Knitting and crochet are two popular needlecrafts that have been around for centuries.
Both crafts involve creating fabric from yarn, but they differ in the tools and techniques used.
Knitting uses two or more needles to create loops that interlock with each other, while crochet uses a single hook to create loops that are pulled through each other.
While both knitting and crochet have their own unique challenges, there are some key differences that may make one craft easier or more appealing to certain individuals. For example, knitting tends to be more structured and symmetrical, while crochet is more flexible and forgiving.
When deciding which craft to learn, it is important to consider factors such as:
- physical experience: would you rather work with one hook in your dominant hand, or one needle in each hand
- learning style: there are more instructional resources and knitting patterns in the world, but crochet is easier to fix mistakes
- end result: if you're looking to make stuffed animals (amigurumi) crochet is more often employed, but if you're looking to make garments, knitting is more often employed
Ultimately, the best way to determine which craft is easier for you is to try both and see which one you enjoy more.
With practice and patience, both knitting and crochet can be rewarding and enjoyable hobbies that allow you to create beautiful and functional items.
Is it Easier to Learn to Knit or Crochet?
Looking to learn a new craft?
Going homemade for holidays and birthdays this year?
Knitting and crochet are both popular options for fun, practical, and extremely relaxing ways to spend your time.
If you ask experts in both, they will probably be able to tell you which one is easiest for them. But there isn't an answer as to which is easier for every person.
Most often in knitting vs. crocheting, the easiest yarn art is going to be whichever one you learn first or take to the easiest.
To help you decide which one is right for you, we've rounded up the best products for learning to knit or crochet.
Crochet Patterns For Dummies
If you're a beginner looking to learn crochet, this book is a great starting point with clear instructions and reference material.
Pros- Clear instructions for beginners
- Includes reference material
- Chock full of interesting projects
- Difficult to follow for UK readers due to American yarns and hook sizes
- Later projects may be more challenging for beginners
- Not as many real work photos as desired
Crochet Patterns For Dummies is a great instructional book for beginners, with clear and easy-to-follow instructions, as well as reference material. The book is chock full of interesting projects, but some may be more challenging for beginners. However, the book is difficult to follow for UK readers due to American yarns and hook sizes, and there are not as many real work photos as desired. Overall, it's a great starting point for anyone looking to learn crochet.
One of the best things about this book is how it breaks down the basics of crochet into simple steps. The instructions are easy to follow and the reference material is incredibly helpful for beginners. However, as the book progresses, some of the projects may become more challenging for beginners, so it's important to pace yourself and not get discouraged. Additionally, the book is difficult to follow for UK readers due to American yarns and hook sizes, which may require some extra research or adjustments. Finally, while the book does have some photos of real work, there are not as many as desired, which can make it difficult to visualize the end product.
Overall, Crochet Patterns For Dummies is a great starting point for anyone looking to learn crochet. It's easy to follow, informative, and includes a variety of interesting projects. However, it may require some extra research or adjustments for UK readers, and the lack of real work photos can make it difficult to visualize the end product. Nonetheless, it's a great resource for beginners and a must-have for anyone looking to get started with crochet.
If you're a beginner looking for a high-quality yarn that's easy to work with, The Woobles Easy Peasy Yarn is a great choice.
Pros- The cotton-nylon blend provides a smooth, modern finish that won't split, fray, or snag.
- The worsted-weight medium #4 yarn is perfect for beginners learning to crochet or knit, with easy-to-see stitches and a premium look.
- The yarn is machine washable and dryable, making it easy to care for.
- Some users have reported missing dye in certain colors.
- The yarn may twist easily, making it difficult to work with for some beginners.
- The price point is higher than some other beginner-friendly yarns on the market.
The Woobles Easy Peasy Yarn is a great choice for beginners looking for a high-quality yarn that's easy to work with. The cotton-nylon blend provides a smooth finish that won't split or snag, and the worsted-weight medium #4 yarn is perfect for easy-to-see stitches and a premium look. However, some users have reported missing dye in certain colors, and the yarn may twist easily, making it difficult to work with for some beginners. Additionally, the price point is higher than some other beginner-friendly yarns on the market.
