Knit or Crochet? Eight Things to Think About Before You Pick Up Your Needles or Hook

One question we get all the time is whether someone should learn to knit or crochet. And honestly, I don't think there's a right answer.

Knitting and crochet have a lot in common. They're both creative, they're both relaxing (most of the time 😉), and they both give you a pretty great excuse to buy yarn. But they are also very different.

So if you're trying to decide which one to learn—or you're already a knitter and wondering what all the crochet fuss is about—here are 8 things worth considering.

1. Which one is easier to learn?

For most people, crochet is a little easier to get started with. Although I will say that was not the case for me. I wish someone had told me not to start with Granny Square.

You have one hook, and you're generally working with one active stitch at a time. That makes the first few lessons feel a little less overwhelming.

Knitting has two needles and multiple live stitches, so there's a little more involved in the beginning but it really is only knit and crochet. That doesn't mean knitting is hard. It just means there's a little more going on while you're learning.

And once you get past those first few lessons, both start to make a lot more sense.

2. Which one is more relaxing?

Both knitting and crochet can be relaxing once you know what you're doing. There's something about the rhythm of repeating the same movements over and over that lets your brain quiet down a little.

Of course, neither one is relaxing when you're trying to figure out why you have 87 stitches instead of 88. 

3. What about your hands and wrists?

This is something I wish we talked about more.

Knitting and crochet use your hands differently, so how they feel on your body can vary a lot from person to person.

Knitting involves lots of smaller, repetitive movements with your fingers, thumbs and wrists. Crochet tends to have a little more movement with the hook and wrist.

If your hands start to hurt, take a break. Loosen your grip. Stretch your fingers. Play a fake piano and use MSM Lotion.

4. What about your neck and shoulders?

It's more of a "How long have I been sitting in this position?" issue.

Both crafts can have us sitting with our heads bent forward for way too long. Before you know it, your shoulders are up around your ears.

Good lighting helps. A comfortable chair helps. Taking breaks helps even more. Get up. Walk around. Stretch. Look out the window. Your project will still be there when you get back.

5. What happens when you make a mistake?

Mistakes happen.

In knitting, a dropped stitch can feel a little dramatic, especially when you're new. That little stitch can unravel down several rows and suddenly you're staring at your project wondering what went wrong with your life. Crochet can be a little more forgiving. You don't have to rip a project out, come into Apple Yarns and we can help you. 

Experienced knitters know how to fix dropped stitches too. It's one of those skills that feels like magic once you learn it. But if you're brand new, crochet may feel a little less intimidating when things go wrong.

6. Which one costs less to get started?

Crochet wins this one.

You can buy one crochet hook, grab some yarn and you're ready to go. Knitting isn't necessarily expensive, but it has more tools. The good news is that neither hobby has to cost a fortune when you're starting out. Start with a project and plan from there.

7. Which one uses more yarn?

Crochet generally uses more yarn than knitting, about a 1/3 more.

  Which brings us to...

8. What's the difference in the finished fabric?

Knitting creates a fabric that tends to be stretchier, softer and more drapey. That's why we see so many beautiful knitted sweaters, socks, cardigans and shawls.

Crochet generally creates a thicker, more structured fabric. Think blankets, bags, baskets, amigurumi and home décor.

Which One Should You Learn?

Try both.