Difference Between Crochet and Knitting

Many people get confused in Crochet and Knitting, here is a monograph to understand the Difference Between Crochet And Knitting

Years back while traveling for work I used my time either knitting or crocheting. My knitting needles were a real disadvantage. They would hurt my co-passengers and this made me opt for a hook instead of needles.
“Are you trying to have spaghetti with this hook? Till yesterday you were having them with Chopsticks” commented a fellow passenger. This made me really laugh aloud and tell him, “Yes having Spaghettis by pulling the yarn through the hook instead of pulling them around the needle”

For a layman the difference between Crochet and Knitting is confusing.

Both the crafts are used for the same purpose of creating fabric using yarn, fiber or thread. Both methods can create sweaters, shawls, wraps, blankets, scarves, socks, etc. Both Knitting and Crochet are done following a pattern having abbreviations. In fact, some of the abbreviations are same. Crochet and Knitting require a lot of similar skills.

There may be many are similarities between both, but the fact is that there is are differences in the production and the stitches. In knitting, the stitches make a “V” shape or creating a bunch of braids, while in crochet it is more like knots.

Key Difference Between Crochet and Knitting

• The main difference between Crochet and knitting is creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarns, using a hook, while Knitting, on the other hand, is a method of creating a fabric with multiple loops called stitches in a line.
• A textured fabric created by using a crochet hook, the stitches in crochet is called “Users Posts”. The crochet hook is inserted into a stitch and yarn is looped around it a specific number of times. The craft is like tying a bunch of knots loosely to each other on top of each other. Each stitch is completed in crochet before moving to the next one.
• Interlocking loops of yarn with knitting needles or machine, creating fabric on multiple loops in a line or tube is called stitches in Knitting. Multiple stitches in knitting are kept open at a time. Generally done using two pointed needles of the same size, one needle holds the finished work, while the other creates the next row.
• Crochet is worked on a single hook, typically made of steel, bamboo, plastic, wood or bone. Crochet can never be done on machines. The stitches are so intricate that a machine can not duplicate them.
• Knitting is worked in a set of two needles, sometimes connected by a cord or even circular needles. Apart from hand knitters, there are loom and machine knitters too.

Crochet vs. Knitting – Method

• Crochet techniques and concepts are more accessible. Since Knitting projects are held on the needles, it becomes heavier for the Knitter to hold them.
• The stitches are simply looped onto the piece in Crochet. Hence, there is no transferring of stitches from one hook to the other. Stopping your work is simple, by just removing your hook and take a locking stitch marker and pop it onto the last loop. For starting the work again, unhook the stitch maker and continue.
• In Knitting the loops hang on the needles and are transferred from one needle to the other loop by loop. Starting and stopping a knitting project in the middle means stitches could be left on both the needles leaving it slightly unwieldy.

Crochet vs. Knitting – Mistakes

• What happens when you miss and stitch or drop one. Backtracking is very different in crochet and Knitting. In crochet, this is very simple and easy. You need to just remove your hook and pull the yarn to undo the loops until the desired point in crochet.
• Knitting requires you undo stitches by transferring them back to the old needle. This requires a lot of patience and concentration, depending on the style you are working on. This has more room for errors because you may make a further mistake while transferring the stitches back to the first needle.

Crochet vs. Knitting – Yarns

There are many different kinds of yarns which can be equally used for both knitting and crocheting. Yarns used for knitting can be used for crocheting, but if one recalls the ’60s and 70’s when every living room had crocheted doilies. These doilies were either worked on No. 20 and No. 40 Cotton Yarns, usually used for Tatting. There is a restriction on the finest size of needle available for knitting too. Tatting yarns cannot be knitted on these needles. These days most Crotchetier use plain or the same yarn used for knitting.

Crochet Projects vs Knitting Projects

• An impossible thing to decide. Both have their pros and cons. Crochet can be used to create fine laces as well as heavy woolens. There is a difference in both the crafts including the types of knots, stitches, and material used. Knitting produces are thinner fabric, while Crochet produces a heavier and bulkier look.
• Years back the technique of using needles in Knitting allowed a better drape and fit. Crochet was more used for blankets and throws. With the advanced techniques, Crochet too produces the same kind of garments as in case of Knitting.
• Many crafters believe that Crochet is easier than Knitting since it requires only the dominant hand to use. However, many other crafters believe that Knitting is easier.
• There are lesser Crochet Patterns than Knitting Patterns. There are several books written on Knitting Patterns, but it’s difficult to trace good Crochet Patterns.
• Crocheting creates heavier, stretchier fabric. The heavier fabrics have wide use for making Hats, Scarves, Afghans, Bags, Cowls, Socks, Rugs, Amigurumi, Pouches and many more. There is a number of techniques like that allow Crotchetier to create knit-like fabrics. One of the most popular ones of this is Tunisian Crochet. On the other hand, crafters pull the knitting needles only for a Sweater, Mitten, Cap, and Gloves.

Knitting vs. Crochet – Round-Up

What do you feel is better?

• For beginners, Crochet is less effortless and satisfying. An easy to pick up a self-taught hobby is also a great springboard into Knitting.
• Crafters looking for something more serious and focusing on fashion can skip straight to Knitting. Knitting in it’s more intermediate and advanced stages has the ability to be more intricate and sophisticated.
• To sum up, Crochet goes as a choice above Knitters for its balance of versatility without sacrificing creativity. Crochet can always be sophisticated and fashionable.
• Also, check out this helpful article here.