It’s time to hang up the gloves. The question of which is better–crocheting or knitting– has been discussed since the first sheep’s wool was spun into yarn.
Knitters hold their needles high as they offer delicate stitches and sweaters that took weeks to knit, while crocheters fight back with the functionality of their knotted work.
As someone who has been crocheting since she was 8 and knitting since she was 13, I want to end this argument for good.
Crocheting is Better Than Knitting. (Don’t tell me you couldn’t see that coming… I have a crochet blog.)
Here are 8 reasons why I believe crocheting is better than knitting:
1. Crocheting takes 30% more yarn than knitting. While some might view this as a disadvantage, I view it as a positive. Any compulsive crafter would have to agree. The bigger dent you make in your overwhelming yarn stash at one time, the better.
2. Crocheting uses one hook instead of two needles. Why finagle two things when it’s easier to hold just one?
3. Crocheting is faster. Knitters see patterns for 5 1/2-hour crochet afghans and cringe. They dream about the day they could make something that fast. For crocheters, making an afghan in two evening sittings isn’t anything new.
4. Crocheting is easier to learn. I’ll admit this one is subjective… but it’s factual and true.
5. You have more freedom when crocheting. Crocheters use one hook with one loop of yarn on it. Knitters, on the other hand, have perfectly aligned loops sitting obediently on their needles. Where’s the freedom? When crocheting, if you suddenly want to go over the side, go for it. Back the way you came? Sure – not a problem. Want to join something together? Just fold and stitch along the top. Folks, it doesn’t get more free than that.
6. You can easily make a crochet flower and other accessories. I put crochet flowers on pretty much every hat I crochet because I think they’re adorable. (In fact, I love making crochet flowers so much that I created a Video Tutorial on how to crochet a flower.) Patterns for knitted flowers involve no less than 12 steps and lots of sewing together. All that work takes the joy out of flowers.
7. There are less crochet patterns than knitting patterns. Also might seem like a downside, but the thrill of the hunt makes this a plus for crocheting. Finding a good crochet pattern is like finding GOLD. Hundreds of books have been written about knitting, but good crochet patterns are harder to trace down and more rewarding when you find them.
8. And finally, the most compelling part of the case: Crocheting creates a heavier, stretchier fabric. This heavier fabric is useful when making:
- Hats
- Scarves
- Afghans
- Baby Blankets
- Scrubbies & Dishcloths
- Dishtowels
- Bags
- Purses
- Cowls
- Socks/ Slippers
- Rugs
- Ponchos (are these still in?)
- Cozies (iPod, Coffee Cup)
- Pouches (Laptop, Cell Phone)
- Flowers
- Mittens or Gloves
- Amigurumi (little crocheted animals)
- Even Dog Sweaters are better crocheted.
Pretty much the only thing people would rather knit than crochet is a sweater. So for projects that are a sweater, pull out the knitting needles. For everything else, grab a hook because crocheting’s where it’s at.
And so, I think you will find that crocheting, as whole, is better than knitting. What’s your preference? Are you a one hook or a two needle crafter?
For an additional comparison between knitting and crocheting, read here: https://www.jjcrochet.com/knitting-vs-crocheting/.
Alexandre Pereira Costa
July 16, 2018OMG YES! I started knitting for fun and to make unique fashionable clothing for myself and friends, only to find out that it takes DAYS to make anything nice and that if you’re new to knitting, your lack of practice results in unevenness in your work. When I tried crochet a whole new world opened up to me. Suddenly missing a loop/ stitch from my needle wasn’t such a headache and I could make simple gifts and keychains in an hour or two with 3 or for YouTube tutorials and very little practice. I’m way more proficient at crochet after 3 weeks learning it than I was with a year of knitting
Michelle Shapiro
October 10, 2018I’m an intermediate knitter. But I’m tired of everything taking so long to make. I’ve decided to try crochet instead. I’ve seen some gorgeous patterns for crocheting. I’m going to try and learn online. I can’t wait to make something beautiful!
Keisha Guzik
October 14, 2018Although I agree that the density of some crochet makes it a studier choice for things like laptop sleeves and afghans, I would have to disagree about the stretchiness of crochet vs. knit. Even when I do a hdc blo to mimic knit ribbing, I still find that when stretched it doesn’t bounce back like, say, a stockinette knit hat.
