Knitting or Crochet: Which One Should You Choose?
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing hobby to occupy your hands or a way to create your own sustainable wardrobe, you’ve likely found yourself at a crossroads: Knitting or Crochet?
While they both involve yarn and needles (or hooks) to create fabric, they are distinct crafts with different learning curves, speeds, and finishes. Rather than declaring one “better,” this guide looks at how they compare in practice so you can decide which path to take.
The Fundamental Difference: Hooks vs. Needles
The most basic difference lies in the tools.
- Knitting uses two pointed needles to move a series of open loops from one needle to the other. You keep many stitches "live" at once.
- Crochet uses a single hook to pull loops through other loops, with only one "live" stitch active at a time.
Because crochet only has one active stitch, it is often considered more "stable"—if you drop your hook, your whole project won't unravel instantly. In knitting, a "dropped stitch" can run all the way down your work, which can be a nightmare for beginners.
Which Is Easier to Learn?
This is the most searched question for a reason.
Crochet is generally considered easier to pick up.
Since you only deal with one hook and one live stitch, it’s easier to stop and start. It is also highly recommended for kids because it helps develop fine motor skills without the frustration of managing two needles. However, knowing 'where' to insert your hook each time can itself be a challenge.
Knitting has a steeper initial learning curve.
Mastering the coordination of two needles can be tricky, and learning how to "read" your stitches takes time. However, once the stitches are on your needles they are ready and waiting to be worked. Many find the repetitive rhythmic motion of knitting to be more meditative once mastered.
Mistakes and Flexibility
Crochet can be a more forgiving choice. Because only one stitch is active, fixing errors is straightforward, and ripping back a few rows is rarely stressful, just a little frustrating!
Knitting requires a bit more planning. Mistakes can travel downward, and fixing them may involve tools like lifelines, crochet hooks or tinking (which is basically unknitting!). This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it does raise the learning curve slightly.
If fear of mistakes holds you back, crochet tends to feel safer early on.
The Need for Speed: Which Is Faster?
If you want instant gratification, Crochet is the winner. Crochet stitches are physically taller than knit stitches, meaning the fabric grows much faster. This is why crochet is often first choice for large projects like blankets.
Knitting can seem like a slower, more deliberate process. However, the resulting fabric is thinner and lighter, which is often preferred for garments.
The "Yarn Eater" Factor
A common question among budget-conscious crafters is: Does crochet use more yarn?
The answer is yes.
On average, crochet uses about 25-30% more yarn than knitting to create a piece of the same size. Crochet stitches involve more "wraps" of yarn, and generally the fabric is thicker and denser.
Look, Feel and Fabric
Knitting creates a fabric that can have a softer drape, and is typically smoother, stretchier, and more fluid. This makes it a popular choice for sweaters, shawls, hats, and baby clothes.
Crochet fabric is often thicker and more structured. It’s great for blankets, bags, home décor, and textured designs, and the first choice for 3D amigurumi creations.
That said, neither is better — they just behave differently and it ultimately depends on the stitch pattern you're using.
Comfort and Wellness
Both crafts offer mental health benefits, inducing a meditative state that lowers heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels—similar to yoga. They can combat anxiety, depression, and even postpone dementia by building neural pathways and enhancing focus.
Physically, they maintain dexterity, aiding arthritis sufferers, though some people find crochet easier on the hands because the motion is more contained. Others prefer knitting because the movement is repetitive and evenly distributed.
Again this is based on technique, not on the craft itself. If you’re prone to wrist strain, trying both — even for 15 minutes — will help you feel which one suits your joints better.
A Bit of History: What Came First?
Knitting has ancient roots, with textiles dating back to the 11th century in the Middle East, spreading via trade routes. Crochet emerged later, around the 19th century in Europe, possibly evolving from techniques like nålebinding or influences from Arabia and China.
Today, knitting remains popular, but crochet has surged in trends like amigurumi and modern homewares. With sustainable crafting on the rise, both appeal to eco-conscious makers and those wanting to express their creativity and personal style with a slow fashion feel.
Can You Switch Between Knitting and Crochet?
Yes! You don't actually have to choose. I love both techniques and regularly have both knitting and crochet projects going at the same time.
Skills like yarn tension, reading patterns, and understanding fibers and garment construction transfer easily between the two.
While the motions are different, learning one often makes the other less intimidating later on. However, as the basic techniques often utilise movements with the opposite hand, it can be a bit of a learning curve to switch to the other.
Learning one doesn’t lock you out of the other and being able to switch between the two can be a real asset. You can use crochet borders to finish off a knitted blanket or add knitted ribbing to a crocheted sweater, combining the best of both worlds.
