Knitting VS Crochet: Is It Easier To Knit Or Crochet?
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If you’re starting to learn to craft using yarn, you might be wondering whether it’s better to begin by learning how to crochet or knit.
Both crafts require similar skills; however, crochet and knitting have noticeable differences that set them apart.
Knowing both characteristics will help you decide which one to pick first.
What’s The Difference Between Knitting And Crocheting?
Knitting and crocheting are both popular yarn crafts, but they differ in technique, tools, and the resulting fabric.
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
1. Tools Used
- Knitting: Uses two long needles, and the stitches are held on the needles as you work. You can use either straight needles (for flat knitting) or circular needles (for working in the round or on larger projects).
- Crocheting: Uses a single crochet hook, and only one stitch is active at a time, with the hook used to pull loops through existing loops.
2. Stitch Formation
- Knitting: Stitches are formed by creating loops on the needle, and the fabric is made by interlocking rows of these loops. Because the stitches remain on the needles, if a stitch is dropped, it can cause unraveling, making mistakes potentially harder to fix.
- Crocheting: Stitches are made one at a time, with each loop being pulled through another. Since only one stitch is active at any moment, mistakes are usually easier to correct, and the fabric won’t unravel as easily if you accidentally pull the hook out.
3. Fabric Texture
- Knitting: The fabric tends to be more stretchy and has a smooth, uniform appearance, especially in stockinette stitch. This makes knitting ideal for garments like sweaters, socks, and fitted items.
- Crocheting: Produces a thicker, less stretchy fabric, often with a more textured appearance due to the variety of stitch types (like single crochet, double crochet, etc.). Crocheting is great for items like blankets, bags, and home decor, but it can be used for clothing too.
4. Speed
- Knitting: Many people find knitting takes longer because you work with multiple stitches on the needles, and the fabric builds more slowly.
- Crocheting: Often faster since larger stitches can be made with a single hook, and progress tends to be quicker, especially when using larger hooks and thicker yarn.
5. Versatility of Stitches
- Knitting: Offers a variety of stitch patterns like stockinette, ribbing, cables, lace, and colorwork techniques like Fair Isle.
- Crocheting: Can create highly decorative, textured stitches and is especially known for its ability to make three-dimensional shapes (like amigurumi), lace-like doilies, and intricate motifs.
6. Complexity
- Knitting: While knitting is generally considered easier to learn initially due to repetitive movements, more advanced techniques like cables or intricate lace patterns can be complex.
- Crocheting: Beginners often find that crocheting is easier to fix mistakes, but patterns involving shaping or intricate stitches (like in doilies or amigurumi) can be more complex.
Summary:
- Knitting: Two needles, smoother, stretchier fabric, great for garments.
- Crocheting: One hook, thicker, more textured fabric, faster to work up, ideal for blankets and decorative items.
Both crafts are creative and versatile, but they offer different benefits depending on the project!
What Is Knitting?
Knitted items are created by knitters using basic knit stitches and purl stitches using two needles, with your work held on one of the needles with a row of stitches.
Knitted items are produced by weaving additional stitches onto the initial row of stitches (otherwise known as casting on).
A knitting project like a shawl or garments can be created knitted flat on two needles and seamed or in the round which is seamless.
There are many knitting patterns out there for beginners that allow you to easily learn basic knitting stitches and create a textured knitted fabric.
- Garter Stitch – (View tutorial – How to knit garter stitch)
- Stockinette Stitch (View tutorial – How to knit stockinette stitch (for beginners))
The basic knitting techniques
To be able to knit, you need to know some basic knitting techniques and basic stitches.
These techniques include how to cast on knitting, how to knit the knit stitch (how to knit garter stitch), how to purl the purl stitch (how to knit the purl stitch (for beginners + a video tutorial)), and how to cast off (how to cast off knitting for total beginners (step by step)).
Once these stitches are down, you can explore different stitches and more complicated techniques.
Like how to knit the seed stitch, the rib stitch, and many, many more.
Grab your Ebook here – 12 Knitting Stitches For Beginners
Continental style and the English knitting style
The difference between the two methods comes down to little things like in which hand you are holding the working yarn.
In the English method, you are holding the yarn in your right hand and in the continental in your left.
There is no right way to knit; whether you prefer the English method or the continental, your finished project will be the same.
Left-handed makers and crocheters usually prefer the continental method.
Related Post: Continental VS English Knitting
Knitting tools
To knit you are going to need some supplies.
