Crochet vs Knit – Key Differences Of Knitting vs Crochet – Which Is Better?

Crochet vs knitting, which is the superior craft? Read and decide!

Here is a crocheting or knitting comparison in my blog post.

I reviewed and updated this post on July 10, 2022.

Table Of Contents

• What Makes Them Similar?
• What’s The Difference?
• Pros And Cons Of Knitting Vs Crochet
• Crochet Myths – Busted!

What Makes Them Similar?

• They use yarn! They’re the most popular fiber arts.
• Created years ago
• You work from patterns, divided into steps using abbreviations.
• Reading a knitting or crochet pattern is like knowing how to read a secret language!
• You learn and develop excellent skills like hand-eye coordination, memory, color theory, logic, and improve your maths!
• When you learn to knit or crochet, it challenges your brain and keeps it flexible.
• They have health benefits. Research shows your brain creates new neural pathways when knitting or crocheting
• Needs a considerable amount of time to develop muscle memory
• Create almost anything of any project size.
• Before starting a creation, it’s best to do a knitting or crochet swatch
• They enhance your creativity and create a wonderful result
• Explore a new hobby!

Want to find good-quality sock yarns?

What Is The Difference Between Crochet And Knit?

The Method Of The Craft

You need a crochet hook and work around in a rectangular or circular pattern to crochet. You have one working (live) stitch at a time.

The finished stitches look like knots.

There is one basic crochet stitch, the chain stitch. There are four others.

• Single crochet
• Half double crochet
• Double crochet
• Slip stitch crochet.

From the UK or Australia?

• Single crochet = double crochet
• Half double crochet = half treble
• Double crochet = treble

To knit, you need two needles, and the stitches hang off one of the two needles like a shower curtain. They look like loops.

Stitches move from one needle to the other as you go.

There are four main needles.

• Circular needles (knitting in the round)
• Straight needles
• Double-pointed needles
• Interchangeable circular needles

There are two basic stitches.

• Purl stitch – has a bump
• Knit stitch – looks like little Vs

Knit and purl stitches make up many stitch patterns.

Cast on with a slip knot or a slip stitch, and you half-knit the stitch.

Here are some basic tutorials and videos so you get a feel for each. Enjoy the experience of the stages of learning!

The Way Crochet And Knitting Projects Turn Out

• Crochet is bulkier and more hard-wearing
• Knitting is textured, and knitted fabric is smoother to touch.

Stitches

This is another big difference between knitting and crochet.

• Crochet has far more stitches.
• Most knitting is done with the knit and purl stitch, like the stockinette stitch. (One row knit, one row purl)

Tools Used

Crochet uses crochet hooks, and knitting uses knitting needles.

Knitting needles have a pointy end, and crochet hooks have a handle with a curved end.

People say crochet is easier because there’s one tool.

Crochet hooks are handy for fixing mistakes or adding tassels, so knitters use one hook too.

No one’s made a crocheting machine! Every crocheted item is handmade. You can knit on looms and knitting machines.

Here’s a list of popular items used for each yarn craft. (These aren’t everything you need, but they’re enough to start.)

Crochet 

• Crochet hook (Size H is an excellent size for beginners. Have arthritis or hand pain? Try ergonomic hooks.)
• Yarn or crochet thread
• Scissors
• Row/Stitch Counters
• Stitch Holders
• Locking Stitch Marker/s
• Yarn Needle

Knitting Supplies

• Knitting Needles
• Yarn (Best yarn for beginners is worsted weight yarn)
• Stitch Counters
• Stitch Markers
• Measuring tape
• Needle Stoppers (AKA point protectors)
• Yarn Needles

Projects Best Suited For

(Note: Most projects can be knitted or crocheted.)

Crochet

For projects needing thicker, heavier fabric. There are many beginner projects to choose from! Crochet blankets are popular.

• Afghans Or A Crochet Blanket
• Crochet Amigurumi
• Baby Blankets
• Bags / Purses
• Cowls
• Cozies
• Dishcloths/Scrubbies
• Dog Sweaters
• Flowers/Motifs
• Gloves/Mittens
• Hats
• Home Decor
• Pouches
• Ponchos
• Scarves / Shawls
• Socks/Slippers
• Rugs

(Note: You’ll need an account to download the patterns.)

Knitting

Here are popular knitting projects ideas. (You often have more options of patterns to choose from with this craft.)

• Beanies/Hats
• Baby Blanket
• Cardigans
• Clothing
• Dishcloth/Scrubbies
• Hand Towels
• Potholders
• Shawls/Wraps/Shrugs
• Scarves
• Socks (For these, you need sock yarn)
• Sweaters
• Tote Bags

Common Motifs Of Each Craft

There are many techniques.

Here are the most recognizable ones.

