Knitting vs Crochet: Which Should You Learn First?

We may earn a commission from affiliate links on this page. As an Amazon Associate, GrannyHobby earns from qualifying purchases. All product data and buyer feedback is sourced from verified Amazon reviews.

Quick Verdict

If you want the fastest visible results with the simplest tool (one hook, one stitch), start with crochet. If you want the classic fabric that most store-bought sweaters use and a more rhythmic, meditative motion, start with knitting. Both are slow crafts for modern life, and neither is harder overall. Crochet gives you quicker wins and easier fixing. Knitting gives you drapey fabric and a deeper stitch library. Pick the one that matches the first project you actually want to make.

At a Glance: Knitting vs Crochet

Category	Knitting	Crochet
Difficulty for beginners	Moderate. Two live needles, multiple stitches on the needle at once.	Easier to start. One hook, one stitch at a time.
Cost to start	$15 to $30 for a beginner kit with needles and yarn.	$20 to $40 for a complete kit with hooks and yarn.
Speed of results	Slower. Knit stitches are shorter; a scarf takes longer.	Faster. Crochet stitches are taller; projects grow quicker.
Best first projects	Scarves, dishcloths, simple hats.	Amigurumi (stuffed animals), scarves, granny squares, washcloths.
Tools needed	2 knitting needles, yarn, scissors, tapestry needle.	1 crochet hook, yarn, scissors, tapestry needle.
Fixing mistakes	Harder. Dropped stitches can unravel rows below.	Easier. One active loop; frog and redo freely.
Portability	Good. Two needles plus yarn ball fit in a project bag.	Better. One small hook plus yarn ball, no loose needle.

Crochet: The Fast, Forgiving Starting Point

Crochet uses a single hook to pull loops of yarn through other loops. You work one stitch at a time, which means only one loop is ever live on the hook. If you make a mistake, you pull out the last few stitches (rip it out, or “frogging” in craft slang) and try again. No dropped stitches unraveling twenty rows below.

The hook itself does the shaping. The size of your hook determines your stitch gauge, and the yarn weight determines the fabric density. Beginners pick up a basic chain stitch and single crochet in under an hour.

What You Make With Crochet

Crochet excels at structured, sculptural projects. Amigurumi (small stuffed animals), granny square blankets, market bags, hats, scarves, and chunky blankets. Because crochet stitches are taller than knit stitches, a scarf or blanket grows noticeably faster.

The texture of crochet fabric is thicker and less drapey than knitting. That makes it ideal for things that need to hold a shape: baskets, coasters, stuffed toys, bags. It also means crochet sweaters tend to be bulkier, which knitters sometimes dislike.

What It Costs

Starting crochet costs about $20 to $40 for a kit that includes hooks, yarn, and instructions. The single hook is cheaper than a pair of quality knitting needles, but mid-range crochet kits often include multiple hook sizes and more yarn.

Best beginner pick: The Woobles Crochet Kit ($29.95, 4.5/5 stars from 2,714 Amazon reviews). This is the kit that went viral on Shark Tank for a reason. Buyers consistently mention the video tutorials, the pre-started yarn that removes the hardest first step, and the satisfaction of finishing a project in a weekend. If you want a larger stash, the JC CRAFT Deluxe Beginner Crochet Kit ($38.99, 4.6/5 stars) comes with 20 yarn skeins and ergonomic hooks for learning multiple stitch types.

Reviewers on Amazon for The Woobles highlight that the kit is genuinely beginner-friendly with clear video links and that the finished penguin or fox looks professional enough to gift. A small number note the kit only makes one small plush and you will want to buy additional yarn soon after.

Knitting: The Classic, Meditative Craft

Knitting uses two pointed needles to create interlocking loops (stitches) held across the needle. You build rows of “V” shaped stitches that produce a stretchy, drapey fabric. Both hands work together to move the yarn from one needle to the other, creating a rhythmic back-and-forth that many knitters describe as meditative.

Knitting has a steeper initial learning curve because multiple live stitches sit on the needle at once. Drop one off the needle by accident and that column of stitches can unravel all the way down. The fix (picking up dropped stitches with a crochet hook) is itself a skill, which can frustrate self-taught beginners.

What You Make With Knitting

Knitting is the default fabric for most commercial sweaters, cardigans, socks, and fine scarves. The fabric drapes better than crochet, so finished garments hang more naturally. Knitted lace, cable patterns, and colorwork (Fair Isle, stripes) are visible in ways that crochet struggles to match.

Flat projects like scarves and dishcloths are excellent first makes. Hats on circular needles add a new skill in the round. Socks are a milestone project that knitters proudly show off.

What It Costs

Starting knitting costs about $15 to $25 for a basic kit. Needles come in straight, circular, and double-pointed varieties, and you will likely want more sizes as you progress. Quality aluminum or bamboo needle sets start around $20.

Best beginner pick: Creativity for Kids Learn to Knit Pocket Scarf ($22.69, 4.4/5 stars from 635 reviews). This kit reliably produces a finished wearable, which is the confidence booster most beginners need. For a more complete setup with additional yarn, the POETRYDRAW Complete Beginner Knitting Kit ($18.99, 4.5/5 stars) includes multiple needle sizes, colorful acrylic yarns, and a drawstring bag for storage.

Amazon reviewers consistently say the Creativity for Kids kit is well-organized with clear photo instructions and that completing the pocket scarf gives a real sense of accomplishment. A few buyers mention the included yarn is thinner than expected and recommend practicing with a chunky yarn first for visibility.