The basics would be your straight knitting needles, your yarn, and your pattern.
But as you go on, you are going to need (and want) more tools like a darning needle, a crochet hook, craft scissors, stitch markers, stitch holders, a row counter, needles in different sizes, circular knitting needles, cable needles, and double-pointed needles.
Related Post: Knitting Tools For Beginners
Pros of knitting
Knitting is very fun to do and the best way to unleash your creativity.
There are many types of projects you can make with knitting from garments like knit sweaters to small projects like dishcloths.
There is an abundance of knitting stitches you can try and explore, from very simple stitches to very intricate ones.
You can take your projects with you anywhere, from a friend’s house to the beach.
Just stuff it into a project bag, and you are ready to go, especially if you are knitting in the round; the cables are perfect to keep your knitting safe.
You generally need less yarn than you do for crochet projects.
Related Post: Dishcloth Knitting Patterns (To Practice Basic Knitting Stitches)
Cons of knitting
Sometimes, in knitting, you make mistakes (and in crochet), but they sometimes feel harder to fix in knitting.
You will often need to keep a crochet hook handy in case you need to pick up dropped stitches.
Plus, using straight needles can sometimes hurt your hands and wrists (leading over a long period of time to arthritis).
Many people prefer to use circular needles for most projects, even when knitting flat as they take the weight of the knitted fabric.
Moreover, as a beginner, it can be hard to synchronize working with two needles and keeping up with your stitch count.
Related posts:
What Is Crochet?
Crocheted items are created with looped stitches one at a time, meaning no need to keep the stitches on a crochet hook.
Instead, you work into the crocheted piece by looping and pulling the thread through using your crochet hook.
The loops of yarn create a crocheted fabric.
Crochet requires less multitasking as you are working with a single stitch at a time compared to knitting, where you are handling multiple live stitches at once.
There are many crochet projects out there for you to choose from, including scarves, amigurumi, toys, granny squares, crochet blankets, baskets, pillows, crochet flowers, and coasters.
Most beginners start learning with single crochet and double crochet stitches to create their first crochet fabric samples.
The basic crochet techniques
In order to crochet, you have to learn the basic crochet stitches and techniques.
Like how to make a slip knot, how to start a crochet chain, how to single crochet (sc), the double crochet stitch (how to double crochet (dc) for beginners), and the treble crochet stitch (how to treble crochet (tr)).
Most beginner projects use basic crochet stitches.
Once you feel comfortable with these techniques, you can start exploring new stitches and give a chance to more crochet patterns.
Crochet tools
The basic tools you need are your crochet hook, the pattern, and your yarn.
Of course, as you start building your crochet tool kit you will need (and want) more stuff like a nice hook set, definitely more yarn, a row counter, fabric scissors, stitch markers, and stitch holders.
Crochet terms and abbreviations
Like in everything else, there are differences between crochet terms and abbreviations from country to country.
We separate them in UK and US terms.
For example, crocheters in the UK and the US use different terms such as ‘single crochet’ in the US will be ‘double crochet’ in the UK.
Despite some main abbreviations, the other differences are small but all crochet patterns will specify which terms they are using.
Check out more resources for your crochet journey...
Tunisian crochet
Crochet and knitting often meet each other halfway.
Tunisian crochet or Afghan crochet is a type of crochet that is considered a mix of knit and crochet, as some knitting techniques are used in Tunisian crochet as well.
It produces a waffle-like fabric with a trim border.
It feels like Tunisian crochet has more similarities with knitting than crochet. For example, in Tunisian crochet, you collect your stitches on your hook, and you work only on one side, which leads to your fabric curling (like knitting).
Crochet pros
Crochet is an amazing craft and you won’t regret diving into the crochet world.
Like your knitting projects, you can take your crochet projects with you everywhere, from the mall to the beach.
The crochet fabric is more stable, and your stitches don’t unravel as easily as they do in a knitting project.
Crochet cons
While crochet can be fun and amazing in many different ways, it has disadvantages.
Typically, crochet stitches are bulkier and less stretchy, which is not ideal for garments.
That doesn’t mean you can’t crochet sweaters; it just means the end results are going to be different.
Crochet projects require more yarn than knitted projects.
Knitting Machines And Crochet Machines
One major difference that doesn’t really affect which craft you will choose to learn is that crochet can’t be duplicated by machines.
There have been knitting machines for years now, from industrial ones that produced the most knitted items in the fashion industry to small ones, that the everyday person can purchase and use in their home.