But I had to chuckle at those who emphatically say knitting is far easier. I learned how to crochet as a young child and have retained the skill even with decades-long gaps in between picking up a hook, but I have tried tried tried to teach myself how to just do a basic knit as an adult, and I can’t for the life of me figure it out beyond casting on the needle! Everyone is different, thank goodness! 😉
Cindy
November 14, 2018What are you from mars? Knitting is a lot better than that yucky crochet!! Crochet is too wordy: blau, blau,blau… Knitting patterns are easy to under stand. Knit 2 or 3… or k2tog, kfb.very easy instructions. And there is no turning chains. Thank god for that. I gave up crochet years ago because it is horrible. I love knitting and have made so many wonderful things for myself and others. God bless the knitters.
Dawnel Hess
November 25, 2018I am so finicky and ocd about the edges on my finished products I made with crocheting I had to stop crocheting all together. I would rip out the stitches until my yarn was ripped to shreds from starting and stopping so much I just gave up. I would throw them into the trash after spending 50 dollars on yarn, crochet wasn’t for me and im very crafty. Im so happy I’ve changing to knitting and love my finished prodcts.
Annette
March 21, 2019I am disabled and in a wheelchair and bored to death with cabin fever! I needed a hobby and tried knitting first. I found it tedious and confusing. And then I tried crochet. The difference is amazing. I learned fast by watching a couple of YouTube videos. I never thought it would be this simple! I am finding so many cute patterns and have even created a few original patterns myself! I’m still a beginner but have already made something for everyone in my family. It’s fun and it’s definitely taking the edge off of my cabin fever issue. If you find patterns hard to read, be patient. They will start to make sense as you try different stitches and projects. I have started a binder with my favorite patterns and I’ve even included my original patterns! I take pride in all my projects. I plan to keep researching for more cool things I can create. Happy crocheting!
Heather
May 18, 2019Nope, crocheting is the worst.
Knitting is better
It’s prettier, no lumpy knotted mess
One word: lace
It doesn’t look like a throwback to the 70s
I learned to knit as a 7 year old. As hard as my girl scout leader tried, there was no way I was learning it
It’s easier on my wrists
It’s easier to read stitches and see where you went wrong
Super easy to fix mistakes be it a dropped stitch or a stitch that was knit wrong
Nope
Josephine R
May 27, 2019Crochet is King!! I don’t have the patience to learn knitting and everyone loves my crafts!
Doris Summers
June 18, 2019I agree wholeheartedly that crocheting is easier to learn than knitting! I have made several afghans and whenever I’ve shown them to friends or strangers they’re always saying how beautiful they are!
The thing is that I consider myself to be a beginner. Even though I’ve been doing this since 1993 or 1994! That’s when I first took a NEEDLE ARTS classes. On the other hand I knitting is hard to learn! The instructions may be simpler to read. Just don’t make any mistakes! It’s difficult to correct them. The stitches to learn are a whole easier to do when crocheting. I only use the single and double stitches and BOY my work looks sooo good I can’t believe that I made something that looks so good!
I don’t know if it’s because I use more than one color! And too that I add borders around my afghans! I treat the Afghan as if its a picture and I’m framing it with the borders.
Any mistakes made…just pull back the yarn until you reach the mistake! Or just stick over it on the next row! Lol🤣 I AM A ONE HOOK NEEDLE ART PERSON😃 LONG LIVE CROCHETING 🧶
Ann Halcomb
August 13, 2019Crocheting is the only way to go. One needle. Much easier to fix mistakes
Emily
September 17, 2019Woooow… All of the crochet haters… why are you on a crochet blog then?! I do both and I’d rather crochet than knit any day!
Emily Krauss
October 11, 2019I find knitting to be a lot easier then crochet. I love to knit but get too addicted by knitting at times and sometimes get tired of knitting. So now I am trying to learn how to crochet. I can only crochet one toque pattern but would love to become a lot better at crochet. I like the idea of using one hook instead of two needles.
Jeannine Fazande
October 17, 2019I love this article!
Crochet all the way!!
While cleaning my mom’s house after she passed away I came across a crochet hook and a little ball of yarn.
I learned by watching YouTube videos and have become really good at it. I surprised myself.
This was two years ago and I’m still”hooked” lol.
My brother in law is a knitter and is amazing! He tried to teach me but I can’t get the hang of it. I would love to learn but holding two needles is awkward and frustrating for me.
Eli Rae
November 15, 2019I’ve crocheted for 20 years. I learned when I was 19 and pregnant. Two years ago, I learned to knit. It was so much easier than learning to crochet. I felt like it took me all of those 20 years to perfect crocheting when now with my knitting I’m doing extremely “complicated” projects in practically no time at all! I only crochet now when someone asks specifically for something crocheted. Otherwise, it’s all knit! 🙂
Linda Hyatt
December 2, 2019I like crocheting over knitting . I like that it doesn’t take as long to do the project. Also I like the variety of stitch patterns by mixing the single crochet, half double, double crochet ,triple crochet, slip stitch , and chain.
