crochetguideKnitting: smooth columns of Vs
Crochet: rows of firm stitches with tops
The short answer
Crochet is usually easier to start. You hold one hook and one loop, so if you put the work down or make a mistake, nothing slides off: pull the yarn back to the error and carry on. In knitting, every stitch of the row sits live on the needles until it is worked, and a dropped stitch can run down several rows.
Knitting is often easier for smooth, stretchy garments such as fitted sweaters and socks. Crochet is quicker to build into shapes: blankets, bags, toys, granny squares and anything worked in rounds.
How the fabric differs
| Crochet | Knitting | |
|---|---|---|
| Tools | One hook | Two needles, or a circular needle |
| Live stitches | One loop on the hook | A whole row on the needles |
| Fabric | Thicker and firmer, with more texture | Thinner, smoother and stretchier |
| Height of one stitch | A single crochet is about twice the height of a knit stitch; a double crochet about four times | One knit stitch is the shortest unit |
| Shapes | Rounds, motifs and 3D shapes are natural | Tubes and smooth shaping are natural |
| Machine-made? | Many crochet stitches can only be made by hand | Knitting machines are common |
Yarn, speed and cost
Crochet grows faster in height because its stitches are taller. It is often said to use about a third more yarn than knitting; that holds when tight single crochet is compared with plain knitting, but crochet worked loosely or in taller stitches can use much less.
The same yarns work for both. Yarn labels give a knitting needle size and often a crochet hook size; use the hook size and make a swatch.
Choose by what you want to make
Start with crochet if you want a blanket, a granny square, a bag, a toy or a quick gift. Start with knitting if your first goal is a smooth, close-fitting sweater or socks. Many people learn both: a crochet edging finishes knitted pieces well.
If you are still deciding, try a crochet chain and a row of single crochet: it takes one ball of smooth yarn and one hook, and you will know within an evening whether you like it.