Knitting vs Crochet
So, you’ve caught the yarn bug.. maybe you’re dreaming of snuggling up in a handmade scarf, gifting an adorable baby cardigan, or just getting crafty with some beautiful yarn. But should you learn to knit or to crochet?
At Sewcialising, we’re all about making creativity fun. So whether you're dreaming of crafting your own wardrobe staples or just looking for a mindful new hobby, we’re here to help you decide which yarn-based path is the one for you.
There’s no right or wrong answer, both knitting and crochet are creative, calming, and endlessly rewarding. But each craft has its own rhythm and which takes priority will be different for each individual. My son didn’t like crochet for example but took to knitting straight away, there as I can knit and crochet but I much prefer crochet.
What's the Actual Difference?
Let’s start with the basics.
Knitting is done with two needles. You build your fabric by forming rows of connected loops, which all stay on the needles until you’re done. It’s like weaving soft ladders, row by row.
Crochet, on the other hand, is worked with a single hook. You pull one loop through another, finishing each stitch before moving on. That means you only ever have one live stitch to worry about.
It might not sound like a huge difference, but once you try both, you'll see how different they feel in your hands and how that influences which craft you prefer and what you make.
Knitting creates soft, stretchy fabric that’s perfect for clothing. Ideal for projects that need a smooth drape, think jumpers, cardigans, and scarves that flow. Once you get the hang of it, knitting can be incredibly soothing, almost meditative.
Things to be aware of: Managing two needles can feel clumsy at first. Fixing mistakes isn’t always straightforward, especially in the beginning. Projects can take a bit longer to finish. Great for: garments, socks, hats, and anything that needs stretch and softness.
Many beginners find crochet easier to start with: one hook, one stitch, and you're good to go. Projects often grow quickly (which is so satisfying). It’s super flexible, easier to shape or adjust without a strict pattern. The texture you can get is bold, chunkier, fun, and perfect for sturdy pieces.
What to keep in mind: It usually uses a bit more yarn than knitting. The finished fabric is thicker and doesn’t stretch quite as much. Best for: blankets, cushions, toys (especially amigurumi), accessories, and textured items like bags and dishcloths. You can also make garments, but they will appear chunkier than knitted garments.
Which One Is Easier to Learn?
Crochet tends to be quicker to pick up. With just a few basic stitches, like the chain and double crochet, you can start whipping up your first project in no time, but some people find it too complicated or can’t get to grips with it.
Knitting might take a little more patience in the beginning. Handling two needles and keeping all your stitches in place can feel fiddly. But once you get into the flow, it becomes second nature. And if you’re someone who enjoys order, structure, and patterns, knitting might really appeal to you.
Lots of crafters learn one and then pick up the other later on. If you’re on the fence, the best thing to do is dip your toes in both waters. Try a simple crochet project like a granny square or dishcloth, or a basic knitted scarf or headband.
At Sewcialising, we host beginner knitting and crochet workshops to help you get started with confidence, and for those curious to explore both worlds, we offer Tunisian crochet classes, which is a brilliant blend of knitting and crochet techniques in one craft!
At Sewcialising, we also know that having the right tools can make all the difference when you’re starting your yarn journey. That’s why we stock a lovely selection of knitting needles, crochet hooks, stitch markers, and other handy notions to help you along. And of course, we couldn’t resist filling our shelves with scrummy yarns in colours and textures we absolutely love, perfect for bringing your first (or fiftieth!) project to life. Whether you're after something soft and snuggly or bold and bright, we’ve got you covered.
Just grab a soft yarn in a colour you love and remember: you don’t need to be perfect to be proud of what you make!
