Have you been wanting to get crafty and make something with your own two hands? Take a look at knitting or crocheting!

The question is, which one should you start with?

Is it easier to learn knitting or crocheting? Well, the answer is that they are both easy to learn and they both have a small learning curve you need to conquer.

Do you remember learning to tie your shoes?

Probably not, but your parents can remind you, it wasn’t something you picked up in one minute. You tried and tried and eventually you got it.

Both knitting and crocheting have techniques you need to learn before it becomes easy.

In this blog post, i’m going to cover discuss the major differences between knitting and crocheting as well as show you how to get started on both by making simple scarves.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure for more information.

In addition, you’ll get next step project ideas and free patterns. So be sure to read all the way to the end so you don’t miss a thing!

Is knitting or crocheting hard?

Both of knitting and crocheting are fairly easy to learn. You’ll start with basic stitches, learn to master them, and build from there. As with anything worth doing, once you gain a bit of knowledge and motor control of the skills needed, the rewards are amazing!

What is difference in knitting and crocheting?

Even though both techniques use yarn to create fabric, there are fundamental differences on how each one is created. Let’s take some time to discuss what each of these needlecrafts are and what makes them unique.

Knitting is made with two sticks and some string. The “sticks” are called knitting needles and the “string” is called yarn. Knitting is made by casting a number of stitches onto a needle and having live stitches that are worked back and forth across the needles.

In knitting, you’ll be creating a continuous string of loops that create fabric. When done knitting, those live stitches are cast off the needles to end the knitting.

The two basic stitches in knitting are called “knit” and “purl” stitches. You can make a wide variety of projects knowing just these stitches.

The knitted stitches tend to be soft and smooth with a relatively uniform look. Knitting is ideal use for making sweaters, baby garments, hats, mittens, throws, socks, and shawls.

Crocheting is made with a crochet hook and yarn. Crochet may also be worked in rows, but instead of having an entire row of live stitches on the needle, there is only one live stitch.

If you make a mistake, it’s easier to correct in crochet because you only have to deal with that one live stitch. Crochet is also faster to create than knitting.

There are five basic stitches in crochet: slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and triple crochet. All other stitches are a combination or variation of those five stitches. You’ll be able to knit sweaters, afghans, pillows, and lots of small easy crafts.

Because there is only one live stitch in crochet, there are more opportunities to create interesting multidirectional projects such as granny squares, amigurumi, or yarn bombing.

One of the trickiest things to understand with crocheting is where to put your next stitch. Once you learn the elements of the stitch and where to put your hook, you’ll be soaring along.

Does Knit or Crochet Use More Yarn?

There are a lot of variables to consider when trying to figure out which craft uses more yarn, knitting or crochet. Things that make a difference are needle and hook sizes, type of project, and even the crafter’s tension.

However, as a general rule, crochet uses approximately 1/3 (or 33%) more yarn than knitting.

Some people think that there are certain yarns for each hobby, but that is not true. You can use the same yarns for either hobby. I think this misconception comes from the fact that most yarn shop owners tend to be knitters. Since they aren’t always as proficient with crocheting, crocheters flocked to large craft chains.

In fact, many yarn labels include information for both knitting and crocheting. The yarn label includes what is called a gauge. The yarn label gauge provides the recommended needle or hook size and the number of stitches created over a four inch swatch.

So, don’t be afraid to have fun choosing yarn!

How to Choose Between Knitting or Crocheting?

Guess what, you really don’t have to choose!

In fact, if you learn to do both knitting and crochet, you aren’t limited in what you can create. Many knitted items such as sweaters or afghans use a crochet edge for finishing.

Do a quick search online for beginner knitting patterns and then a search for beginner crochet patterns. Which style and projects appeal to you? Start with the one you like more.

If you really can’t decide which one to start with, I recommend getting started with knitting because it tends to be a bit easier to get the hang of in the beginning. Then in a few weeks or months when you are feeling confident with your knit and purl stitches, pick up a hook and learn to crochet.

Next I’ll show you the basics of how to knit and how to crochet. I’ll go through the materials you’ll need to get started, the basic stitches, and some beginner projects to get you started.

How to Knit

What Materials Do You Need for Knitting?

You only need a few items to start knitting. I suggest starting with a plain, thick yarn and larger needles to begin. The reason is, it’s easier to handle larger needles and yarn, plus you’ll be able to see what the stitches look like. That’s one of the most important parts of knitting. Because if you make a mistake (and everyone does) you’ll know what it should look like when you need to fix it.

3 skeins WoolAddicts Earth Yarn OR bulky weight yarn
1 pair Size US 10 knitting needles
Tapestry needle (for weaving in yarn ends)
Pair of scissors

How to Start Knitting

Let’s start by knitting a scarf!

You’ll begin by making a slip knot. This counts as the first stitch on the needle.

Then cast the stitches onto the needle. You’ll decide how many stitches to cast on by choosing how wide you want your project to be. Let’s say we’re going to start with a scarf. Since the gauge on this yarn is 3 stitches per inch, cast on 15 stitches.

Here’s how to make a slip knot and cast on.

Now you’re ready to start knitting. Make sure the needle with the stitches on it is in your left hand. Here’s how to make the knit stitch. When you get to the end of the row, put the needle with the stitches on it back in your left hand and repeat.

You’re knitting!

Continue this process until you only have about a yard of yarn left on the last ball. Now it’s time to take the stitches off the needle. That’s called binding off or casting off. Here’s how it’s done.

Want to get into the knitting grove a bit more? Here’s 7 Things I Wish I Had Known When I Started Knitting.

How to Crochet

What Material Do You Need for Crocheting?

To learn to crochet, you only need a few simple tools. I’ve listed them here and thought we could start by making a simple single crochet scarf.

2 skeins of Ewe Ewe Baa Baa Bulky Yarn
Size US M/9.0 mm crochet hook
Tapestry needle
Pair of scissors

You’ll begin crocheting by making a slip knot and then the foundation chain. For our project, let’s begin by making a chain of 13. In the video it says make a chain of 10, but that’s just for practice. Let’s make the scarf a bit wider and chain 13.

Here’s how it done in this video:

Now that you have your foundation chain, it’s time to move on to single crochet.

In the following video, you’ll learn how to single crochet in the foundation chain, work across the row, and turn your work to make the next row.

Tip: When working your stitches, try not to pull to tightly on the yarn as it moves through your fingers. If you find it’s hard to insert the hook into the next stitch, you need to loosen up.

Continue working rows of single crochet until you only have 12” of yarn remaining on the second ball of yarn.

Now it’s time to cast off. Casting off is REALLY easy for crochet. Here’s how it’s done:

The last step is weaving in the yarn ends. Don’t just cut them short or your entire project will unravel!

This video shows you how to weave in the ends so you’ll be able to enjoy your scarf for years to come.

If you want to learn more, check out our crochet videos and tutorials.

Now that you know the differences between knitting and crocheting, which one do you think you’ll start with? Let me know in the comments below!