I used to knit until my tendonitis kept me from doing it any longer. Some knitting - like socks - is done with 5 needles to get a full circular (tube) pattern. Then you can do lots with a circular needle (my favorite) so you don't lose a needle. As for crocheting - I CAN do that but I cannot keep the tension properly. My pieces tend to get real wonky. Solution: I quilt instead, lol.