Knitting Vs Crochet: What’s The Difference + Which Is Easier?

“What’s the difference between crochet and knitting, and which should I learn first?”

I get this question a lot, so I built a resource to help explain knitting vs. crochet and the benefits of each. I continue to build this page to answer your questions, so please leave a comment if something isn’t covered.

This post contains affiliate links.

Jump to:

• Quick Start: Crochet Vs Knit
• Knitting Versus Crochet
• Is Crocheting or Knitting Easier for Beginners?
• Skills Required
• What Can I Make?
• Essential Tools
• Pros and Cons of Knitting Vs Crocheting
• Comparing Crochet and Knit
• So Which Should You Learn First?
• FAQs
• Free Crochet Patterns
• Free Knitting Patterns
• Invitation to our Facebook group

Knitting Versus Crochet

Let’s kick off with the basics: both crafts use a tool to turn yarn into fabric. You can probably whip up whatever you want with either (except crochet granny squares), so the choice really boils down to which technique and texture tickle your fancy.

Before making a choice between knitting or crocheting, it’s handy to learn a bit about each.

What is Crochet?

Crochet is a way to turn yarn into fabric using a magic wand – well, actually, it’s a special hook. You wrap the yarn around the crochet hook and pull it through loops to create your fabric, one loop at a time. 

Check out our beginner’s guide to crochet and helpful tutorials for more tips and tricks!

What is Knitting?

Knitting is a craft technique that involves using two needles and yarn to create a fabric of interlocking loops. Multiple stitches are shuffled from one needle to the other, creating fancy patterns and textures.

Is Crocheting or Knitting Easier for Beginners?

Truth be told, there’s no right or wrong answer here. Both crafts come with their own set of challenges and perks. And some people will take to one like a duck to water but never be able to master the other. 

The Case For Crochet

New crocheters may struggle to maintain consistent tension. Getting this right is crucial to making sure your stitches look neat and stay the right size.

Crochet stitches involve more mini steps, so they can take a bit more memorization to learn. On the other hand, fixing mistakes is easier than in knitting.

The Case For Knitting

Knitting can seem intimidating for newbies because it involves juggling two needles and keeping track of several active stitches at once. The benefit though is that there are fewer steps involved in making each stitch, so the mechanics can feel easier for some people.

Both hobbies are wonderfully meditative and creative though, so let’s look at the specifics of each.

Skills Required

Crochet and knitting each build on a few foundational techniques. Once you learn these, you’ll be well on your way to turning a simple ball of yarn into something beautiful!

Basic Crochet Techniques

These are the essential skills you’ll practice when first learning to crochet.

As you progress, you’ll quickly learn to increase and decrease, change colors, and expand your stitch repertoire! 

Basic Knitting Techniques

As a beginner, you’ll work to master the following techniques.

As your skills develop, you’ll quickly move on to increasing and decreasing to shape fabric and learn how to add ribbing to a project.

What Can I Make?

This is perhaps the most important question of all! While crochet and knitting are both extremely versatile, it can be helpful to consider what types of items you want to create when choosing which craft to learn. 

Crochet Project Types

Crochet lets you whip up all the same cozy items as knitting – and then some! Here’s what I love crafting the most:

• Amigurumi toys
• Baby blankets and larger afghans
• Granny square patterns
• Clothing items like unique hexagon cardigans, winter hats, and chunky mittens 
• Home decor accessories, such as storage baskets, pillows, and even handmade potholders

Knitting Project Types

Knitting is fantastic for creating stretchy, super-snuggly items like sweaters, socks, shawls, and scarves. Its natural elasticity and texture are also ideal for detailed accessories such as hats and gloves.

While the look of classic knit stitches can be created with crochet, you can’t beat the elasticity of true knit fabric. Many crafters choose to crochet stuffed animals, but you can also knit plushies – they might just take a bit longer.

Similarly, reversible knitting stitches can be gorgeous for blankets if you’re willing to invest time in a slower-to-progress project.

Essential Tools

Of course the key ingredient for both crafts is the same – yarn! Let’s take a look at what else you need.

Materials for Crochet

The supplies needed to get started are quite straightforward. All you need is a single crochet hook and some yarn.

The hooks come in all shapes, sizes, and materials – plastic, metal, bamboo, you name it. Try a few to find your favorite, and then invest in a set of assorted sizes.

Pro Tip: If you’re following a pattern, a hook size will be recommended. If you’re just getting started with a practice swatch though, you can look at your yarn label for a recommended hook size. 

Materials for Knitting

You’ll need some yarn and a set of needles to get started with knitting. There are several different types and sizes of knitting needles, each with its own specific use:

• Straight needles: Typically used for flat pieces.
• Circular needles: For knitting in the round and larger, flat projects like blankets.
• Double-pointed needles: Used to produce seamless tube-shaped items, such as socks.
• Cable needles: These nifty tools create intricate twists and cable patterns.

Shortcut: If you’re just starting out, simply buy a set of straight or circular needles in the size suggested on your yarn label.

Pros and Cons of Knitting Vs Crocheting

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits and challenges of each craft.

Cost and Tools

Starting any new craft will mean spending a few bucks to get started. Here’s some of the tools you’ll need and an idea of how much you’ll need to budget.