Get started on your crochet journey with this beginner kit that includes everything you need to create three boho-style designs.
Pros- Learn to crochet quickly and easily with the included color instruction book and video tutorials.
- The included t-shirt yarn is chunky and makes it easier to see the holes to crochet into, making it perfect for beginners.
- With multiple colors in the kit, you can create your own unique designs and color schemes.
- The kit only includes enough yarn to create three designs, so you'll need to purchase more if you want to continue practicing your new skill.
- The included crochet hooks may not be the best quality, so you may want to invest in higher quality hooks if you plan on continuing to crochet.
- The boho-style designs may not be to everyone's taste, so if you're looking to create more traditional designs, this kit may not be for you.
This learn to crochet kit is perfect for anyone looking to get started on their crochet journey. The included instruction book and video tutorials make it easy to learn, and the t-shirt yarn is chunky and easy to work with. Plus, with multiple colors in the kit, you can create your own unique designs. However, the kit only includes enough yarn to create three designs, and the included crochet hooks may not be the best quality, so you may need to invest in higher quality hooks if you plan on continuing to crochet.
Overall, this kit is a great gift for anyone interested in learning to crochet or for anyone looking to create some fun and unique boho-style designs.
If you're a beginner looking for an all-in-one crochet kit, the CraftStarter Crochet Kit is a great choice. With all the necessary tools and instructions, you'll be able to create a beautiful scarf in no time.
Pros- The kit includes everything you need to get started with crochet, including yarn, a crochet hook, a tapestry needle, and step-by-step instructions.
- The yarn is soft and luxurious, making it a pleasure to work with.
- The kit is geared towards adults, but can also be used by kids with adult supervision.
- The instructions can be difficult to follow for some beginners, and the video tutorial may be necessary for some.
- The fuzzy yarn included in the kit can be challenging for some beginners to work with.
- The kit is slightly more expensive than other beginner crochet kits on the market.
The CraftStarter Crochet Kit is a great choice for anyone looking to learn how to crochet. The kit includes all the necessary tools and materials, and the soft and luxurious yarn makes it a pleasure to work with. While the instructions can be a bit challenging for some beginners, the video tutorial is a helpful resource. Overall, this kit is a great investment for anyone interested in learning a new skill and creating something beautiful.
Flower Fairy Stuffed Soft Toy Doll
If you're looking for a cute and soft plush toy for a little girl, this Flower Fairy is a fun option.
Pros- The doll is made of high quality environmental protection PP cotton, making it soft and cuddly to the touch.
- The skirt is detachable and the braid is free to make up, which adds an element of DIY fun and creativity for children.
- The HWD brand meets federal safety standards, including ASTM F963-16 /-17, CPSIA, and US Children’s Product Certificate, so parents can feel confident in their purchase.
- The doll is recommended for children over 3 years old, so it may not be suitable for younger children.
- The skirt is made of gauze, which may not hold up as well over time with frequent play and washing.
- The doll is hand-wash only with neutral detergent, which may be less convenient for busy parents.
The HWD Kawaii Flower Fairy is a cute and soft plush toy that provides children with an opportunity for creative play. The detachable skirt and free-to-make-up braid add an element of DIY fun, making it a great gift for young girls who love to play dress-up. However, parents should keep in mind that the doll is recommended for children over 3 years old and requires hand-washing with neutral detergent. Overall, the HWD Kawaii Flower Fairy is a great option for parents looking for a cute and safe plush toy for their little ones.
HEJIN Peachy Keen Yarn
Looking for a soft and flexible yarn that is perfect for beginners in knitting and crocheting? Look no further than the HEJIN Peachy Keen Yarn.
Pros- Smooth and soft yarn with no fuzz like acrylic yarn
- Easy-to-see stitches make it perfect for beginners
- Can be used for a variety of yarn craft projects
- Smaller skeins may be expensive for some users
- Not as big as other similar products
- Limited color options
The HEJIN Peachy Keen Yarn is a great choice for those just starting out in knitting or crocheting. Made of a cotton-nylon blend, this yarn is smooth and soft, making it easy to work with. The stitches are also easy to see, which is perfect for beginners who are just learning how to crochet or knit. Additionally, this yarn can be used for a variety of projects, including clothing, socks, gloves, headdress, toys, jewelry making, and more.