Elisa Umaña
January 30, 2020I’m a knitter—have been since my grandma taught me when I was around 9 years old; I have tried crochet and, for the life of me, I haven’t been able to pick it up (grandma taught me to knit and my sister to crochet–she didn’t teach us to do both, for some reason). Although I am biased for knitting for the obvious reason that, it is the craft I have honed (still honing it—not yet a super awesome knitter, to be honest), I remember the pieces of art my grandma used to make and she had a marked predilection for crochet. It is faster, more flexible than knitting; however, I’ll try to find a knitting pattern over a crochet pattern, because I haven’t been able to stitch anything with a hook yet (not giving up, though–I’ll be able to make an amigurumi doll one day).
Tonda Creel
February 8, 2020I only crochet – trying to learn to knit, but I can’t seem to make a second row – but I’ve been crocheting since I was 7. Mom had 2 sick kids and wasn’t about to hand us needles!
I’ve made afghans and hats and scarves and home decor items and holiday ornaments of all kinds. Following patterns is easy – except for booties, I can’t get booties to turn out right (yet). The thing is, I don’t like patterns any more, my eyes aren’t what they used to be. I don’t know how knitting would be better, but I can sit down and crochet a hat from memory, and mistakes are just a new style. I make afghans and scarves that get all kinds of compliments, and I kind of wish I paid attention to how I made them…
The local hospice likes them, anyway.
Can knitting compare?
Mary K Sullivan Greenlee
February 14, 2020I have crocheted all my life and have always wanted to learn how to knit. Thru the magic of YouTube and the encyclopedia of knitting, I now do both. It seemed knitters looked down their noses at “crocheted, intimating knitting was more refined. Hogwash. I love them both. Each has its advantages and drawbacks. Room for everybody
Nora Ishibashi
February 14, 2020Don’t’ diss crochet sweaters. If you use the same gauge of yarn and the same diameter of needle, they are just as drapey and gorgeous as knit sweaters. And don’t forget tunisian crochet: It’s the best of both worlds: knitting and crochet. Check out some of the recent patterns for sweaters in both crochet and tunisian. They are fabulous.
Lynne Stranick
February 20, 2020I love crochet it is a beautiful craft.
Charly
February 21, 2020Crochet is a craft that cannot be made by a machine! Human hands only!
Elizabeth
February 22, 2020Where can i learn to crochet in the neighborhood of Mission Viejo..CA. ? elizabeth Kramer
kathleen
February 25, 2020I am struggling with crochet but knitting just looks like voodoo.
Deborah
March 17, 2020There are only 2 stitches in knitting: knit and purl. There are more in crocheting. Knitting creates a more flexible, drapey (is that a word) fabric.
If I make an error 10 rows down, there is an 85% chance I can fix it without ripping it out. No such luck with crochet; rip, rip, rip.
Which is faster? That depends on the person doing it. I can knit faster than most of my crochet friends.
There are a lot of patterns for both crafts.
Every knitter should know a little crochet; no need for crocheters to know knitting.
Julie W
March 31, 2020Love them both!!!!! Just depends on what I want to do, what patterns I find and the mood I’m in. They both take a little time to learn and practise makes perfect. After all, your own kids can be so different but you learn to admire their special traits and deal with the challenges while loving them equally, It doesn’t have to be Holden vs Ford, coast or mountains; embrace them both, widen your horizons and have a ball creating.
JJCrochet
April 16, 2020Drapey is indeed a word and I agree! Knitting lies nicer than crocheted pieces sometimes. Lots of loops and knits and purls. Glad you can do both!
JJCrochet
April 16, 2020You should give knitting a try if you’re having a tough time crocheting! Depends on how your brain works. 🙂
JJCrochet
April 16, 2020So true! It needs that human touch.
Helen
April 16, 2020Absolutely ☺️. I can do both but find crocheting much more creative. I love to experiment with stitches and if I don’t like it I only need to take the hook out and go back as far as I need to!!
Jayleen Galvan Medrano
May 10, 2020I’m a beginner at crocheting and it is really hard. Knitting doesn’t require anything except some needles and some skill, but crocheting requires A LOT OF SKILL. It’s much easier to do 2d knitting than 3d crocheting.
