Crochet vs Knitting
What’s the difference (and does it really matter?)
Across the globe, knitting and crochet is an increasingly popular craft. Both are ways of turning a humble ball of yarn into a marvellous creation - yet are fundamentally very different styles of yarn-craft. Different tools, techniques and the finished appearance of fabric created is what sets these crafts apart.
I’m here to make things crystal clear, and the next time someone confuses the two, you can show them this so they can educate themselves (and save your sanity!).
Tools
The most obvious difference (though apparently is not that obvious) between knitting and crochet is the tools used.
Knitting typically requires two knitting needles (though more may be used in circular knitting when making things like socks). As you work, you keep a number of loops “live” on your needle. For some this can be rather tricky, especially when it comes to sliding a worked stitch over from one needle to another.
Crochet uses just one crochet hook. Unlike knitting, crocheting requires you to only have one live loop on the hook at any one time (with a slight exception made when doing Tunisian Crochet when more loops are kept on the hook - but this really is a different craft and doesn’t fall within the scope of this blog!).
Stitches
As mentioned above, when knitting the stitches created all stay on the knitting needles in a row together. A row is complete when all stitches have passed from one needle to the other. A dropped stitch can easily cause disaster and result in work unravelling if you’re not careful.
Crocheting only requires you to have one loop on your crochet hook at a time. A stitch is completed before moving on to the next. Meaning if your hook slips and a stitch goes AWOL, it won’t cause anything to majorly unravel as if worked properly, once a stitch is made, it can’t become undone because the stitch above it isn’t complete. Because of this, is it much easier to fix a mistake as you can only undo one stitch at a time and work back until you reach your point of error, without needing to worry about holding onto any stitches below or around.
You can think of the difference like this:
Knitting is the act of creating woven fabric.
Crocheting is the act of creating individual building blocks (stitches) that combine together to make a fabric.
Fabric
Although you can both knit and crochet similar items like hats, jumpers or toys, the final “fabric” created by each technique is very different.
Knitted fabric has a woven look to it that is smooth with a slight stretch (depending on what type of yarn has been used). The stitches created are characterised by their “V” shape.
Unlike knitting which creates a woven style of fabric, crocheted items are often thicker, heavier and have more texture to them. The stitches appear more like knots or interlocking chains.
If you’re after a heavier final fabric for things such as weighted blankets, crochet could be your friend. If you want to make a shawl that has a light and airy drape to it, knitting might be the better choice.
Regardless of your preference, there’s thousands of resources out there to help you choose which craft will be right for you.
Need for speed
Many find crochet a faster craft when it comes to getting finished results. This is due to the stitches created being larger which means projects grow quickly - especially if you’re using a chunky yarn.
Knitting, although may feel slower growing especially for beginners, can still work up in a reasonable time. Once you get going and find your rhythm knitting can be a very relaxing and steady craft.
Is either a “beginners” craft?
Crochet is often considered to be more beginner friendly than knitting - but as with everything in the world, different people find different things easier than others, and the topic of ease is subjective.
Despite needing more co-ordination when you first start knitting, once you get to grips with the stitches the repetitive motion of knitting is easy to fall in love with.
Crochet is thought to be easier because you’ve got less tools and stitches to use at once (i.e one crochet hook with one live stitch on the hook at any one time), but I’ve had many knitters through our shop door who’ve wanted to learn to crochet but just can’t get their heads around it- and vice versa.
I knit and I crochet, and although technically I have been knitting longer than I have been crocheting, I still couldn’t say whether either is easier than the other - simply because they’re two very different styles of yarn craft!
What can you make?
Both crafts can make similar things, but each have their own niches where the techniques really compliment the final pieces.
Ideal for crochet:
Blankets
Stuffed toys
Bags
Lace doilies
Wall hangings - or tapestries
Ideal for knitting:
Jumpers
Socks
Scarves
Hats
Mittens
But these lists are not exhaustive, and you can make knitted toys just as much as you can crochet them. The only limitations you may find is those that publish patterns for what you seek to make.
Knitting or crochet? Or both?
The truth is, you don’t have to choose between them. You can treat them as the separate crafts that they are without needing to do both, or feel bad about knowing how to do only one.
Each craft can help strengthen your knowledge and understanding of different yarn types, tension and design, but you’re allowed to have your preferences.
Knitting and crochet are just two examples of crafts that involve yarn. There are endless crafts out there. Here at Oddkin & Co we specialise in knitting and crochet because that’s what we know. But these are just two of many crafts that revolve around the use of yarn.
The best is the one that you enjoy, that keeps you happy and your mind and hands busy.
So grab some yarn, pick up a crochet hook or a pair of knitting needles, and let your imagination run wild whilst creating your next masterpiece!