However, some users may find the smaller skeins to be expensive, and the limited color options may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, the yarn is not as big as other similar products, which may be a consideration for some users.
If you're looking for a soft and flexible yarn that is perfect for beginners in knitting and crocheting, the HEJIN Peachy Keen Yarn is definitely worth checking out.
Little Crochet Friend Animals Crochet Kit with Yarn
If you're looking for a fun and easy crochet project, Leisure Arts Little Crochet Friend Animals Crochet Kit with Yarn is a great option. It's perfect for beginners and comes with everything you need to make an adorable 8" amigurumi elephant.
Pros- Step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, making it a great beginner kit for kids and adults.
- Includes all the supplies you need to get started, including yarn, a plastic crochet hook, a plastic needle, and fiber fill.
- Great as a gift for any budding crafter, whether it's for a birthday, Christmas, or just because.
- Instructions can be confusing, especially with the French and English translations presented side-by-side.
- Some reviewers found the pattern difficult to read and not very beginner-friendly.
- Colors and contents may vary, so the finished product may not look exactly like the picture.
If you're looking for a fun and easy crochet project, Leisure Arts Little Crochet Friend Animals Crochet Kit with Yarn is a great option. With step-by-step instructions and all the supplies you need to get started, it's perfect for beginners of all ages. However, some reviewers found the instructions confusing and the pattern difficult to read. Overall, this kit is a great gift for any budding crafter looking to try their hand at amigurumi crochet.
Mighty Bright The Original WonderFlex Book Light
If you're looking for a versatile and high-quality book light, the Mighty Bright WonderFlex is a great choice. It's lightweight, portable, and multi-purpose, making it perfect for reading, camping, studying, hobbies, and more. With its warm-tone High CRI LEDs and step-down dimming, you'll get even light output and accurate color rendering.
Pros- Flexible and adjustable neck for easy positioning
- Three levels of step-down dimming for customized brightness
- Optical grade lens for even light distribution with no hotspots or harsh edges
- Heavier than some other book lights on the market
- Three different light settings are barely distinguishable
- Some users have reported issues with the LEDs burning out quickly
The Mighty Bright WonderFlex is a great all-purpose book light that's perfect for a variety of situations. Its strong-grip clip and soft-touch silicone overmold make it easy to attach to any surface, and its wide base allows it to stand free-standing on its own. Additionally, it can be powered by (3) AAA batteries or by standard micro USB cable, with no need to remove the batteries when using USB power.
One of the standout features of the WonderFlex is its warm-tone High CRI LEDs, which mimic natural lighting and provide accurate color rendering. This means that colors appear more vibrant and true, and with minimal optical distortion. Additionally, with its optical grade lens, the light is distributed evenly with no hotspots or harsh edges, making it easy on the eyes during extended use.
Overall, if you're looking for a versatile and high-quality book light, the Mighty Bright WonderFlex is a great choice. Its flexibility, adjustability, and warm-tone High CRI LEDs make it a go-to project light you'll want to keep at hand.
Knitting VS Crocheting Materials
The material you choose will depend on your budget and the type of project you plan to work on. But generally speaking, here are the primary differences...
- Knitting requires more accessories, more notions, than crocheting. So as you progress, that might be a slight bit more of an investment and more little bits and bobs to organize.
- Knitting needles come in a variety of materials such as metal, wood, and plastic, while crochet hooks are typically made of aluminum or plastic (but you can find wood at local artisan shops and markets if that's your preference). Metal needles and hooks are durable and long-lasting (and slipperier for faster creating), while wood and plastic options are often more affordable (with a little more grip for newbies that don't want the yarn to move too much).
- Knitting uses up about 30% less yarn than crocheting. Crocheting tends to "eat up" yarn, so crocheters might need to be more strategic about how they invest in their yarn stash. But all yarn is good for either knitting or crocheting.
I can't wait to see what you make and which you prefer!
Who knows... perhaps you'll be one of the millions who find both equally easy and equally satisfying.