Sometimes as a knitter you might see a crochet project and wish that you could knit something similar if you lack the skills to crochet the project. I'm sure something similar happens for crocheters who end up coveting knitting patterns. But changing a pattern from knitting to crochet isn't as easy as replacing knit stitches with single crochets.
Margaret Hubert is a long-time knitter and crocheter, and she shares just how challenging (but also fun, if you're into that) converting patterns can be in her book Knit or Crochet, Have it Your Way: 15 Fun Projects with Complete Hook and Needle Instructions for Each.
Working it Out
As Hubert explains, sometimes it is relatively easy to convert a pattern from knitting to crochet or vice-versa, but other times it can be quite difficult.
"Crochet stitches are taller: A single crochet stitch equals about two knit rows, a half double crochet equals about three knit rows, and a double crochet equals about four knit rows. The width isn't a direct conversion either, but it varies greatly depending on the weight of the yarn and the size of the hooks and needles used. For example, if you begin a knit garment by casting on 70 stitches on a size 6 needle, you can't simply convert to crochet by chaining 70 stitches on a size 6 hook. The crochet piece will end up wider. Add to the mix increasing and decreasing for shaping armholes, necklines, etc., and the complexity really deepens."
Thankfully we don't have to think about all that, at least when it comes to the 15 patterns in this book, each presented with the knitting pattern followed by a similar looking crochet pattern.
The Patterns
There are projects in Knit or Crochet, Have it Your Way for a bag, scarf, slippers, sweaters (including one for baby and one for a dog), vests, placemats, a pillow, an afghan and more. The projects are pictured next to each other, and sometimes it is difficult to tell which is which.
You might think that the patterns would have to be pretty simple in order to be duplicated in crochet, but that's not the case at all. Hubert manages to mimic cables, ribbing and Feather and Fan in crochet, as well as giving stitches more traditionally thought of as crochet stitches -- like shells and fans -- the knitting treatment.
The projects aren't labeled by skill level but offer a good range from those suitable fir newer knitters and crocheters to those with more experience. I would put most of the patterns in the advanced beginner to intermediate category, because many do involve pattern stitches and shaping.
I particularly like the Luxury Scarf pattern, a multicolored Feather and Fan number that's really more like a shawl; the simple Garter Stitch Cozy Slippers; the Baby Sweater and Hat, worked in Trinity Stitch, which looks a lot like the crocheted Blackberry Stitch version; and the bold Color Block Afghan worked in Double Seed Stitch.
Hubert even manages entrelac in both knitting and crochet, offering a three-color hat that is interesting to craft, whichever style you choose.
Bottom Line
If you're a knitter but new to crochet, you might find the crochet patterns a little difficult for a beginner. This is not the book to learn how to crochet from. But if you're already a fan of both crafts, or you have some crochet experience but haven't branched out into bigger, shaped projects or those with fancy stitches yet, this book could provide inspiration and motivation to step out of your comfort zone.
Crocheters, likewise, may find new inspiration to try their hands at knitting. Whichever craft you enjoy, you're sure to finish this book with new respect for people who can not only both knit and crochet well but who can design for both knitters and crocheters. That's a big feat.
Publication date: February 2009.
Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