JJCrochet
May 16, 2020You’ll get there in no time! If you knit, you’re already good with making things with your hands. A little bit of practice and you’ll be an expert crocheter in no time. 🙂
Paige
May 21, 2020I enjoy both, but I’m really on a knitting kick at the moment. I learned both around the same time, but only crocheted seriously for a while! Got a new set of knitting needles about 18 months ago, and haven’t gotten tired of them yet! Knitting is better for garments and delicate work, while crochet is nice that it works up quickly and for 3D objects! Loving the debate
Lauren Phillips-Rugg
May 30, 2020Crochet is phenomenal. I’ve been crocheting for about 15 years and I haven’t ever tried to knit until tonight, and I threw my knitting needles to the side and said “FORGET IT”. it’s complicated. Crochet is never ending. You can make anything. Want a mini crochet cactus? Go for it, easy. Dishcloth? About 30 minutes is all you need. It’s so simple to do, SO FAST, and most of all satisfying and rewarding.
#Secret Superstar
June 7, 2020Omg! I am a total beginner, so when I found your website, I gained more confidence in believing that I had been right to choose crocheting over knitting! I just can’t seem to figure out how to do a chain! It’s like, impossible! But thanks to this website, you gave me the courage to try again! Love your site!
M.J.
September 8, 2020My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was six, and I’m just now taking up knitting (an astonishing thirteen years later). I can’t see why knitting is more popular. Crochet is so much more relaxing and enjoyable. I can whip up a granny-square dish rag in half an hour, while it takes me about two days to knit one (although, granted, the tighter weave of the knit dish rag makes it worth it).
Liv
November 14, 2020I love both for different reasons, but I’m team crochet. I love how flexible it is! It’s so easy to freehand all kinds of shapes, it’s almost like painting. It’s so quick and surprisingly practical for solving everyday problems. I’ve whipped up things on the fly for people a bunch of times (seatbelt covers, ear savers, even a wolf nose for a costume once). It’s amazing for baskets & other home decor.
Knitting is kind of hypnotic, and I tend to turn to it when I just want to zone out. It requires a lot less concentration and looking back at the pattern. I took up knitting because I kept seeing such lovely sweater patterns.
But a major disadvantage to knitting is how many different needles you need! At the very least you need a full set of interchangeable circular needles and double pointed needles to be able to make any pattern. It’s better to get a set upfront than buy endless fixed circular needles of different lengths & sizes, so it’s a pretty big investment. With crochet you just need a few hooks and you’re pretty much set for life, and you can buy them a la carte.
Honestly the #1 thing I dislike about knitting has nothing to do with actual knitting—it’s knitting culture! So snobby! A lot of older knitters are just plain mean. You walk into a fancy yarn store and ask for recommendations for amigurumi and they look at you like you have three heads. I think these obnoxious comments by knitters illustrate this perfectly. Crocheters tend to be friendlier and more down to earth. I’d love to start a crochet-centric yarn store!
JJCrochet
November 25, 2020Definitely agree – the amount of patterns available for knit sweaters makes it an enticing hobby! Crochet is definitely the “less cool” sister sometimes – more scrappy and free-form vs. the structure knitting world.
JJCrochet
November 25, 2020Welcome to the world of crochet! You’re in good company and so excited for you on your journey. Good luck – keep practicing and you’ll get the hang of it. 🙂
Samia
November 26, 2020I enjoy crocheting but wish I had persisted with my knitting lessons when I was younger. I gave up because the teacher started us rank beginners on slippers. That’s too hard for (most) beginner to knit and I just gave up. Stupid me. Knitting produces the most magnificent sweaters, that’s for sure.
Juliet Ng
May 13, 2021I attempted knitting years ago but a gave it up and then tried again only last year and this time I improved and stuck at it but still made mistakes like losing track of my pattern and forgetting which row I’m on. But no droop stitches this time not as much holes in my work . I still accidentally add extra stitches and the pattern goes wrong as I am still a beginner and am very slow 🐌 at making progress I am still practicing . But I Can’t crochet at all I made a few attempt s but could not grasp it I can’t do the chain I find it to difficult and I am a bit clumsy so I kept giving up and going back to knitting.
Connie Thurston
June 4, 2021I love them both equally for different reasons. I am faster at crochet so for a quick make it is my go to.
Oh and FINAGLE not phenangle
Christine Mullen
June 11, 2021Yes to all of the above!! 🙂 I have been saying these things ever since I started crocheting and people would say “wouldn’t you rather knit?” NO! Knitting makes fabulous sweaters, and I will gladly make one for someone if requested, but if you tell me you want a blanket or a beanie knitted instead of crocheted you can take your request to Walmart! I love your blog, this made me smile!
