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If you are just starting out, don’t be surprised if you get overwhelmed with all the yarn choices out there. Novice crocheters should opt for solid colored, smooth yarn weight 4 (medium) or 5 (bulky). Try to avoid highly textured, variegated, and dark colored fibers, as they make stitches hard to be seen, especially for newbies.
Knitting vs. Crocheting: Exploring the Differences Between the Two Most Popular Fiber Crafts
Learn About Pros & Cons Of Knitting & Crocheting & Which is Easier to Learn
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Acquiring new skills and learning new crafts can be very exciting adventure. If you wish start a new hobby and make something using yarn, you should look into knitting and crocheting. These two needlework hobbies are closely related, and are even considered sister crafts because they both use needles or hook to create fabric made of interlocking yarn loops. Some people prefer crocheting, while others love to knit.
Shop Knitting & Crocheting Yarn At Hemptique: High Quality & Sustainable Craft Supplies
Hemptique is a renowned supplier from Southern California that stocks a large inventory of high quality arts & crafts supplies. We are on a fundamental mission to create and deliver products of superior quality that align with eco-conscious living. For this reason, the yarn, cords, twine, and thread we manufacture is mainly sourced from 100% natural plant fibers like hemp, bamboo, organic cotton, and linen. Our goal is to provide crafters, DIYers, artisans and businesses with eco-friendly, biodegradable supplies that are free from toxic chemicals. Our best-selling knitting and crocheting yarns are Hemp yarn bon bons, 1mm hemp cord spool, and 4mm cotton cord (Royal Corderie). Hemp yarn bon bons are offered in 5 different color combinations (denim, love crayon, earthy, and natural) with each set containing six yarn balls (6 x 82ft). Our 1mm hemp cord spool is ideal for crocheting bags, totes, towels, kitchen textiles, shawls, and scarves. A 4mm recycled cotton cord is one of the most versatile strings which can be used not only for needle and string crafts, but also for a multitude of other projects, including knotting, macrame, weaving, jewelry making, gift wrapping, and gardening. If you are interested in reselling our product, please sign-up for a wholesale account. For large orders, fill out a bulk order request from.
What Is Knitting?
Knitting is a fun way to create apparel and accessories using two (or more) long needles and some yarn. The fabric is made from series of interconnected loops from one continuous thread. Hand-knitting has first appeared between the 3rd and 5th century AD, and has now become a trendy and fashionable hobby among people of various ages and backgrounds. It will most likely continue to grow in popularity as it’s proven to build community, promote sustainability, improve well-being, and reduce fast fashion’s environmental impact.
Basic Knitting Stitches
A stitch is any loop made of yarn that is cast onto needles. Knitting is based on variations of two basic stitches – the knit stitch and the purl stitch.
Knit stitch looks like letter ‘V’ and it appears on the ‘right side’ (RS) or front of your fabric. This technique involves making a stitch at the back of your work and it is formed on the left-hand needle:
- place the right needle through the loop behind the left-hand needle
- catch the yarn & pulling it through the loop
- slip the loop off the left-hand needle to make a new loop
Purl stitch is the opposite of knit stich and it looks like a wave or a raised horizontal bump. This technique is done by working at the front of your design and it involves several steps:
- insert right-hand needle into the loop in front of the left-hand needle
- wrap the yarn around the right needle
- bring left needle in front of the right needle (over or under) to form an ‘X’
- remove the left needle from the loop to transfer the stitch on your right needle
Pros & Cons of Knitting
Each craft has its own set of pros and cons, here’s what they are in knitting.
Pros
- More flexibility, more drape. Can be stretchy, depending on stitches used. Ideal for garment making.
- Easier to do without looking
- Economical fiber craft, using 25-30% less yarn than crochet
- A vast assortment of free and paid patterns for all skill levels
- Exercises memory, reduces stress levels, and improves mental health
- Can be done almost anywhere, with minimal investment for equipment
- Great activity for both individual and group settings
CONS
- Difficult to correct mistakes
- Requires more dexterity to manipulate multiple needles
- Small and tight stitches may take longer to complete
- Can be costly as prices of certain types of yarn have skyrocketed
- Can cause wrist and hand pain
How long does it take to learn how to knit?
If you are wondering how long it will take you to become relatively good at knitting, it all depends on how committed you are and how much time you devote to practicing. It can take you anywhere from several days to several weeks or months get comfortable with basic techniques and being able to create even tension throughout the fabric.
What is crocheting?
Crocheting is another fiber art that creates fabric by interlocking yarn loops using a single hook. Every stitch is created one at a time by wrapping the yarn around the hook and pulling through. Although many countries like China, France, England, and Middle Eastern countries have claimed to be the birth place of crochet, the true origin still remains a mystery. Crochet is a very versatile craft that gives you an opportunity to produce anything from garments to intricate lace and kids’ toys.
Basic Crochet Stitches
There are a lot of different stitches, giving you the opportunity to express your creativity and skills and many different ways. Here are some beginner-friendly stitches.
Chain stitch (Ch) is typically used as a starting stitch. A row of such stitches is considered a ‘foundational row’ and the base of your project.
