Is Knitting or Crochet Easier?
Knitting and crocheting are fun hobbies that I took up years ago. At this point, I am comfortable doing both, but this may not be the same for everyone. Moreover, beginners that are considering starting either crochet or knitting may be wondering, “Is knitting or crocheting easier?“
To be clear, when choosing between knitting and crochet, neither will limit your choices nor creativity. Both of these methods can create beautiful projects!
Which is Easier?
Crocheting is easier than knitting, as stitches are bigger, and it’s faster to create items. Crochet needs just one hook, and it’s easier to correct crochet mistakes than knitting mistakes.
Considering some factors as a beginner will make your choice much easier when you’re having difficulty picking between creating crochet or knitting projects. Let’s explore the differences between crocheting and knitting and which one is best for you.
Knitting vs. Crocheting
Knitting and crochet patterns cannot be interchanged with one another. Each method has very specific terms that only make sense for one and not the other. We have examples of both on Easy Crochet: click to view our knitting pattern and crochet pattern archives.
What is Knitting?
Knitting is done using two needles and some yarn; you will need both hands to control the knitting needles.
Knitting works by casting your desired number of stitches onto one needle and creating live stitches that constantly need to be worked back and forth between the two needles.
Knitting patterns are primarily based on the basic knit and purl stitches. Knowing only these two knitting stitches will allow you to create a wide variety of projects.
Knit stitches tend to be smooth and soft, with a relatively flat look, making them ideal for knitting mittens, shawls, sweaters, and baby garments.
What is Crochet?
Crocheting is very different from knitting. You only need yarn and crochet hooks to create a crochet pattern. A crochet hook is a very different tool than a knitting needle. The hook has a handle at its one end, with a hook at the opposite end. Unlike knitting, no stitches will be transferred from one needle to another.
Crochet hooks come in many different sizes, and the size, or “thickness”, you need to choose will depend on the yarn you are using and the crochet project you’re working on.
Where knitting uses two core stitches, crochet projects use four. These basic crochet stitches are the single, double, chain, and half double crochet. Most items can be crocheted by using only one of these basic stitches or a combination of them.
Crochet stitches tend to look like a chain of tiny knots, with the resulting fabric being less stretchy and looking bumpier than knitted fabric. Crocheted fabric has a distinct look to it that makes it look vastly different from anything knitted, save for a few specific stitches.
The same yarn can be used for both knitting and crochet, as they are made from either artificial or natural fibers and can be purchased in many colors, thicknesses, and textures.
Why Is Crochet Easier Than Knitting?
There are many reasons why crocheting is much easier than knitting for beginners. Now that you are aware of the tools and techniques, let’s explore why crocheting is easier and better.
1. Crocheting Is Faster Than Knitting
Because crochet stitches are mostly larger than their knitting counterparts, it is much faster to create the same surface area than knitting, although it will use more yarn.
2. Crochet Mistakes Are Easier To Correct Than Knitting
Handling several live stitches and correcting a mistake or even multiple mistakes can be a lot more time-consuming and difficult for knitting beginners.
However, correcting a crocheting mistake is as easy as slighting pulling on the yarn, unraveling a few stitches, and continuing with the piece. Correcting knitting mistakes requires much more skill and will require tools.
Additionally, crochet mistakes are not nearly as noticeable as knitting mistakes, so many people let one or two mistakes slide when it comes to crocheting.
3. Crochet Offers Versatility And Convenience For Beginners
Crochet is a perfect match for beginners who seek fewer techniques and tools but more versatility and convenience. The tools and techniques are also more accessible, making crochet ideal as a self-taught hobby.
Additionally, crochet gives you lots of freedom, the kind that knitting cannot offer. You can create many patterns, from solid ones to blocks, and crochet them together, and while knitwear is seen as winter wear, many people create crochet pieces that could be worn in the summer over swimwear as well.
