I write this blogpost detailing the main difference between crochet and knitting so that all my crafty friends can just copy this link and send it to anyone that keeps confusing the two.
You see, there is something that bothers most yarn crafties and is when their work gets mixed up. And of course, we know that someone that does not actively knit or crochets won’t always know the difference, but because we are quite proud of our handmade items, we tend to take things personally (even when is not).
If you have such a friend and you get on her/his nerve each time you confuse the two modalities, then here is your chance to learn the difference between crochet and knitting.
Knitting and crocheting are two branches of the same tree. Both are processes to turn yarn into something beautiful, like a hat, scarf, sweater, etc. This can also result in therapy and calmness. That is why it is also commonly called the “calming crafts”.
They produce beautiful designs but each one is a different technique. It is you who decides which technique you enjoy more.
Table of Contents
Difference between knitting and crocheting
Here are the main differences that draws the line between crochet and knitting:
TOOLS
Knitting involves two needles while crocheting involves a hook-like tool.
Knitting involves a number of needles, made up of a specific material and of a particular size. These three attributes depend on what size you aim to create. It could be one knitting needle or sometimes is a five knitting needle (often from a set called double pointed needles). Another characteristic of a knitting needle is that it is pointed from one or two sides of it.
Whereas in crocheting, you use a thin tool with a hooked end. The tool’s material varies according to what you crochet, but the most common materials are metal, plastic, and wood. This tool is commonly called a ‘crochet needle’ or ‘crochet hook’.
SINGLE LOOP VS MULTIPLE LOOPS
The next major difference between crochet and knitting is the loop or loops.
There is a singular loop when crocheting called the ‘active loop’ present at the hook side of the tool. While in knitting you pass on loops over loops onto the length of the needle and then transfer them to the other needle. This makes each row attached to the other in the craft you make.
THE LOOK OF THE FABRIC
While crochet crafts look like little knots, knitting items look like stitches. This creates a huge difference in the bulkiness of both techniques. A knitted item would look flatter than a crocheted one. A crochet item also tends to be stiffer, while a knitted item tends to be more stretchy and flexible.
Of course, there are exceptions depending on the way they were created, but for the most part, they are as described.
Example of knitted fabric
Example of crocheted fabric
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