Creativity has no boundaries and creativity has no war. So be it knitting or crochet, they are both creative expressions of needlework with neither one being better nor worse. Some of us enjoy knitting, while others prefer crocheting, both are techniques that use tools and yarn to create beautiful pieces, like scarves, hats, sweaters, mittens, blankets, and more. The beauty of knitting and crocheting is transforming yarn into a truly personalized labor of love. The act of crafting means sitting in one place, breathing in and out, and focusing on your hands while soothing yourself to the rhythm of repetitive action is a meditative act that relaxes the maker and brings joy.
When you compare knitting and crocheting, you will have the question come to your mind, what is the difference between the two, and what to take up as a hobby? In this post, we will be talking about each of the yarn crafts and let you choose either one or both of them. The techniques and tools are different from one another and are enjoyable ways of making.
Knitting Tools and Techniques
Knitting uses a pair of needles to form the stitches. There are different types of knitting needles -single-pointed, double-pointed and circular. Needles are categorized by size which is determined by the tool's diameter. So, if you are planning to knit blankets and other bulky projects, you need to choose the biggest needle size and for very fine knitting like socks and lace, the smallest size is preferred. The needle length is another factor that needs to be considered when taking up projects. The definition of needle length totally changes when it comes to circular knitting needles, as their length includes the cable.
On the straight single pointed needles, you can make flat pieces with a back-and-forth stitching movement. Technically a straight but allowing knitting in the round is double pointed needles. Available in a set of 4-5 knitting needles, these work together in creating small circumference projects. Circular needles (two pointed tips joined by a cable) let you knit in a circular motion, ideal for projects like cowl scarves and hats. These come in variants of fixed circular and interchangeable circular knitting needles, the difference between the two being the cables, one comes fixed while the other comes with multiple choices of changeable cables. As you progress with knitting skills, you will find that having one size of each needle. You can learn more about knitting needles in our previous blog.
In knitting, v-shaped stitches are formed that hang off the needle and are transferred from one needle to the other, loop by loop. There is a whole gamut of knitting techniques that include English knitting, German/Continental knitting, or specialty lever knitting.
Crochet Tools and Techniques
Crochet requires the use of a hook, which comes in a range of sizes. Like knitting needles has different tools, each serving different purposes. The single-ended crochet hook has a hook on one end and a handle on another. They are the most basic tool of the craft. Double-ended has two hooks on either end. The Afghan/ Tunisian crochet hook is a unique tool with a length of knitting needles and a hooked end joined by a cable of varying lengths. A specialty crochet tool, you can get details on our blog on Tunisian crochet hooks.
You make loops with crochet hooks to create the essential stitches such as the single, double, and treble stitch. In crochet you make an initial loop known as a slip knot, then stitches are simply looped onto the piece so there's no transferring of stitches from one tool to another. Crochet stitches resemble a chain of small knots. Just like knitting, there are also a wide range of crochet techniques.
In crochet, the size of the hook is the most important. The general rule for crochet hook size is the larger the stitches, the larger the hook size. The yarn needs to be considered before deciding upon the hook size. If you want more details, make sure to check out our previous blog on crochet hook sizes.
A guide to yarn and corresponding sizes of knitting needles and crochet hooks
| Yarn Category name | Description | Metric hook size | Hook size | Metric knitting needle size | Knitting needle size |
| Lace | fingering, crochet 10-count thread | 1.5 - 2.25 mm | B-1 | 1.5mm - 2.25mm | 0 - 1 |
| Super fine | sock, fingering, baby | 2.25 - 3.5 mm | B-1 - E-4 | 2.25mm -3.25mm | 1 - 3 |
| Fine | sport, baby | 3.5 - 4.5 mm | E-4 - 7 | 3.25mm - 3.75mm | 3 - 5 |
| Light | DK, light worsted | 4.5 - 5.5 mm | 7 - I-9 | 3.75mm - 4.5mm | 5 - 7 |
| Medium | worsted, Afghan, Aran | 5.5 - 6.5 mm | I-9 - K-10 1/2 | 4.5mm - 5.5mm | 7 - 9 |
| Bulky | chunky, craft, rug | 6.5 - 9 mm | K-10 1/3 - M-13 | 5.5mm - 8mm | 9 - 11 |
| Super Bulky | bulky, roving | 9 - 15mm | M-13 - Q | 8mm - 12.75mm | 11 - 14 |
| Jumbo | jumbo, roving | 15mm and higher | Q and larger | 12.75mm and higher | 14 - 17 |
Besides, yarn there are many tools that are both used in knitting and crocheting. Scissors, tape measure, row counter, chart keepers, stitch markers, stitch holders, blocking tools, bags and cases. These are essentials in your craft project bag whether you are essentially a knitter or a crocheter. Another similarity between knitting needles and crochet hooks is that both are available in different materials. They come in varieties of wood, metal, steel, aluminium, bamboo, acrylic, carbon fiber and more. A gauge swatch is recommended in both the crafting techniques to understand your technique and get a look at how the project will turn out as.
To conclude, knitting and crocheting are both really methods of stitching yarn together, just in different styles. Research states that those who learn how to knit or crochet from an early age develop more complicated skills. Some yarn crafting projects combine techniques. And you could always consider Tunisian crochet sets, which many consider to be the best of both techniques.
Over to you – are you a knitter or a crocheter? Or both? KnitPro presents a range of knitting needles and crochet hooks in various sizes, types and materials. So, if you are in love with crafting, then we have the right tools for you.
