Guilds are still prevalent in America, as well as Europe. It is the tools used that make the difference between crocheting and knitting. To crochet, one hook is used to form a chain of stitches from which variations of designs can be created. Knitting uses long needles in order to form fabric by interconnecting loops of yarn. The chain stitch is used to cast loops onto the hook and create pattern spaces.
Double crochet is used in the same manner as single crochet, but is twice the width.
Many more variations of patterns can be created with crochet than with knitting. However, one advantage to knitted fabric is in the stretchability and it's ability to return to its original shape. Knitting needles are made of aluminum, plastic, steel, or bone. The most commonly used needles are the straight ones, used as a pair. Other stitches are variations of knit and purl.