- Make a slip knot, leaving a piece of tail
- Gently pull working yarn to tighten
- Wrap yarn over hook (back to front) and use hook to pull it through the slip knot
Single crochet stitch (Sc) is used in many patterns and resembles a short and tight weave. Here’s how it’s done:
- Start by making a foundational row of chain stitches (any number)
- Insert hook into the second chain from the hook (front to back)
- Wrap yarn back to front over hook and pull through the loop. You now have two loops on your hook.
- Wrap the yarn over hook from back to front, grab and pull through both loops
Pros & Cons of Crocheting
Whether you are considering to start crocheting as a hobby or a full-time occupation, it is important to understand its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Faster than knitting (depending on the project)
- Uses less tools
- Mistakes are easily fixed
- A multitude of Health benefits
- Improves hand-eye coordination and dexterity of hands
- Strengthens fine motor skills
CONS
- More yarn is used (more investment)
- Relatively limited fabric options
- Patterns can be harder to find
- Can also be the cause of wrist and hand pain
How long does it take to learn crocheting?
Crocheting is fairly easy to learn, but everyone learns at their own pace. Although each person’s learning speed is different, majority of people don’t need too much time before they reach an acceptable level of proficiency in basic stitches. In fact, basic crocheting stitches like chain stitch, slip stitch, or single crochet stitch can be learned in as little as a few minutes and basic proficiency can be established in a couple of hours. Bear in mind that those who are taught by someone tend to learn faster than those who are self-taught using YouTube videos or online materials.
Knitting vs. Crocheting: Major Differences & Similarities
Since both knitting and crocheting involve creating fabrics using yarn, they are very similar crafts. Utilizing these needlework techniques you can make the same type of items; but, they also have several key differences.
Main differences
Needles – While knitting requires two (or more) long needles, crocheting requires a single hook.
- Stitches – In knitting, you have multiple ‘live’ or ‘active’ stitches at a time, while crocheting only has one active stitch at any given moment.
- Texture & Appearance – Knitwear is smooth and flexible, while crocheted fabrics are denser, with minimal stretch. Knitting stitches are stretchy, soft, drapey, which is why this technique is typically used to make clothing items that need to fit body shape. Crocheting, on the other hand, has solid stitches that remind of knots. This craft is generally used to create items that need to retain their shape, such as blankets, shawls, or scarfs.
- Correcting errors – It is easier to fix basic mistakes in crocheting, as stitches are completed one at a time. In knitting, however, stitches stay on needle and are only completed once you move on to the next row. What this means is that fixing a single stitch a few rows below requires you to re-do all the rows again. It’s doable, but not that quick to do.
Similarities
- Yarn – In both crafts, you have to use different types of yarn to make fabric.
- Tools – Both use tools like repair hooks, stitch markers, measuring tape, scissors, finishing needles, point protectors, gauge swatches, etc.
- Patterns – To create the fabric, you must follow patterns.
- Finished items – Both techniques create similar items such as sweaters, blankets, scarfs, kitchen towels, etc.
What Is Easier – Knitting Or Crocheting?
In this debate, there is no simple answer and there are no definite winners. Although crocheting is considered easier to learn, it truly depends on your preferences, the project itself, and how happy the activity makes you.
Knitting and crocheting are both for relaxation activities that help you reduce anxiety and stress levels. Some people think crochet is simpler because it has only one active stitch at a given moment, while others believe knitting is easier because of its repetitive and rhythmic movements.
Which Hobby Is Right For You?
So, how do you decide whether crocheting or knitting is right for you? In order to determine which one to choose, consider the following:
Personal preferences
- Type of project – Some projects are better for knitting and others are better for crochet
- Skill level – although crocheting may seem more complicated, you can easily fix errors
- Time & speed commitment – depending on your skill level (and speed) crochet can be faster
Crocheting vs Knitting a Blanket
If you are wondering whether it is better to knit or crochet a blanket, it depends on what type of texture you prefer and how you plan to use them.
- Crochet blankets like granny square blankets are usually denser, heavier, and warmer, perfect for colder weather.
- Knitted blankets tend to be lighter, thinner, and more flexible, making them suitable for use throughout the year.
Commonly Asked Questions
1. What is the best yarn for crochet beginners?
2. What does K mean in knitting patterns?
In knitting patterns, a ‘K’ (or ‘knit’) to refers to a knit stitch. For instance, a K4 means you need to make a knit stitch 4 times. If you see an instruction that says, “Row 3: Knit”, repeat this stitch until you complete the whole row.
3. What are different types of knitting stitches?
There are countless patterns to knit, including garter stitch, stockinette stitch, reverse stockinette stitch, ribbing, seed stitch, lace stitch, cable stitch, fair isle, intarsia knitting, and many more.
4. How to avoid hand and wrist pain when crocheting and knitting?
To prevent pain in hands and wrist, it is best to take precautionary measures, in order not to suffer major problems in the future. Try to keep your wrists straight whenever you can, use ergonomic needles and hooks, massage your hands, do stretch exercises, try stress ballas and make sure you find a good posture while working. If you have concerns or if your pain turns into something more than general discomfort, talk to your doctor.
