When crocheting in public, you don’t want to know how often I’ve been asked what kind of socks I’m knitting. My usual reply is 1) it’s not a sock and 2) it’s not knitting. However, I completely understand that a novice might get confused between knitting and crochet. They’re both yarn crafts, and you use sticks to make loops, right?
Well, while knitting and crochet have many similarities, they also have some very important differences. I’m here today to tell you more. Read on, and you might end up with a new hobby!
Both knitting and crochet use yarn and loops to create fabric, but they use different tools and techniques. Knitting uses two long needles to work with multiple live loops at once, while crochet uses a single hook to build the fabric one stitch at a time. The result is that crochet tends to be a little easier for beginners to learn, while knitting often produces thinner, drapier fabric that’s better suited to garments.
Knitting vs crochet: at a glance
Here’s a quick side-by-side overview before we dive into the details:
| Knitting | Crochet | |
|---|---|---|
| Tool | Two knitting needles | One hook |
| Active loops | Many at once on needle | One at a time on hook |
| Learning curve | Moderate | Easier for beginners |
| Fabric feel | Thinner, drapier, more stretchy | Thicker, more structured |
| Best for | Garments, socks, lace | Blankets, toys, granny squares |
| 3D shapes | Tricky | Easy (look for amigurumi!) |
| Fixing mistakes | More difficult, unless you use techniques like lifelines. |
Unravel one stitch at a time |
| Yarn usage | Uses less yarn | Uses more yarn |
| Machine-made? | Yes | No* |
* There are machines that can imitate crochet nowadays, but you can usually see the difference.
1. Tools
Knitting: two needles
One of the major differences between knitting and crochet is the tools you use. For knitting, you need knitting needles: pointy sticks that help you move loops from one needle to the other. Most distinctly, you always use two or more needles at the same time.
You can also use circular knitting needles: two needle tips joined by a flexible cable. These are particularly handy for larger projects like blankets that don’t fit all their stitches on a single straight needle.
Crochet: one hook
For crochet, you use a single hook: a crochet hook. It differs from a knitting needle because it has a hook at the end, which helps you pick up the thread to create stitches. A crochet hook is also shorter than most knitting needles; it’s often no longer than your hand, while a knitting needle can be up to 30 cm.
One type of crochet hook that resembles a circular needle is the Tunisian crochet hook. Tunisian crochet is a hybrid form of the two crafts, and growing in popularity!
A couple of tools are useful in both crafts: scissors, tapestry needles, and stitch markers all make appearances in knitting and crochet patterns alike.
2. Technique
Knitting: interlocking loops
When you knit, you create rows of interlocking loops. The loops of yarn are twisted together to form a stretchy fabric. Stitches like the stockinette stitch are made by twisting the loops in particular ways.
One thing to note: if you drop a loop while knitting, it can unravel vertically all the way down to the first row, much like the fabric of a pair of tights does. The good news is you can usually pick up a dropped stitch and fix it with (you’d never guess) a crochet hook!
Knitting also uses less yarn compared to crochet for the same project size.
Crochet: one stitch at a time
Crochet works differently. You use the hook to reach into a stitch from your previous row, grab the yarn, and pull a loop through. The key difference is that you only ever have one live loop on your hook at a time (with a few exceptions, like Tunisian crochet).
This makes crochet much more forgiving for beginners. If you make a mistake, you just pull out the hook and unravel back to where you went wrong, without risking stitches cascading down. The resulting fabric is also often thicker and more structured than knitted fabric.
3. Projects
Knitting: garments, lace, and delicate shawls
Technically, you can make almost any project with either craft. But the stretchy, drapey quality of knitted fabric makes it particularly well-suited to:
- Fitted garments — jumpers, cardigans, and socks
- Delicate lace shawls and accessories
- Colourwork patterns like Fair Isle and intarsia
Knit fabrics are supple and elegant, but they can be delicate — a snag can pull a piece out of shape.
Crochet: blankets, homewares, and 3D shapes
Because crochet produces thicker, more structured loops, crocheted fabric is suited to projects that need to withstand wear and tear or where stretch isn’t needed as much:
- Blankets, granny squares, and Afghan throws
- Pillows, baskets, and home accessories
- Amigurumi (3D stuffed toys): Crochet has a huge advantage for three-dimensional shapes
- Quick gifts and first projects
That said, I’ve seen beautiful crochet socks and stunning knitted blankets. As long as you pick the right yarn and hook for the project, there’s something out there for everyone.
4. Yarn
Knitting: natural fibres and delicate yarns
Technically, you can use any yarn for either craft — but as a general rule, delicate yarns and natural fibres shine in knitwork. Knit stitches really show off the yarn’s subtleties, colour shifts, and softness. If you have an alpaca blend, you’d be amazed at how beautiful it looks in a knitted shawl.