Crochet

• Circular Creations – Cloths, potholders, rugs, and others.
• Granny Squares – Versatile
• Lacework Or Crochet Patterns With Holes In Them

Knitting

• Cables – Common in sweaters and cardigans
• Fair Isle Knitting – Scottish – Intricate, colorful stitchwork
• Ribbing – Makes the knitting stretchy, but holds its shape.

Which Is Best For You?

Knitting

• You’re patient. Knitting takes time, dedication, and a lot of patience! The stitches are often more complicated, taking a lot longer than you might expect.
• Want to be swamped in inspiration and ideas? It’s a sign! There are many knitting patterns and places to be inspired!
• You want to save money. “Knitting yarn” is more affordable.
• You’re logical. Reading and creating knitting patterns requires math.

Crochet

• You make mistakes or have to redo your work, much easier to fix them in this craft.
• You don’t mind working in irregular or random ways.
• Like quick crochet projects? Do bulkier items fast

Pros And Cons Of Crocheting Vs Knitting

Crocheting

Pros

• Easy to go back and fix mistakes. Quick to unravel. Pull the knots loose until you reach the place where you made a mistake.
• Fabric produced with this craft is lighter.
• Easy to fix an uneven edge with a crochet border
• Quicker than knitting, but speeds vary
• Easier because there’s only one tool.
• Fun shapes and geometric patterns to try
• You work with one stitch. Don’t worry about multiple stitches at once!

Cons

• Not as well catered to as knitting for supplies, yarn, and notions,
• Few dedicated crochet companies. However, KnitPicks launched a fabulous site called WeCrochet. Expect the same quality, range, and excellence in their products
• Not much visibility, as NickyKnacks talks about here. I created the Top 100 Crochet Bloggers to showcase talented crocheters.
• Planning to make complicated, tiny, or delicate patterns or stitches? Knitting is better
• Not as easy to do color changes.
• Crocheted clothing is less flattering than knitwear.

Knitting

Pros

• Knitting is more popular. Knitwear has taken the fashion world by storm and is trendy.
• If you knit, you’re in good company
• It’s the most well-known fiber art.
• High-end fashion uses knitting to create garments because they’re suited to delicate stitchwork with fine details.
• The best craft for complicated colorwork or lots of color changes.
• Stretchy fabric
• Creates wonderful drape.
• Not so many stitches and techniques are needed in your repertoire

Cons

• Not as easy as crochet to fix mistakes. Pull out the stitches and transfer them to the other knitting needle. It’s demanding and frustrating for a beginner.
• More materials for learning how to use before you start.
• You can’t take the needles out halfway through a project
• Not as fast as crocheting,
• Confusing as there are many stitches to remember
• Difficult to create household items, and they won’t be as tough or long-lasting.
• Not recommended for toys as you don’t get the same feel and hard-wearing quality.
• More risk of knitting needles being confiscated at airports from your carry-on luggage.
• The fabric you create with hand knitting is heavier.

Crochet Myths – Busted!

Crochet Uses More Yarn Than Knitting

Sometimes this is true, but it depends.

The nature of some crochet stitches types means it uses more yarn. The stitches are larger, they cover more surface area, using more yarns.

Smaller stitches use less yarn.

You Shouldn’t Crochet Sweaters

Another ‘rule’ in the crafting world is advice to avoid heartaches, confusion, or too much of a challenge.

Yes, knit sweaters are easier and create a stretchier, more flexible fabric.

Crochet sweaters are lovely! They have different textures.

Combining The Two Crafts

Yes, it’s possible! It’s hard to distinguish between knitting and crochet when it’s in a finished project. Even experts struggle.

No one minds if you combine the two ways in one project.

Techniques in crochet like Tunisian crochet and “knooking” produce crochet like knitting stitches or cables.

You crochet, but it looks like knitting.

A common way to combine them in knitting is to complete a project with a crocheted edge and vice versa.

Whether you stand on the knitting vs crochet debate, melding the two together is rewarding.

Looking for crochet baby blanket yarn?

Q&A

Which Is Easier To Learn Knitting Or Crocheting?

Neither! Each is a fabulous craft with skill sets, challenges, techniques, and ideas. Learn how to knit and crochet! The more, the merrier.

Mastery of the technique takes practice.

See a detailed breakdown in this video on Youtube.

Is Knitting Better Than Crochet?

You decide! Prefer logical, mathematical thinking? Knitting might be better.

Is Crocheting Hard?

It depends. For some, it isn’t easy. For others, it is!

Some find crocheting easier because there’s not as much fiddling with moving stitches from one needle to another.

The smaller the loop, the trickier it is to deal with!

If you decide to learn to crochet, have hope, it’s one of the most rewarding yarn crafts. If you don’t like it, try knitting instead.

Do you like one more? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Leave them in the comments using your email address.

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