Cheap Crochet?
“Each crocheter spends twice as much time and does twice as many projects as a knitter, but spends less money per project. They donate more than one-third of what they make, and give away more than one-third as gifts. Crocheters more often shop at craft chain stores than specialty needlearts shops.”
The above information comes from a study conducted for The National NeedleArts Association for 2007. The fact that crocheters spend less money per project and most often get their yarn at craft chain stores may attribute to the ideology that “crocheters are cheap”. However, it’s a fact that crocheters use more yarn, and if we do more projects, we must spend a good chunk of money as well, even if it’s not all at once.
Additionally, this study points out that crocheters are givers. Two-thirds of what we create is given away either as charitable contributions or as gifts. Perhaps that is another reason crocheters as a whole shop more often at craft stores; it’s difficult to justify spending money on expensive wool yarn that is going to be made into a project for charity. Many people have no clue how to take care of wool items–or other natural fibers for that matter. Even the “thought that counts” would be washed away the first time the item was thrown into the washing machine, right along with the time and money that was spent on the item. Let’s face it: There are times when acrylic or less expensive yarns are just more practical and economical to use; yet, they still maintain their purpose. Many of the items made with less expensive yarns find themselves in shelters, homes, and hospitals, spreading warmth and love to those who receive them.
In my own observations, I’ve noticed various differences in the local crochet guild and knitting group in my area. The crocheters are more than excited to help make things to donate to charity. We get together once a month to do just that. We’ve tried to include some of the area knitters in our efforts, only to be turned down each time. Does this mean they aren’t as charitable? It’s not for me to say; I know many a knitter who makes items for others. Even in our local crochet guild, there are a few members who knit as well, and they alternate between each skill in the items they donate.
One other thing I’ve noticed is that when the crocheters get together it’s usually with a purpose in mind, while the knitting group is more of a stitch ‘n bitch gathering. There are other differences in our two groups as well, but these differences do not make one more “right” than the other. We have too many things in common to say that being different on some level is a bad thing. We share a love of yarn, of creating with our hands, and an enjoyment of sharing what we do with others who do the same thing.
To say that crocheters are cheap is a sad attempt at saying that we are less than those who yield the needles over the hook. That statement couldn’t be further from the truth. It would be sad to see either knitting or crocheting become a dying art just because one was looked upon more highly while the other was snobbed upon, especially if it’s a yarn issue. “My yarn stash can beat up your yarn stash, neener neener.” Statements like that are a little immature, don’t you think? It’s more important that the two groups live in harmony rather than knit-pick over the insignificant things that in the end really don’t mean a whole lot.
Do what you love; love what you do. No matter if it takes one hook or two needles to do it…and regardless of the type of yarn, fiber, or other material that you use to do it!
November 10, 2008 5:48 pm 3 Comments
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By vanillalotus, November 10, 2008 @ 6:49 pm
I have heard this same thing many times. Us crocheters do use far more yarn making it harder to purchase a nice high quality yarn to make something when it will take many skeins and lots of money to complete. I’ve never thought about the charity thing, but I’m sure there must be knitting groups that do donate. Maybe the knitters feel that it takes them so long and they use such great yarn that they don’t want to give it away, ha. I don’t know but it’s an interesting article for sure.
By Sam, November 11, 2008 @ 3:01 pm
Knitting a project takes me forever so I’m less likely to part with the finished project when I’m done (so much time invested in the project). With crocheting, the project is done faster and without the headache. Thus I find it a lot easier to give it as a gift. The price of yarn is also a factor (easier to give away cheaper yarn purchases than expensive blends). Great article – thanks for sharing!
By Chris, January 21, 2009 @ 8:33 am
That was interesting. I recently had to buy 7 balls of yarn for a small sweater (crochet). I found some nice stuff on clearance though. It can be an expensive hobby if you don’t shop carefully.
I’ve tried to knit but it’s frustrating to me. I guess I’m meant to be a hooker