Kass
June 26, 2021I started to learn crocheting and knitting at around the same time. Right now my biggest obsession is lace. I’ve been trying to make a lace shawl for the summer and I started with knitting because I thought it would be easier but the thing is, all the existing lace patterns for knitting aren’t pretty enough and if I wanna make my own pattern for a pretty lace it takes the brain power of a rocket scientist (something I don’t have). I like that with crocheting, your circular work doesn’t deform and you can kind of see how it’ll look in the final product. I also like how you can just stuff your hooks wherever and make a new stitch. In my opinion, knitting is more for art with different colors of yarn rather than different kinds of shapes. But if I want to make flexible drapey curtains I’m probably going to opt for knitting. Each method has their own applications but yea crocheting is better.
Elaine Walsh
July 3, 2021Thanks for the information. I only know how to crochet, so I can’t honestly compare. I think I’m loyal to crochet because I learned from my sweet mother. And it keeps me challenged with endless variety. I have crocheted blankets, hats, socks, a cell phone cover, a dog poncho, a halter top, a pocket shawl, a sweater, wash cloths, Christmas ornaments, and market bags. And amigurumi: unicorn, rhino, seal, dogs of different breeds, parrot, Phoenix, coronavirus, cat, and tiger. Tunisian crochet produces a lovely knit-like stitch, but the process doesn’t feel as satisfying as classic crochet.
Sofi M
July 5, 2021I love crochet. I have been trying to joina knitting club and when I did I couldn’t get past casting on. I asked the instructor ‘Miss, where are the hooks?’ She said that they were somewhere hiding in the cupboard. Then I go into the cupboard and i see the box straight away. I haven’t looked at the knitting needles ever since. Knitting sucks. Crochet there are a few main stitches but then look online and you can find so many more and hundreds of different variations to each. They’re great!
Braveheart76
August 5, 2021I’m sitting on my deck working on an adorable crocheted poncho (YES, they still exist!) for my granddaughter and decided to google “crocheting is more fun than knitting”. I SO agree with you! I taught myself to crochet at age 16 and have been crafting crocheted garments, afghans (for literally everyone in my family) ever since. I remember one Christmas years ago when I was working my hubby through college and crocheted every single gift with yarn purchased on sale. Winter hats, scarves, potholders, little purses for cosmetics etc., etc. My crocheting skills helped me through those very lean times! Yes, I do knit and have made simple, gorgeous sweaters, and lots of cute scarves. But I always come back to crochet! Now I’m into Sylvia Cosh’s “scrumbling” freestyle crochet technique which means you can do ANYTHING you want to. This works for me because I’ve always designed my own patterns. I highly recommend her fabulous (out of print) books. I am bookmarking your website!
aka lady
August 11, 2021I love to knit and crochet on the same garment, MIX them. I find I can wing it and be more creative with crochet and somewhat limited with knitting but have made sweaters out of both without patterns. reading crochet patterns is mind boggling to me, but I have made a summer beach dress with crochet.
Hannah
October 1, 2021I started knitting first, years before I ever found a crochet needle. I have more knitting needles than I have crochet needles. (Bamboo, plastic, metal). That’s already a plus point in favor of crochet. Less time looking for a matching needle, cause you only got to find one. Haha.
I do have to agree with you, crocheting is better. There are infinitely more intricate patterns and textured stitches with crochet.(case points: crochet roses, crocodile stitch) Crochet is so versatile. That was the main reason why I switched to it because I can only knit so many cables. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough patterns for things with crocheting because IDK why people prefer to knit.
avril
October 19, 2021I knit and crochet .. crochet is for amigurumi and some types of lace shawls (like the virus shawl) everything else, especially any type of apparel, is knitted because the resulting fabric is finer and more elegant looking .. I don’t mind the extra time it takes – I think it’s totally worth it
Maya
October 21, 2021I learned to crochet at the ago of 14. My aunt taught me how to make a square blanket. I spent years on and off practicing that same blanket style. It wasn’t until college that I discovered there was a whole other world out there of crochet. I taught myself how to make amigurumi and baby clothes. I would consider myself advanced at crochet.
A few years ago I decided I wanted to learn how to knit. I had always been intimidated by the art but tried anyway. I only just got the hang of it recently after trying on and off. So far I am loving it. Although it takes longer for a pattern to work up I enjoy the pattern being easy to read and the work looking so put together.
In my opinion I prefer knitting for sweaters, slippers, socks, baby rompers, and shawls. I prefer crochet for toys, baby booties, and blankets. It doesn’t matter which I choose when it comes to making hats and diaper covers. I find that knitting clothing just looks neater when I do it vs crochet. I have seen a lot of knitting patterns for toys and I am not really a fan. I love crocheting amigurumi the most.