffness.
Good point. Thanks for watching!💜
I have made a few crochet socks. Crochet is stretchy lengthwise, but not very stretchy width wise. It makes a snug tube around your foot and does seem to be a bit loose around the ankle.
Crochet socks look like they might be very cozy. Thanks for watching!💜
I’ve heard some people say wool yarn is scratchy
It depends on how the wool is treated. Superwash yarn tends to be softer than non-superwash. However, there are some non-superwash yarns that are not super scratchy. Thanks for watching!💜
Nice video! I've never heard of knitting yarn, and I've been knitting for over a decade. As for crochet looking "homemade," I've never thought crochet looked homemade. I do think the "homemade" look (whether knit or crochet) comes from the quality of the yarn. For example, some extremely cheap yarns look plasticky.
That's a good point. Thanks for watching!💜
I’m a dog person. I’m crocheting swim cover ups for my girls. My granddaughter, who is 19, wears my crochet wearables as does her friends.
Very cool. Thanks for watching!💜
I really enjoyed your podcast! I shared some of these comments when I first started crocheting, but after more experience I could make things come out the way I want by using the correct yarn, hook size, etc. My absolute favorite pattern right now is the Juniper Cowl. I've made two with plans to make more! It uses the puff stitch which can feel heavy...or thick. But because you use fingering weight yarn, the cowl is light and has a wonderful drape! I look forward to more of our podcasts!! Thank you!
Thank you so much for watching!💜 Experience definitely has changed the way I think about some crochet techniques.
I find that some local yarn shops only cater to knitting. I knit and crochet, but it seems to me these people look down upon crocheters. I personally think some items are better crocheted, like handbags, toys, and dishcloths.
It is so important that local yarn shops display both knitting and crochet samples. Thank you so much for watching. 💜
I prefer natural fibers over acrylic. I refuse to use acrylic.
I'm currently learning tunisian crochet. The knit stitch is created by a certain placement of the hook when yarning over and pulling through.
I totally understand. I use a lot less acrylic than I used to. Thank you so much for watching!💜
As a young woman who has cats, I feel attacked :) Having cats is very inconvenient when you crochet because their hair sticks to everything you make, especially garments, and it's difficult to remove. They also sit on your lap in a loving way whenever you sit down to crochet, which restricts your movement - and you spend a lot of time petting the cat instead of crocheting. And my cat ate some yarn yesterday and vomited all over my flat (my fault for not noticing he'd stolen the yarn). He's ok. But cats are incredibly beautiful and can be very loving. They're amazing pets.
I hope that you and your yarn loving cats are doing well. Thank you so much for watching!💜
Crochet should look more hand-made than knitting. Knitting machines make most our clothes. There are no real crochet machines, only humans can crochet. So fuck yeah, it should look very hand-made, there is no other way for it to exist.
I like that there are no crochet machines. Thanks for watching!💜
I hate swatches I've never done one so far and up to this point everything's turned out the way I wanted so i'm ok with it but only make stuff for myself so that might have something to do with it
Thanks for watching!💜
12:59
If people don’t know you can use thinner yarn and crochet hooks just say that.
Too thick, girl I’m crocheting lace, how would that be “too thick”?
🥲🥲
Defiently pattern dependant(love that as a saying), Im still a newbie, though.
The youtuber TL Yarns Crafts, would be a great start for tunican crochet. Has a bunch of tutorials last year. Shes a great youtuber either way.
Thanks for watching and for the recommendation! 💜
Love the top you have on...is it on your youtube list?
Thank you so much for watching. 💜 Here's the link to the video to the top I'm wearing. ua-cam.com/video/MvzxcdQcL2E/v-deo.htmlsi=xjFIQXf1DonZACrq
I prefer the look of crochet to knitting I think knitting looks more home made. The stitches look more Holly I'm not sure how to describe it but I much prefer crochet items to knitted irems
I think being "self-taught" via UA-cam still counts. You didn't have someone to show you in person exactly what you were doing wrong, you had to rewind, watch again, try again. Over and over until you had it right. Same goes for anything learned via UA-cam.
That's a good point. Thank you so much for watching!💜
Anyone making socks in this day n age confuse me. .. .they do know how cheap socks are to buy right?
I think hand knit socks are good for an on the go project but sometimes I rather just buy them.
Why don't we talk about the real reason most who like knitting and hate crochet garments is their love for front facing stitches? Grain pattern.
Do the same thing in Tunisian(which is all front facing stitches) ambidexterity, or the row and cut method, or in the round and the same person will instantly love that garment that they previously thought was ugly.
Grain pattern is king of needle textile texture.
This problem is in my opinion is because of 100 years of conditioning due to most clothing being knitted on machines. The turn style of method crochet has both front and back facing stitches on both sides of the fabric (really it's a reversible fabric) which 'looks' wrong to our to fast fashion preconceptions of fabric 'should' look like.
Honestly, pick up any needle craft book pre 1945 and this topic is discussed at length.(Or at least it is here in England) If you're interested in this topic of grain pattern try to find one of the old DMC books like the encyclopedia of needle work is a good place to start your research about this grain pattern topic.
Thank you so much for this information! I appreciate you watching. 💜💜
Crochet can only be handmade, no machine is available to crochet.
meanwhile I think crocheting is more of a young thing while knitting is for middle aged people
it's BS though. technically both are "old-fashioned" hobbies but young people can and do enjoy them and it's really not hard to find modern patterns and young people making or designing them
anyway, my cats are watching me crochet
the crochet socks thing: I own knitted socks but have never made any, but I have made 5 pairs of socks - and yes, they don't stretch as much. there's no leeway with size really, they will fall off or be too tight unless you do the right measurements. they are fun and fast to make, but not really worth it imo. yeah I'll wear them when it's cold but they won't be my favorites. (I mean, I love to look at the ones I made because they're cute. but practical not so much)
Thanks for watching!💜
I don't understand WHY self taught crochet would not be valid..? Like.. please someone enlighten me, Valid in what sense??
Depends on the wool.. like I don't like when it mats together, and I don't reach for expensive wools
Amis vs Flat, really depends on what you want to make.. if you're in love with Amis, you don't see the work as tedious, but if you don't like it, its SO MUCH work
I THINK the "looks too handmade" is more of a, that it looks more Rustic, 'cause its not perfect straight lines
I don't really like crochet socks :P too rough for me to use
I do a stacked single crochet, 'cause it looks neater :P than chaining
I have never heard of stacked single crochet. I'll definitely check it out. Thanks for watching!💜
@QueensYarnBoutique it has other names too ^^ but definitely do !! Love it so much