Crochet VS Knitting

Many people wonder what is the difference between crochet and knitting. At first glance, they are both handicrafts that use yarn. Both create wonderful pieces that vary from hats to blankets. Regardless of which you end up choose, you will probably end up with a yarn hoard that would make even the fiercest of dragons blush. With both crafts you can find a hobby that will be relaxing, almost meditative, and a little creation of love that you can show your passion to all of your family and friends.

Tools of the Trade

Knitting uses a pair of long, pointed needles to create the stitches. They come in various styles: straight, circular, and even double-pointed. The needles are labeled by size and categorized by the type of stitches you can create with them. Straight needles are used to created flat pieces, and circular needles are used for projects like hats. Having only one size of each needle may not be sufficient to create all of your projects.

Crochet uses a single hook, which also comes in a range of sizes. The same hook can make all the varieties of stitches: single, double, treble and more. You choose the size of the hook for the size of the stitch needed in your project. Most of the time this is labeled on the yarn you are choosing or in the pattern. For example, if you wanted to make Amigurumi, you use a hook smaller than the recommended for the yarn weight to make tight stitches. A few hooks of various sizes will give you the ability to make a wide variety of projects. It doesn’t matter if the project is flat or crocheted in the round, a single hook can be used.

When it comes to yarn, both crafts use the same type. However, in general, crochet uses about a third more yarn than knitting does. Your yarn choice is based on the project you want to create.

Fabric

Consider which projects interest you. If you want to make cozy sweaters and sock, then knitting is more up your alley. The fabric created from knitting is much lighter than the fabric created by crochet. This is because crochet is made with knots, requiring a more yarn. This will make crochet clothing stiff when compared to the drape of knitted clothing. The dense fabric created by crochet is better suited for toys because it retains it shape much better than the toys created by knitting. This dense fabric also wonderful to make items used around the house, like coasters and baskets.

Speed

When it comes to knitting, you will need to have a little more patience. The projects tend to take a little more time and are more detailed since the stitches are smaller. Crochet stitches are bigger and the projects build up much faster than knitting. This can give a feeling of satisfaction since projects will take less time to complete.

Shapes

Knitting is limited to flat and tube shapes. You can make a toy with knitting, but it will require a little more sewing to create the shapes you need. Crochet allows all forms of shapes to be created, perfect for butterflies and flowers. Most of the time, stuffed toys are crocheted. This is because crochet is done one stitch at a time instead of rows. Crochet is very spatial because stitches can go up, over and all around.

Mistakes

When learning, you are bound to make mistakes. When you need to correct a mistake in knitting, you need to undo the knit in a process called tinking. This can be very time-consuming and very frustrating to beginners. In crochet, you just have to pull out the yarn in a process called frogging and go back to the stitch you made an error with. Consider this when choosing which craft to select as your first. If you find yourself losing track of your counts or distracted, it might be beneficial to chose crochet.

Choose Knitting if…

• You think logically and enjoy straightforward directions
• You want to make mostly garments and other fashion projects
• You have patience since projects will be longer
• You enjoy working with both hands at once
• You enjoy having a wide variety of tools and using less yarn

Choose Crochet if…

• You enjoy projects that work up faster and have larger stitches
• You want the ability to correct and easily fix your mistakes
• You are more creative and follow patterns loosely as if they were more like guidelines
• You find it comfortable to use one hook and holding the yarn with the other handicraft
• You enjoy having a single set of tools that works for everything

In Closing

Investing time to learn both crafts will also bring your projects to the next level. Using a combination of both crochet and knitting can yield wondrous results. You can add an edge or flower to your knitted garment with crochet. There is even another craft known as Tunisian Crochet, which seems like a combination of both craft.