Feature	Knitting	Crochet
Tools	Uses two needles. Other notions: stitch markers, scissors, a tapestry needle, and a row counter can also be helpful.	Uses one hook. Other notions: stitch markers, scissors, a tapestry needle, and blocking mats and pins (optional).
Yarn	Uses yarn more efficiently, requiring less than similar-sized crochet projects.	Uses up 30% more yarn, so you’ll have to replenish your supplies more often.
Cost	Prices can range between $30-100 for a decent starter kit, as it can require a larger set of tools.	You’re looking at around $25-40 for a good set of hooks in varying sizes.

Is Crochet or Knitting Faster?

Generally speaking, crochet works up faster than knitting because the stitches take up more space. So, if quick crafty wins appeal, then crochet might be the one for you.

Although the methods for creating stitches are wildly different, both crafts start with basic, easy-to-learn stitches.

Fixing Mistakes

Even experienced crocheters and knitters make mistakes! Most people who’ve dabbled in both yarn crafts will probably agree that correcting knitting blunders is trickier. 

Crochet: One of the best benefits is how easy it is to undo any mistakes. This is because each stitch is made independently. If you realize you’ve made a mistake, you can pull out the yarn up to the error and restart from there. Easy-peasy!

Knitting: Dropped stitches can cause other stitches to unravel, too. If you make a mistake, ripping back work and picking up the stitches can be fiddly and time-consuming. This makes keeping track of the stitches on your needle super important. 

Fabric Drape and Texture

You can create richly textured and gorgeously drapey fabric with both fiber arts, but there are some subtle differences between the two.

Feature	Knitting	Crochet
Drape	The interlocking stitches create a smooth, flexible fabric with a fantastic drape.  This makes it ideal for clothing.	Crochet stitches typically produce a denser fabric with less stretch and drape.  Openwork, lacy stitches can create lighter garments with more flexibility.
Texture	Specific stitches, such as ribbing, moss stitch, and cable knit patterns, can achieve subtle texture.	There is greater texture variety possible using 3D stitches like bobble, popcorn, and puff.

Creating Shapes

For most knitting projects, you’ll work flat fabrics, though you can shape your work to some degree using different stitches.

To create 3D shapes like socks, you’ll need a full set of double-pointed or circular needles. This method can be challenging for beginners but is popular among expert knitters.

On the flip side, crochet can produce flat fabrics or intricate 3D shapes like amigurumi by working in the round. I’ve found it very tricky to reproduce my flip-flop crochet patterns, for example, with knitting.

Comparing Crochet and Knit

Let’s recap some of the similarities and differences between knit vs crochet. Plus, I sprinkled in a few extra thoughts for you to consider.

Feature	Knitting	Crochet
Tools	Uses two needles.	Uses one hook.
Cost	$30-100 for the different types of knitting needles.	$25-40 for a set of hooks in various sizes.
Active Stitches	Keeps many stitches open on the needles.	Has one active stitch at a time.
Speed	Can be slower to make progress because the stitches are relatively smaller.	Often considered faster because each stitch takes up more space.
Fixing Mistakes	More challenging to correct mistakes like dropped stitches.	Easier to correct mistakes by pulling out stitches back to the error.
Textures and Patterns	Produces a variety of textures, including smooth and fine patterns. Ideal for sweaters and delicate items.	Crochet fabric can be more dense and textured. Ideal for toys, sun hats, and unique clothing.
Drape	Fabric tends to be more flexible and flowy.	Fabric tends to be denser and, therefore, less drapey.
Shapes	Largely flat fabric. 3D items are quite complex to create and require additional tools.	Can create flat fabrics and 3D patterns easily without additional tools.
Project Flexibility	Adding or removing stitches requires planning. Less flexible to make it up as you go.	Easier to add or remove stitches anywhere. Great for sculptural or 3D projects and clothing items.
Intricate Colorwork	Add color with fair isle, intarsia, entrelac, or slip stitch/mosaic knitting.	Add color with fair isle, intarsia, tapestry crochet, granny squares patterns, or the corner-to-corner (C2C) technique.
Portability	Can be portable but involves carrying more supplies.	Easier to craft on the go. All you need is your yarn and a single hook. Granny square motifs are a favorite to craft in the wild.
Comfort	Holding two needles can be painful for wrists or hands, especially if you have arthritis.	Holding the hook and yarn takes practice but causes fewer problems for people who find knitting painful.
Craft Machinery	Knitting machines offer options from basic home looms to professional equipment.	Machines are used in mass production of faux “crochet” fabric, but aren’t for hobby use.

So Which Should You Learn First?

There really is no right or wrong answer here – it really depends on the individual. 

I recommend giving both a whirl and seeing which one feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you. Like any new craft, expect a learning curve. Just hang in there and think of all the new neural pathways you’re creating! Both crafts get easier with a little practice. 

Or, if you’re itching for a hard-and-fast decision right now, try searching Pinterest for free patterns and see which craft leaves you hooked. You could also join a craft class to get some hands-on instruction. (And make some like-minded, crafty friends, too!)

FAQs

Free Crochet Patterns

Here are some patterns that show off the possibilities of a single hook and some yarn. Check out all our free patterns here.

Free Knitting Patterns

Here are some patterns and tutorials that show off the potential of two needles and a skein of yarn. Check out all our free patterns here.