On the other hand, the crochet craft remains still completely handmade, so far no machine can replicate the way crochet works.
The stitches and the hand movement required to make a crochet item can’t be done by a machine.
Knitting VS Crochet
Knitting VS Crochet: Both crafts use yarn to make items.
However, knitting uses two knitting needles, and the stitches are loops.
Crocheting, on the other hand, uses one crochet hook, and the stitches resemble small loops or knots.
If you need a new relaxing hobby, then learning how to knit or crochet or both is a great way to spend your free time.
Common ground
Both knitting and crochet patterns, video tutorials, and most written tutorials online are made for right-handed people.
If you have a dominant left hand, that doesn’t mean you can’t knit or crochet; you can easily follow all the patterns and tutorials and learn how to craft with your right hand.
But it’s a good idea to look up tutorials and patterns made for lefties.
The general rule is that you mirror the movements.
In knitting, it means that you move the stitches from the right needle to the left needle, and instead of wrapping the yarn counterclockwise around the needle, you wrap it clockwise.
In crochet, it means that you hold your hook with your left hand and your yarn with your right.
My best tips for you
- Whether you want to learn to knit or crochet, the starting process is the same.
- Choose the right type of project for you. Say no to large projects, read and watch tutorials, keep notes on your patterns, and take photos in a notebook.
- Practice again and again, don’t be afraid to try.
- Remember that nobody’s first project is perfect and amazing and keep that project forever, it will be a reminder of how far you’ve come.
- In the craft world, you are never alone; don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice.
- Plus, like all hobbies you are knitting or crocheting for fun, there is no maker’s police to dictate how you are going to hold your needles, which yarn to use, and how long it takes you to finish a project.
- When you are overwhelmed, take breaks and stretch.
Type Of Yarn
You will find that most yarns that can be used for knitting can also be used for crocheting, and vice versa.
Yarns are separated into weight categories by the craft yarn council.
There are different yarn weights numbered from 0-7, going from lace to jumbo.
From thinnest to thickest.
Related Content:
Reading yarn labels
Many yarn labels will include information for both knitting and crochet crafts.
Like the knitting needle size, the crochet hook size, and the gauge.
You will often find that due to the nature of the stitches, specific yarns work better for different knitted or crochet projects.
Everything you need to know about a specific yarn you will find on the yarn label – How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step)
Visit your local yarn store
For complete beginners, it’s always better to visit your local yarn store than shop online.
So, not only can you touch and feel the yarns, but the experts there can also help you choose the right yarn for your project.
Learn more about yarn types here – Yarn Types Explained: A Guide To Different Fibers
Knitting VS Crochet: Threads and stitches…
The type of item you are knitting, or crocheting will have a more significant influence on the kind of thread you will need to use, and not whether you are choosing to crochet or knit.
Often, you will find that knitting lends itself best to more delicate items, as the stitches are marginally flatter than those in crochet.
That’s why we tend to prefer to knit cozy sweaters, baby clothes, scarves, shawls, winter hats, and gloves.
Crochet stitches are slightly more ‘bumpy’, and therefore are great for projects such as washcloths, bath puffs (bath puff crochet pattern), or even face scrubbies (crochet face scrubbies pattern).
You can see similar crochet projects here. – Free Crochet Patterns
Is Knitting or Crocheting Easier?
The skills of crochet and knitting have many similarities, and there is a learning curve for both hobbies.
There is a longstanding argument as to which one is easier to learn first!
In my opinion, there are no hard and fast rules as to which method you should begin with.
One deciding factor if you’re torn between the two crafts is crochet, which can be slightly quicker than knitting, and you’ll begin to see your items take shape much faster than you would with a knitting project.
Worth bearing in mind if you’re someone who likes to complete their projects quickly!
Moreover, crochet can feel easier for new makers as it is a bit more forgiving when it comes to mistakes, and the sturdier fabrics make you feel like your stitches are safer.
Knitting VS Crochet: Try both and see what you can make…
To the question of knitting vs crochet, I can’t say which is best or which one you will like because it really comes down to you and your personal preference.
What I would recommend is to try out both before settling on one method, and see which one feels most natural to you.
Many beginners enjoy control over their knitting with two knitting needles, and some prefer the freer technique of crocheting.
Learning both methods can also be very useful for times when you would like to finish off an edge neatly with crochet stitches.
Whichever craft you decide to pick up first, teach yourself how to knit or how to crochet with my step-by-step guides and patterns in knitting basics or crochet basics.
