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If you are new to crafting with yarn, you may wonder what's the difference between knitting and crocheting. It's understandable because the two styles share many similarities but they are also very different in many ways.
You likely own sweaters or scarves that are knitted or crocheted. You may not have noticed the difference in the styles because they are both such beautiful uses of yarn. Here are some ways knitting and crocheting are similar:
With so many similarities, what could be different? There are several significant differences. If you are just getting started and trying to decide whether to learn knitting or crocheting, consider these differences:
There are endless types of yarn. Some yarns lend themselves better to knitting and some to crocheting. Thread is a material that is almost exclusively used in crocheting. Super chunky yarn tends to be used more by knitters, although it can also be used for crocheting projects.
Hand knitters use pointed needles, usually purchased in sets of two. Circular knitting needles are attached with a cord. Double pointed sock knitting needles come in sets of four or five. All knitting needles are pointed. Crocheters use a single crochet hook. The size of the hook may vary, but it is always a hook. Typical crochet hooks are constructed of steel, aluminum, bamboo, plastic, or wood.
Crocheted fabric and knitted fabric are structurally different. Since they each involve a different style of looping the yarn, the end result is different. In knitting, each loop actively builds upon the previous one. The needles hold the multiple active loops together. Crocheting requires only one or two active loops at a time.
Although any textile may be created with either of these styles, knitting is typically associated with garments that drape and have a better fit. Crocheting is more commonly used for blankets or decorative home decor. Socks are one project that can be crafted beautifully with either knitting or crocheting.
This question is subjective and there is no right answer. Many people feel that crocheting is easier to learn because it requires only one hook held by the dominant hand. There is a general consensus that crochet is easier to learn as an introduction to yarn crafts. Once crafters try knitting, they typically feel it is easier in the long run. Most people grow to prefer one over the other, but there are some who enjoy both. It is always best to try both to decide which you enjoy most.
