Every hobby attracts people for different reasons. Take knitting and crocheting. Some people like to knit because they enjoy the feeling of using knitting needles and the variety of projects they can do.
Other people enjoy the feeling of a crochet hook in between their fingers and prefer to create with these tools.
If you’re just beginning with crochet or knitting and you’re wondering how to decide which is the better craft for you, this article will give you a head start. So, let’s dive right into the differences between crochet and knitting.
Crocheting vs. Knitting
The most obvious difference between crocheting vs. knitting is the tool used to work the thread. Knitting is completed using two knitting needles, and crochet is done by hand using one hook.
Unlike crochet, which can only be done by hand, knitting can either be done with a loom (an old-fashioned device for tapestry and textiles), machine, or hand. The risks are higher with knitting, as one wrong move could cause the entire project to unravel.
Crochet is more flexible, and each stitch can be undone, which makes it ideal if you make a mistake and want to go back a few steps. No matter which craft you pick, there are endless options for projects that can keep you busy for a lifetime.
You can make everything from scarves, jumpers, and dresses to children’s toys, pillowcases, and baskets. Depending on your lifestyle, there’s a crochet or knitting project for everyone.
Pattern Options
The patterns involved in crocheting vs. knitting are similar; both crafts can produce wonderful garments using the correct techniques. In general, more knitting patterns are available for clothing than for crochet.
Knitting is the better choice if you want a wider range of options. Crochet requires more creativity if you want to expand out of the typical designs, but nothing stops you from using existing patterns and adding your unique spin to the design.
As long as you have an open mind, you can make hundreds of crochet garments using a few simple designs and changing color tones.
Here is a list of the best garments that you can knit:
- Scarves
- Baby clothes
- Socks
- Gloves
- Shawls
- Sweaters
- Shirts
- Dresses
If you want to crochet clothes, these are the patterns you should look out for:
- Baby blankets
- Cardigans
- Beanies
- Bags
- Hats
The final aesthetic is the other thing to consider when deciding between both crafts. That’s why learning about the stitching technique and how it looks when the project is completed is essential.
Crochet vs. knitting create very different looks, so pay attention to the stitches when picking your needles or hooks at your local shop. Otherwise, you could spend days making a cardigan that isn’t what you were expecting.
Stitching Techniques
Stitching techniques can get complicated if you’ve never knitted or crocheted in your life. For most people, woolen jumpers might appear similar at first glance, but the difference lies in the detail of the stitches.
Crochet involves making one stitch at a time using a chain of tiny knots to create a single chain stitch. You make repeated stitches using one hook, row after row.
Knitting requires you to manage yarn between two needles working into a “V” shape. One needle holds the last stitch, and the other makes the new stitch.
The similarity between both crafts is that you need to pull the yarn through the loops on your hook or needle. Knitting is a little more complex as you have to keep a note of several stitches on your needle.
Some people use machines to make their knitting projects as they can produce accurate stitches without the hassle of counting rows by themselves and memorizing stitches. You can’t use a machine for crochet, which means it’s one of the few crafts left that needs to be done by hand.
Crochet can be more relaxing and meditative as it’s easier and more straight-forward. Knitting can offer a more stylish look, so it depends on what’s important to you.
Learn These Stitches
To help you get a head start with knitting, learn these basic stitches to begin with:
For crochet, you can practice these basic stitches, which can be used in your beginner projects:
- Chain stitch
- Half double crochet stitch
- Double crochet stitch
- Treble crochet stitch
- Single crochet stitch
- Slip stitch
Learning the abbreviations for knitting and crochet terms is also a good idea as you learn the skills. When you buy or download patterns, you’ll be given a list of words and abbreviations, making it easier to follow guides.
For now, you don’t need to worry about abbreviations, and you should just focus on learning how to complete each of the stitches. You won’t know what works for you until you’ve tried a few stitches.
Explore crochet and knitting to see what you prefer!
Is the Yarn Different?
Knitting vs. crocheting can use the same yarn, whether you’re making clothing or blankets. Typically, knitters and crocheters use equal amounts of yarn for projects, so one craft won’t usually cost more than the other, if that’s a factor.
There are hundreds of options when choosing yarn, so it’s essential to do some research before buying. For instance, acrylic yarn is the most common choice for beginners as it’s affordable and comes in many colors.
But, if you want to create a thick blanket, it might not be the best choice. Alternatively, wool or silk will cost more, but it feels incredible and lasts longer, making it ideal for making scarves or jumpers. Most crafters will have a supply of different yarns to switch between them for projects.
It’s a good idea to keep your more expensive wool for making important projects and experiment with new designs using acrylic yarn. This way, you can keep your production costs low and still make beautiful garments or toys!
Another great yarn choice is cotton, as it feels soft, which is suitable for making amigurumi. But cotton can also be used for creating bunting in spring or summer. Based on the time of year, you can change your yarn as the seasons change.
Beyond material, yarn comes in different weights. The weight you choose will depend on the pattern and what you’re making. This applies to both crochet and knit.
And, if you live on a homestead with your own supply of wool, you can use it for knitting or crocheting.
How to Decide Between Knitting and Crocheting
Crochet and knitting are similar, but details like hooks and needles and stitching methods set them apart. Here are some pros and cons of each craft to give you a better understanding of how to learn them.
Pros and Cons of Knitting
Knitting is one of the most popular methods for creating clothes because the stitches are delicate and fine, which makes it versatile for creating a range of different textures.
There are more patterns for knitting that allow you to do various projects, whereas crochet is more limited.
The downside of knitting is that it’s challenging to learn, and many people give up once they can’t master the basic stitches. It also takes longer than crochet to complete, and it’s harder to fix mistakes when they arise during a project.
But knitting could be your new favorite hobby if you have patience and enjoy logical projects with straightforward guides!
Pros and Cons of Crocheting
Crochet is one of those unique hobbies that can hook you instantly the moment you pick up a skein. The best part about crochet is that it’s easy to learn if you use basic stitches. After you know how to do a chain stitch, you’ll be able to progress quickly.
That doesn’t mean you can learn more complex patterns, but you don’t have to if you want to stick to easy stuff.
Crochet is a great way to pass your time if you want a quick and relaxing hobby. If you make a mistake, you just unravel the last few stitches and start again. This is great if you’re anxious about learning and don’t want to make a mistake or if you get frustrated easily.
The negative side of crochet is that you need to be more inventive with your design ideas, as there aren’t as many patterns available. It’s also not ideal for clothing that needs to be delicate and fine.
Why not try both if you don’t want to decide between crochet or knitting?
Start today and see where the journey takes you!
