If you’ve been considering picking up a new hobby but aren’t certain of the difference between crochet and knitting, that’s perfectly understandable. After all, both crafts involve yarn and making things like blankets and scarves. So, can they really be all that different?
They most certainly are! And isn’t that exciting? You can create so many different designs and types of looks between the two crafts. But first, you need to have a good understanding of what each activity involves and what you can create.
What is Knitting?
Knitting is the act of creating a garment through a system of loops of yarn, interlocking them to create fabric. The multiple loops, called stitches, create rows on top of each other.
Your numerous stitches remain active on your knitting needle as you work. You work one stitch at a time, transferring them from one needle to the other as you create new stitches.
What is Crochet?
Although crochet is similar to knitting in that you work with a series of yarn loops, the differences start from there. Crocheting is a set of loops that you wrap and work the yarn to create a series of knots.
You only work one stitch at a time and don’t keep several open and active the way you do with knitting. You work with one hook that grabs one loop at a time and completes it before doing the next one. Crochet builds on the stitches that were completed before it.
How are Crochet and Knitting Similar?
These two hobbies may be crafted very differently and look very different, but they have some surprising similarities. Let’s turn away from the difference between crochet and knitting for a moment and focus on what they share in common.
The most obvious shared quality is that they both use yarn. They are part of the fiber arts family, and knitters and crocheters are famous for building up impressive yarn stashes. They also both rely largely on patterns and have their own language and way of speaking.
Both of these crafts are relatively easy to learn and are tremendously addictive! They can make thoughtful gifts for others or garments for yourself that make other people say, “Wow!” Depending on the project you choose and the type of yarn involved, both knitting and crochet can be super affordable or quite expensive.
Perhaps my favorite similarity between crochet and knitting is that they are both relaxing activities. They are each repetitive and have a meditative effect. You are able to focus deeply on the yarn in front of you, and it’s easy to forget the rest of the world around you. Well, if only for a little while!
Main Difference Between Crochet and Knitting
And still, the difference between crochet and knitting outweighs any similarities. From tools and finished appearance to the amount of yarn and time required, these two crafts can seem like entirely different hobbies at times.
The resulting fabric from each of these techniques is vastly different. Knitting is thinner and stretchier; it has a more versatile drape. Crochet, on the other hand, is bulkier and thicker. It is more difficult to drape in certain ways. Crochet often has holes (by design!), and knitting is dense.
Overall, knitting is better suited for delicate fabrics, and crochet is good for bulky items like hats and blankets.
Tools and Techniques
The most obvious difference between crochet and knitting is the tools you use. Knitting uses two needles with points, while crochet uses one hook. Fun fact: “crochet” is the French word for “little hook.”
An observer of knitting would know that knitting isn’t always done on just two needles with points at one end. Sometimes you use four or five double-pointed needles or circular needles; these are specialty needles for specific items. Of course, you may sometimes need to use a crochet hook or a finishing flourish on your knitting project. There are many essential knitting supplies that you’ll rely on, such as stitch markers, stitch holders, and other notions.
So, given the differences in tools, you can tell that knitting requires using both hands, while crochet calls for one-handed use of your tool. This reduces the possibility of dropped stitches. Transferring your knitting stitches between needles can cause dropped stitches, a great heartache for knitters.
Because you’re building off your previous loops with crochet, there are fewer chances of making a mistake.
Both knitting needles and crochet hooks can be made from aluminum, plastic, or bamboo. Knitting can be done by hand, machine, or loom; crochet is only possible by hand.
Yarns
The choice of yarn is mostly the same, so there isn’t a tremendous difference between crochet and knitting in terms of fiber. Many yarns can be used for either. But choosing the best types of yarn is critical for a sturdy, good-looking finished product.
The only clear yarn to avoid in crochet is some types of novelty yarns that may prevent you from clearly seeing your created loops. Eyelash yarn, for example, would be horribly difficult to crochet with!
Chunky yarns are a better fit for knitting. They can be a challenge to crochet with because of their thickness, though not impossible. Crochet thread is a better choice; it’s only for crochet projects and produces a very delicate and lacy fabric.
The other large fiber difference between crochet and knitting is that crochet uses more yarn. Crochet stitches are much bigger than knit ones, requiring more yarn. That’s why they are so darn chunky and bumpy.
Patterns & Projects
You can find tons and tons of knitting patterns for virtually anything. There are fewer available patterns for crochet projects since there are fewer pieces that can be crocheted. However, you can also do many more creative things with crochet, such as stuffed animals!
The reason you’ll find more knitting patterns is that knitting is more versatile than crochet. There are a lot more clothing types that you can knit since it has a more adaptable drape to the fabric.
Difference Between Crochet and Knitting: Which is Easier to Learn?
The answer to which is easier to learn all depends on who you ask! Many people may say that crochet is easier to learn. That makes sense since it only requires one hook and one hand and is less awkward to hold and manipulate. It’s also more stable, meaning it’s less likely to unravel on you.
Younger kids have an easier time picking up crocheting, so it tends to be the craft many people learn first. It requires less developed motor skills. Knitting, on the other hand, calls for a lot more dexterity to be able to manipulate your stitches without losing any.
Keep in mind, though, that both are equally difficult the more advanced your projects become.
I may be an oddball, but I find knitting easier. I taught myself how to do each but had a much more difficult time picking up crochet. Perhaps it’s because I focused so heavily on knitting at first, or perhaps I’m just wired that way. But I rarely ever touch crochet. Maybe I need to start practicing it more now that I’m talking about it!