If you’ve found yourself inexplicably drawn to the yarn section of craft stores, you may be looking to learn the differences between crocheting vs. knitting.
Some crocheters also knit and knitters have been known to crochet. There’s a benefit to being able to do both, though some crafters prefer to just do one. I’ve been crocheting for 18 years and knitting for 14. Over the years, I’ve found benefits for each.
Knitting and crocheting are different, though are the same at their core: You’re creating something from yarn and a needle or hooks by following a pattern. Learning both will allow you to choose which is better for your particular project whether you’re making a dog sweater or a tea cozy.
The table below outlines basic differences I’ve found between knitting and crocheting. You may have found the opposite, this is what I’ve experienced over the years. Review to learn if you’d make a coordinated crocheter or knowledgeable knitter.
| Crocheting | Knitting | |
|---|---|---|
| Tools | One Hook & Yarn | Two Needles & Yarn |
| Basic Stitch Motion | Loops & Knots | Loops |
| Active Stitches at Any Time | 1 | All |
| Number of Basic Stitches | 10 | 2 |
| Fabric Texture | Coarse & Thick | Smooth & Flat |
| Construction Method | Spacial: Turns or Irregular Shapes | Linear:Limited by Loops on Needles |
| Correcting Mistakes | Easy: Rip Out Stitches | Medium: Unknit without Dropping Stitches |
| Flexibility in Patterns | High: Easy to Free-Form | Medium: Harder to Free-Form |
| Average Project Time | Medium: Stitches are Bigger & Projects Work up Faster | High |
| Yarn Needed | More: Crocheting Takes 1/3 more Yarn | Less |
| Availability of Patterns | Medium | High |
| Best Used For | Wearable Accessories (Hats or Scarves) & Afghans | Sweaters & Wearables |
| Ease of Learning | Depends on you! | Depends on you! |
Leave a comment of what you think. What have you found to be better for your crafting: knitting or crocheting?