Which Should You Choose?
I think this depends on several factors but is ultimately a personal choice.
It often comes down to aesthetic preference. If you love the look of crocheted garments and 3D amigurumi, then start with crochet. If your aim is soft, drapey sweaters and shawls, then try knitting.
If you already have a knitter or crocheter in your life to help you get started - then you might appreciate having someone on hand to guide you through the basics.
Whichever you choose, there are many resources available to help you get started and we are just a message away if you need any help. Start small, and see what clicks. The best choice is the one that makes you want to pick up your yarn again tomorrow.
Further reading:
Knitting 101: Crafting Your First Scarf
Choosing the Right Knitting Needles for Every Project
Knitting & Crochet Q&A: From Travel Tips to Health
FAQ: Common Questions
Is knitting or crochet easier for beginners?
Crochet is generally easier for beginners because it uses just one hook and one active stitch at a time, making it simpler to learn basics like chains and single crochets. Knitting involves two needles and multiple live stitches, which can feel overwhelming at first. If you're new, start with crochet for quick wins, like a simple scarf.
Can children learn to knit or crochet?
Absolutely! Many find crochet slightly easier for children (ages 6+) because they only have to manage one tool. However, knitting is a great way to improve bilateral coordination (using both hands together). We recommend starting with chunky yarn and larger tools to make the stitches easier for small hands to see.
Which is faster: knitting or crochet?
Crochet is typically faster, as its taller stitches allow fabric to build up quickly, ideal for large projects like blankets. Knitting is more methodical and can take longer, but it produces lighter, thinner results.
Does knitting or crochet use more yarn?
Crochet uses about 25-30% more yarn than knitting for the same-sized project due to its denser, thicker stitches with more yarn wraps. If you're budget-conscious, knitting is more yarn efficient.
Can I use the same yarn for knitting and crochet?
Yes! Yarn is universal. A ball of DK weight yarn can be knitted or crocheted. However, because crochet eats up more, you might need to buy an extra ball for a crochet project compared to a knitted one of the same size.
What's the difference between knitting and crochet fabric?
Knitted fabric is softer, stretchier, and more fluid, perfect for drapey items like sweaters and shawls. Crocheted fabric is thicker and more structured, great for sturdy pieces like bags, amigurumi toys, or home décor. Neither is superior; it depends on your project—experiment with both.
Is knitting or crochet better for blankets?
It depends on your style: Crochet works up faster and creates a denser, warmer blanket with great texture, while knitting offers a lighter, more flexible result with better drape. Many crafters prefer crochet for quick throws.
What came first: knitting or crochet?
Knitting originated in the 11th century in the Middle East and spread through trade routes, making it older. Crochet emerged in the 19th century in Europe, possibly evolving from techniques like nålebinding. Both have rich histories; today, they're popular for sustainable crafting.
Is knitting or crochet better for your health?
Both offer excellent wellness benefits, like reducing stress, anxiety, and cortisol levels through meditative repetition, similar to yoga. They also improve dexterity and may help with arthritis, though crochet's single-hook motion might be gentler on joints for some. Knitting distributes movement more evenly—whichever you choose, it's a brain-boosting hobby.
Is knitting or crochet better for arthritis?
It varies by person. Crochet uses one hand more intensively (which can strain the thumb joint), but ergonomic broad-handled hooks can help immensely. Knitting uses two hands, distributing the motion, but requires grip endurance. The best advice? Try both for 15 minutes and see which movement feels more natural for your joints.
Which is more popular: knitting or crochet?
Knitting has traditionally been more widespread for fashion items like sweaters, but crochet has gained popularity recently with trends like amigurumi and modern homewares.
Can knitting and crochet be combined in one project?
Yes! Many crafters mix them for unique results, like adding crochet borders to a knitted blanket for texture or knitted ribbing to a crocheted sweater for elasticity. Skills transfer easily between the two.
Is knitting or crochet harder to fix mistakes in?
Crochet is easier to fix mistakes because you only deal with one active loop, allowing quick unravelling of a few stitches. Knitting mistakes can "run" down the fabric, requiring tools like lifelines or tinking (unknitting stitch by stitch).
What is the cheapest one to start?
Both are very low cost to enter. All you need is one ball of practice yarn and one tool. A crochet hook is technically cheaper (just one stick!), but a pair of knitting needles is only slightly more.
Can I knit a crochet pattern (or vice versa)?
Generally, no. Because the structure of the fabric is fundamentally different (loops vs. knots/posts), you cannot directly follow a crochet pattern with knitting needles. However, many designers create "lookalike" patterns if you love a specific style but prefer the other technique.
1 comment
Thank you! That was so informative!