If you like creating things with yarn, knitting or crocheting might be a fun new hobby. While both handicrafts share similarities, they aren't the same. Let’s look at them in more detail to help you decide between knitting vs. crocheting.
Table Of Contents
- What Is Knitting?
- What Is Crochet?
- Knitting Vs. Crochet: Differences
- Knitting Vs. Crochet: Similarities
- Other Similar Crafts
- Basic Tools And Supplies For Knitting And Crochet
- Next Steps
What Is Knitting?
Knitting is a handicraft using knitting needles and yarn to create different projects. With knitting, you form stitches by looping the yarn over and around the needles.
The loops created in this craft form rows visible on both sides of the fabric, and a knitted item appears to be made of small loops of yarn and V-shaped stitches.
What Is Crochet?
Crochet is another craft that utilizes yarn to create things, but instead of a pair of needles, it requires a single crochet hook. As you make loops, you attach them directly into one chain. This creates a secure knot that holds the stitches in place.
Crochet appears to be interlocking chains and tiny knots. The stitches look different on each side, with one side having a patterned look, while the other has bumps along the edge.
Knitting Vs. Crochet: Differences
The two crafts may look similar, but as we mentioned briefly above, knitting and crochet have different techniques and outcomes. Here are the key differences.
Skills
Since knitting uses two different needles, it requires two hands and the ability to manipulate two needles simultaneously. Also, these needles don't have a hook on the end to catch the yarn. That means you may drop a lot of stitches, especially as a beginner.
Crochet only requires one hand and one hook, making it easier to learn. In addition, the hook keeps your stitches in place, so even beginners can see results quickly.
Tools
As we mentioned, knitting requires special knitting needles. These come in different sizes depending on the project and yarn you use. But you may also need additional tools, such as stitch markers, knitting or cable needles, and scissors.
On the other hand, crochet requires a crochet hook. These come in multiple sizes as well, so check to see which one you need for the projects you want to tackle.
Stitch Formation
When knitting, you form stitches by wrapping the yarn over and around a knitting needle. If you accidentally drop a stitch, you can unravel the entire project.
When crocheting, you form stitches by looping the yarn around and through your hook. This creates a more secure stitch that is less likely to come undone if dropped.
Final Product
Once you get the hang of knitting, you can create smooth pieces of knitted fabric. You’ll often recognize knitted items due to their soft texture and structure.
Knitting works well for creating garments (such as sweaters or mittens), accessories (like a scarf), or even stuffed animals.
Crochet, on the other hand, is best known for its textured look due to the intricate chains and knots that are formed along the way. It's not as flexible as a knitted piece since the knots prevent the fabric from stretching.
Common crocheted items include toys, bookmarks, home accessories, and shawls.
Knitting Vs. Crochet: Similarities
Despite their differences, knitting and crochet have a few similarities. Let’s look at them below!
Require The Same Basic Supplies
Both knitting and crochet use yarn to make projects, although the type of yarn used will vary per project.
You’ll also need scissors and a measuring tape.
Use Similar Fine Motor Skills
While the exact movements differ from one craft to another, knitting and crochet require
fine motor skills. You must manipulate the yarn and stitch in precise ways to create the desired effect.
Your hands and fingers may cramp at first as they get used to the new motion. You may also feel awkward and clumsy. But don’t worry – if you keep practicing, you’ll develop muscle memory and be able to knit or crochet without thinking about your finger movements.
At that point, you’ll be able to craft even faster.
Take Patience And Practice To Master
Any new skill requires patience, especially in the beginning. When you’re first learning, you’ll make mistakes. This means you may not get the results you want right away.
But as you continue to practice and hone your knitting or crochet skills, you'll be able to create beautiful pieces.
Keep Your Hands Busy
Both knitting and crocheting are good contenders if you like to keep your hands busy while watching TV or riding in the car. And you can easily store your projects in a bag and work on them from anywhere.
Can Be Relaxing
Finally, either hobby can help you relax and create something special. The click-clack of the knitting needles or the gentle movements of crocheting is soothing to many.
