This is a guest post written by Mary Vaughn from Crochet Chiq.
Do you have little ones, either grandchildren or your own children, who you’d love to get into the needlearts? Since traditional knitting requires the use of two needles in addition to yarn, it can be challenging getting children to be enthusiastic about the activity. This is where the Knook comes in. The Knook, which is a modified crochet hook that allows you to knit using this special tool along with a life line, is great for both children and crocheters who are eager to get into knitting. Since I teach the yarn arts (mainly crochet but also loom, knit and Knook) in a major craft store chain, I’ve found the Knook to be extremely helpful when I have a class full of children wanting to learn how to knit. We start with the basics; however, in this day and age, children are not always as patient and willing to put in the time and effort it takes to learn new crafts. This is where I find the Knook as a useful tool. Little ones can easily learn how to knit and how to purl with the help of the Knook and its life line, which makes the learning curve much easier. If you’ve ever dropped a stitch while knitting, you’ll understand how nice the life line can be!
In addition to kits for adults, there are also Knook kits made for children. These kits are designed for bulky yarn, so projects can be made faster, making it easy for children to stay engaged and excited. So at this point you might be wondering: how fast you can learn to Knook? I had my six-year-old son sit down with me right before I started writing this post. He’s never used the Knook before and after just 30 minutes, he had 15 rows completed!
So if you’re eager to get started Knooking, check out this video I made for AllFreeCrochet. If you’ve always felt awkward using two needles, perhaps the Knook is for you!
As you get used to using the life line provided in all Knook kits, you’ll find it much easier to transition to the two needles used for traditional knitting. I’ve had many adults tell me that after Knooking for a month or so they were finally able knit something with needles. The best part about the Knook is that you can make full projects of your own. For example, I Knooked a simple ribbed swatch and added ribbon to make this cozy.
I also think learning new stitches in cotton with the Knook. After all, these swatches can easily be turned into washcloths—the perfect project to learn on!
Do you want to try the Knook or do you think you know so one that could use one? Comment below!
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Lookie, lookie Mary Kathryn’s got Knookie!
If a 6 yo can do it, so can you! (Still doesn’t beat using the K word, but it is right up the alley for those who want to continue to use just a hook for all K patterns :D)
I love creative techniques with crochet and this seems to be one!
I have had fun doing combo project using a mixture of knit and crochet 🙂
I purchased the knook and a couple of project books, figuring it would be easy peasy as a crocheter who has never learned to knit. I know I haven’t given the knook a fair chance. Have only tried it once and me crochet mind set made it frustrating. Will definitely pick it up again, maybe in the company of a knitter, and shall conquer the knook! If anyone has suggestions to make this transition easier, they’d be welcomed and greatly appreciated.
When I first started learning I didn’t think in terms of Knit and purl but more of do I have the yarn in front or in back… Try doing the following. chain 20, wrap the yarn over behind to front every time you make a stitch for five rows then for the next five rows start with the yarn in front. feel free to email me if I can help crochetchiq@gmail.com