Many people all around the world know and love crochet and knitted items, but they often confuse one for another. So what really is the difference?
Tools
In crochet, a “crochet hook” is used to create stitches. You only need one hook to crochet. While in knitting, “knitting needles” are used to create stitches and you need two knitting needles to knit.
The size of what hooks or needles you should use depends on the size and weight of the yarn you’re using. Another thing that can impact what size hooks or needles you should be using is your tension. This is because tighter tension may need bigger size hooks or needles, while a looser tension may need a smaller size hook or needle.
Both fiber arts use stitch markers. The markers are made out of bright colored plastic. They also look like a bigger sized safety pin. They mark stitches.
Stitches
When knitting, there are multiple loops of the stitches you are working with on the needles all the time. With crochet, there’s only one loop on the hook after you’ve finished a stitch.
Both knitting and crochet deal with counting stitches which can be troubling to keep up with. “The actually crocheting part was easy but the counting the stitches part was hard because I would forget where I was.” Sophia Vitale, a Senior at Colonia High school shares.
Knit stitches typically resemble a “V” shape while crochet stitches look stacked. Knitting can mimic crochet and vice versa. This can often trick people when looking at clothes in stores.
Machine
Machines make knit clothing, but not crochet clothing. So whenever you see a crocheted item in stores, know that a person handmade it.
Lots of stores label clothes machine knit as “crochet”. People often believe their clothing is crochet when in reality it’s machine knitted.
Similarities
Both hobbies typically use yarn and other tools like stitch markers and stitch counters. Certain terms like “Yarn Over”, “Increase” and “Decrease” are in patterns for both crafts.
Both fiber arts are a way to relax. The New York Times reports that a study done on depressed individuals, 54% found that knitting made them feel happier. Knit and Crochet can help a person focus more and reduce anxiety.
Fiber artists make sweaters, blankets, and scarves.
Both crafts have certain stereotypes.
Misconceptions
Stigmas surrounding crochet and knitting include that one is easier than the other, only older people crochet or knit, it’s quick to finish a project, and more.
There’s no real fact behind the idea that one is harder than the other. Typically it’s an individual’s preference that determines which one is harder or easier. “I think crochet is harder because I learned how to knit as a young person.” Pallavi Shetty, an Art teacher at Colonia High school states.