And once you get in the rhythm, it can be a great way to destress and calm your mind as you turn yarn into something else.
So whether you go for knitting or crocheting, you'll be able to make all kinds of things!
Knitting Vs. Crochet: Which Should You Learn?
Now that you know a little more about the differences and similarities between knitting and crocheting, which one should you choose?
While there isn’t a right or wrong decision on which handicraft to start with, here are some questions you can ask yourself before you pick one.
Do You Have Any Handicraft Experience?
Crochet is considered easier to learn if you're just starting to stitch yarn together. Knitting might be a good choice for you if you're looking for a challenge.
However, please know that both crafts can be learned with a bit of practice. So if you want to knit, don’t let the fact that it’s a bit more complicated hold you back.
Do You Already Own Tools For Either Craft?
When deciding between knitting and crocheting, peek inside your craft cupboard. If you already have knitting needles or a crochet hook, that’ll reduce the number of supplies you need to purchase.
Which Sounds More Fun To You?
Knitting and crocheting are both enjoyable hobbies. But some people naturally prefer one over the other. Stop and think for a few minutes. Envision yourself sitting in a comfortable chair, using your hands to make something.
In your daydreams, are you knitting or crocheting? Your answer might be the one you subconsciously think would be better for you.
How Much Time Do You Have?
Crocheting typically goes faster than knitting, so keep that in mind if time is limited.
However, remember that the type of project you create also impacts how much time it’ll take. For example, you can knit a quick dishcloth before you can crochet a sweater.
Do You Want To Make Clothing?
Knitting might be a better choice if you dream of making your own clothes. The knots you create with knitting are more delicate, which means sweaters and shawls will drape better. While you can crochet some clothing items, you’ll have more knitting patterns to choose from.
Are You Interested In Making Home Decor?
Many quick and easy items to crochet are in the home decor category. These include:
- Coffee cozies
- Blankets
- Bookmarks
- Potholders
- Coasters
- Puff flowers
- Face scrubbies
- Wind spinners
- Plant hangers
- Pillows
- Ornaments
While you can get knitting patterns for some of these things if you’re planning on creating a lot of items for your home, crocheting might be a better choice for you.
Do You Know Someone Who Can Teach You In Person?
In today’s world, YouTube videos abound on knitting and crocheting. You can always watch a few to help you get started.
But there’s nothing like getting help from a real live human. If one of your friends or relatives can knit or crochet, see if they’d be willing to teach you the basics of the craft. This personalized help can jumpstart your progress.
Other Similar Crafts
Knitting vs. crochet is one of many choices if you're looking for a new craft to try. If neither of them sounds quite right to you after giving the decision more thought, here are a few other alternatives with similar characteristics.
Macrame
When you create macrame projects, you use your hands to tie knots in rope, yarn, or twine. This is an excellent craft for making wall art, plant hangers, and more.
Embroidery
You can create intricate designs on fabric with the right needle and some embroidery thread. This needlepoint craft is great for decorating pillows and adding personalized messages to clothing.
Weaving
Weaving is done on a loom and allows you to create patterns with yarn or fabric. You can use this craft to make scarves, blankets, rugs, and more.
Cross Stitch
A cross stitch is a type of embroidery you can use to make images on fabric. It's created by making tiny, x-shaped stitches out of thread. The result? A beautiful piece of art!
Tatting
Tatting involves using a shuttle to create knots and loops that form lacy designs. It's frequently used to make jewelry, coasters, and other small accessories.
Since there's only one stitch used in this old-fashioned craft, it's a great option for beginners.
Basic Tools And Supplies For Knitting And Crochet
Once you decide, you can get started knitting or crocheting by picking up a few simple tools and quality yarn, like the Combed Cotton from GANXXET.
Here's a look at some beginning supplies for each craft.
Supplies For Both
No matter which craft you choose, you'll need some basic materials. These include:
- Sharp scissors
- A measuring tape
- Yarn (Remember that we have a massive selection at GANXXET, so you can find the perfect thread for any project.)