Crochet: cotton, acrylic, and crochet thread
Acrylic yarn and cotton are great for crochet. They come in many colours, are sturdy enough for the washing machine, and they don’t split easily which makes learning much smoother. The alpaca blend you’d love to knit with might be too thin or splitty to crochet with comfortably.
There’s also crochet thread: thin, firmly spun cotton traditionally used for doilies and delicate lacework. It now comes in a huge range of colours, far beyond the original white and ivory.
5. Stitches
A major difference between the two crafts is the stitches themselves. In knitting patterns, the foundation is built on two basic stitches:
- Knit stitch
- Purl stitch
Together, these two create a wide range of stitch patterns, such as stockinette stitch, ribbing, and cables.
Crochet patterns use a different set of basics:
- Chain stitch
- Slip stitch
- Single crochet
- Double crochet
The ‘single’ or ‘double’ in crochet refers to the number of loops on your hook. You can build compound stitches from these basics, like popcorn stitches, granny cluster stitches, and Catherine wheels. There are plenty of tutorials here on Haak Maar Raak to show you how!
6. Can it be made by machine?
Knitting: yes
Industrial knitting machines can produce knitted fabrics much faster than any pair of human hands. Because knitting is essentially the act of looping loops like chicken wire, engineers were able to build automated machines that mimic the movement of a knitter’s needles.
Crochet: no, always handmade
Crochet cannot be replicated by a machine and must always be made by hand. So if you see a crocheted garment or applique in a shop, you know it was made by a real person, which unfortunately doesn’t always mean it’s priced accordingly!
Nowadays there are machines that can mimic crochet, but it's fairly visible to the trained eye because it resembles embroidery more than crochet.
7. Which is easier to learn?
Most beginners find crochet easier to pick up. There are a few reasons for this:
- You only manage one hook, not two needles
- You complete one stitch at a time, so mistakes are easy to spot and fix
- The basic stitches (chain, single crochet, double crochet) are quick to learn
- If a stitch goes wrong, just pull out the hook and unravel. Nothing drops or unravels on its own
That said, both crafts are learnable at any age and experience level. Many people eventually pick up both, and knowing one genuinely helps with the other.
8. Which is faster?
For beginners, crochet generally produces results faster because the technique is more intuitive from the start. Experienced knitters can work very quickly, but it takes more practice.
One practical consideration: Crochet uses roughly 30% more yarn than knitting for the same project size. So while you might crochet a blanket faster, you’ll go through more yarn doing it.
9. Which should you learn first?
If you’re a complete beginner, crochet is a great starting point. It’s forgiving, you’ll see progress quickly, and one hook and a ball of yarn is all you need to get going.
If your heart is set on knitting (perhaps because you love fine garments, lace, or a particular knitting technique) then go straight to knitting. While it might have a steeper learning curve, don't let that distract you. It's absolutely manageable, and everybody once had to start somewhere.
And of course, there’s no rule that says you can’t try both. It usually comes down to the projects you want to make and your personal preference. Trying something new is the best way to discover a craft you love!
Frequently asked questions
- Is crochet easier than knitting?
Yes, most beginners find crochet easier. You only manage one hook and complete one stitch at a time, making mistakes simple to spot and fix. Knitting requires working with two needles while keeping multiple live loops active, which takes a bit more practice. - Can you teach yourself crochet?
Absolutely. Crochet is one of the most self-teachable crafts. With a hook, some yarn, and a good tutorial (or a few YouTube videos), you can pick up the basic stitches within a day or two. - Do you need different yarn for knitting and crochet?
No, most yarn works for both with the exception of novelty yarns or very thin, frail yarns. Check the label for the recommended needle or hook size. Keep in mind that crochet uses roughly 30% more yarn than knitting for the same project size. - Can you do both knitting and crochet?
Yes, and many crafters do! The skills complement each other. Some people use crochet for quick projects and colourful blankets, and knitting for fitted garments and fine lace. - Which uses less yarn: knitting or crochet?
Knitting uses less yarn. Crochet uses approximately 30% more yarn for the same finished size because of how the stitches loop into one another. This is worth factoring in when calculating how much yarn to buy. - Can crochet be made on a machine?
No. Crochet cannot be exactly replicated by machine and must always be made by hand. Knitting, on the other hand, can be produced by industrial knitting machines. So if you see a crocheted item in a shop, you know someone made it by hand!
Ready to start crocheting?
If this guide has convinced you to give crochet a try, welcome! Here on Haak Maar Raak you’ll find everything you need:
- Learn to read a crochet chart. It’s easier than it looks
- Start with a simple granny square: the perfect first crochet project
- Browse all free crochet patterns, from nice gifts to colourful blankets
Happy crocheting! 🧶
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