Stix Journal

For instance, let's talk about a crochet lace border on a knitted piece, like this Iris Edging by Julia Schwartz. It can be so much easier and faster to apply a spectacular crochet lace to an edge than it is to achieve a similar look with knitting. You don't have to worry about dropping stitches or losing yarn-overs, and it is generally much easier to achieve open space (lace) in crochet stitches than with knitted stitches. 

It's also a great way to embellish clothing, linens, or fleece blankets!

Wouldn't these sweet borders look great along the cuff of some jeans or on a fleece baby blanket? You can get the pattern here.

Reason Number Four: Ease in working with slippery fibers.

(photo source: Crochetpedia)

I find it challenging to knit with linen, silk, or cotton, but it's a breeze with crochet. For me, maintaining consistent, even tension (particularly between my knits and purls) is a struggle on knitting needles. But the flow through my fingers and the manipulation of the hook make it downright pleasurable for me to crochet with a slippery linen or silk. And since there are many summery tank tops and tees designed for crochet, I win! This one has been in my queue forever, I might have to make it out of Coastal Cotton Fine this year....we just added lots of great new shades of that yarn.

Totum Tee by Nomad Stitches 

 Reason Number Three: Multi-dimensional or Free-Form Objects.

It is at least 19,234,749,589 times easier to make 3D objects or design-as-as-you-go items with a hook than with needles. (Fact source: Me.) Things like Amigurumi toys or other stuffies are a breeze and so much fun to crochet. I'll challenge anyone out there to a crochet-vs-knit Emotional Support Chicken Race. Any takers?

Both of these chickens were designed by Annette Corsino, and are available on Ravelry.

Flowers are another great thing to make with crochet. I made my daughters' wedding bouquet with crochet thread, and she still has it displayed in her house 6 years later, fresh as the day it was made.

 Reason Number Two: Motifs

The best-known crochet motif is probably the classic granny square. For clarity, a motif is a piece designed (but not limited) to be used as a component of a larger part. A motif can be made in a variety of shapes and use a variety of different stitches or colors. One of my favorite designers who uses motifs in her work is Sue Maton of The Mercerie. She uses many shapes and stunning colors in her blanket and shawl designs.

 This is her stunning Wallflowers blanket. Can you even imagine how difficult it would be to achieve an effect like this in knitting? It's so much simpler in crochet! 

Motifs are also great to assemble into tote bags or other home-goods. Again, the color effect is great, and the squares naturally lend themselves to a great shape in the construction of this Magnolia Tote.

Reason Number One: Crochet Uses Different Muscles.

For many yarn addicts, the constraints of available time and muscle fatigue are all that keep us from spending every second of every day and every last ounce of energy we have on our craft. What I have found to be true is that crocheting and knitting use different motions and therefore utilize different hand positions and muscles as well as wear and tear on different joints. When I am worn out from all the knitting, I can switch to crochet and continue my addiction to creating. 

I also believe it uses different neurological pathways. Crochet patterns use a different "language" than knitting patterns, making the brain work a little differently to translate abbreviations to actions. It's a little more free-spirited and free-form too, sometimes making us a little more willing and able to improvise and go off-road than we might be with knitting needles. 

Need more reasons to crochet? Follow along with us for the entire month of April (or Crochetpril, as it's known around these parts). We will be all crochet, all the time, featuring classes, inspiration, and tips.