When selecting your yarn, it’s important to start with your final project in mind. For example, if you’re crocheting some baby booties, a blend of organic cotton and Merino superwash is an excellent choice. It’s soft and washable.
If you’re knitting a chunky blanket, you need a yarn with a bit more bulk, like our Chunky Art Wool. Check your pattern and see what type of yarn is recommended. That way, you’ll have what you need.
After you’ve done a project or two, feel free to experiment with different fibers. Then, you can create something truly unique.
Knitting Supplies
To knit your first project, you need a pair of knitting needles to work your yarn. Needles come in different sizes, so it can take time to decide which one to start with. Consider the type of knitting project you’re making, and then check the pattern to see what size needle you need.
As far as needle material goes, bamboo needles often work best for beginners. The wood creates friction that helps keep your loops from falling off the needle. Though the metal needles tend to be cheaper, you may lose more stitches if you start with them.
Crochet Supplies
For crochet, you'll need a crochet hook to create loops. When choosing a hook, again, pay attention to the size. Most hooks are marked with a number that indicates their size. The bigger the number, the bigger the hook (and vice versa).
You'll want to check your pattern for the proper size, but if you pick up a hook set, you’ll be sure to have what you need on hand.
Regarding materials, aluminum hooks are a popular choice for beginners. That’s because aluminum helps create smooth stitches and doesn't cause too much strain on your hands.
Next Steps
You’ve decided between knitting vs. crochet and picked up your basic supplies. Now it’s time to start creating. To help you get there, here are a few next steps to take.
Learn The Basics
Once you have your supplies, it’s time to learn the basics. You’ll need to master:
- How to put the yarn onto the hook or needle
- How to make basic stitches, such as the chain stitch or how to knit and purl
- Reading patterns – each craft has its own unique abbreviations on patterns, so make sure you understand what each one means
- How to count your stitches
- What to do if you drop a stitch or make a mistake
As with any other skill, the more you practice, the easier it will become. To encourage you to keep trying, let’s look at some simple knitting and crocheting projects you can try.
Try A Project
Now that you understand how to knit or crochet and can do the basic stitches, try your hand at your first real project.
Knitting Projects For Beginners
If you decide to take up knitting, here are five simple things you can do.
Dishcloths
Keep your dishes clean with these simple dishcloths.
Scarves
When it’s cold outside, a knitted scarf can help keep you warm and cozy.
Baby Blankets
Some blankets can be complicated, but this one is perfect for beginning knitters.
Headband
Want to keep your ears warm, but not really into hats? This super simple knitted headband is a great solution!
Simple Sweater:
Once you’re ready to tackle a larger project, you should try making this beautiful sweater.
Beginner Crochet Projects
Did you decide that crochet was more up your alley? Build your skills with these simple beginner-friendly projects.
Coasters
Keep water off of your furniture with these easy-to-make coasters.
Bookmarks
Never lose your spot in a book again! These heart-shaped bookmarks are a fun way to keep your place.
Bracelets
If you’re looking for a super quick project, try knocking out one of these cute bracelets.
Granny Square
This classic crochet block is versatile. You can stitch them together to make bags, blankets, and more.
Coffee Cozy
Keep your fingers from getting burned on a hot cup with this coffee cozy.
Give Yourself Breaks
Learning new things is challenging and frustrating at times. If you’re getting annoyed or mad, take a break. Do something else for a while and then return to your knitting or crocheting.
Remember that it’s not a race, so take it slow and be patient.
Yarn, Needles, And Hooks, Oh My!
No matter which of these crafts you choose, a bit of yarn and time can transform into something special. So take what you've learned about knitting vs. crochet and decide which one you want to try first. Then, pick up the supplies you need to get started.
Check out the fantastic array of yarn from GANXXET to get the perfect spool for your project. You may end up with a knitting or crocheting addiction. It could be the start of something beautiful!