Head to Head: How They Compare for a Beginner

Ease for Beginners

Crochet wins this round. One hook, one live stitch. You can learn a chain and single crochet in an afternoon and have a visible swatch. Knitting needs you to cast on (get stitches onto the needle), maintain even tension across multiple live stitches, and not drop any. The first hour of knitting can feel frustrating. The first hour of crochet feels productive.

That said, many people who learn knitting first report that crochet later feels chaotic or messy because the fabric is thicker. If you value a clean, classic look from day one, the extra struggle of learning to knit may be worth it.

Cost

Both crafts cost about the same to start: $15 to $40 for a full kit. Knitting needles are generally more expensive than crochet hooks at the high end (an interchangeable needle set runs $50 to $150), but beginners do not need those. A single decent pair of needles or a starter hook set is under $10.

Yarn costs are identical. A 100g skein of acrylic worsted-weight yarn costs $3 to $7 at craft stores. Beginners should buy mid-range acrylic for practice and save natural fibers for projects they intend to keep.

Versatility

Knitting produces fabric that mimics commercial garments. If making your own sweaters, cardigans, socks, and hats to wear out of the house is the goal, knitting is the better choice. The stitch patterns are finer and the drape is superior.

Crochet produces thicker, more structured fabric that is better for home goods (blankets, baskets, pillows), toys, and accessories. Amigurumi, a global craft community on its own, is exclusively crochet.

Portability

Crochet wins for travel. One hook and a ball of yarn fit in a coat pocket. Knitting needs two needles and an active row of live stitches that can slide off if jostled. Circular needles help (the cable holds the stitches), but crochet is still more portable.

Which to Choose Based on Your Goal

For relaxation and stress relief

Knitting. The rhythmic two-handed motion is widely described as meditative. Knitters report lower heart rate and a flow state similar to yoga or walking meditation. Crochet is more active and interrupt-driven (pull loop, yarn over, pull through), which some find less calming.

For gifting

Both work well. Crochet wins for quick gifts (a hat in an evening, a stuffie in a weekend). Knitting wins for heirloom-quality gifts like a baby blanket or lace shawl that looks store-bought.

For fast wins (first project done in a weekend)

Crochet. A simple single-crochet scarf or a Woobles kit amigurumi can be finished in a few afternoons. A knitted scarf at the same gauge will take noticeably longer.

For portability (crafting on the go, commuting, travel)

Crochet. One hook, one ball, no loose needles. You can crochet on a bus, at a cafe, or during a work break with minimal setup.

For budget

Both are equally affordable to start. A basic kit for either craft is under $25. Yarn is the same cost. The budget difference only appears later if you invest in premium tools (interchangeable knitting needle sets are more expensive than hook sets).

How to Get Started With Your Pick

If you choose crochet

Buy the Woobles Crochet Kit ($29.95). It comes with a pre-started yarn with the first row done for you, a video tutorial access code, stuffing, and safety eyes. Follow the video step by step. Finish the Pierre the Penguin kit and you will know chain, single crochet, increase, decrease, and fasten off. Then search for beginner crochet patterns on Ravelry or Craft Yarn Council’s learn section for patterns rated “easy.”

Budget alternative: Spardar 74 pcs Crochet Kit ($35.97, 4.7/5 stars from 219 reviews). Comes with a full set of hooks, yarn in 20 colors, stitch markers, and a storage bag. Ideal if you want to practice multiple hook sizes from the start.

If you choose knitting

Buy the Creativity for Kids Learn to Knit Pocket Scarf kit ($22.69). It includes kid-friendly (but adult-usable) instructions, needles, and enough yarn for a finished scarf. Learn to cast on, knit stitch, purl stitch, and bind off. Then practice on a dishcloth before starting your next scarf.

If you want a larger starter stash, the POETRYDRAW Complete Beginner Knitting Kit ($18.99) provides multiple needle sizes and a range of yarn colors, though the instructions are best used as a supplement to YouTube tutorials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is knitting or crochet easier for a complete beginner?

Crochet is generally easier to learn because you work with one hook and one live stitch at a time. Mistakes are easier to undo, and projects show visible progress faster. Knitting takes longer to feel comfortable because you manage multiple live stitches and the risk of dropped stitches.

Can I teach myself knitting or crochet?

Yes. Thousands of free video tutorials on YouTube cover every stitch. Kit manufacturers like The Woobles and Creativity for Kids include access to video instructions specific to their projects. The Craft Yarn Council also offers free learn-to-craft guides on their website.

Which craft uses less yarn?

Knitting uses less yarn than crochet for the same size project because knit stitches are shorter and more compact. If you are working with expensive natural fibers, knitting gives you more coverage per skein.

Which is better for making clothes?

Knitting is better for garments. The fabric is thinner, stretchier, and drapes like commercial sweaters and cardigans. Crochet garments tend to be bulkier and have larger gaps between stitches, which is fine for outerwear but less suitable for base layers.

Can I switch from knitting to crochet or vice versa?

Yes, many crafters do both. The skills transfer in surprising ways: crocheters already understand yarn tension and gauge; knitters already read patterns and recognize stitch construction. Learning the second craft is noticeably faster than learning the first.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is knitting or crochet easier for a complete beginner?
Crochet is generally easier to learn because you work with one hook and one live stitch at a time. Mistakes are easier to undo, and projects show visible progress faster. Knitting takes longer to feel comfortable because you manage multiple live stitches and the risk of dropped stitches.
Can I teach myself knitting or crochet?
Yes. Thousands of free video tutorials on YouTube cover every stitch. Kit manufacturers like The Woobles and Creativity for Kids include access to video instructions specific to their projects. The Craft Yarn Council also offers free learn-to-craft guides on their website.
Which craft uses less yarn?
Knitting uses less yarn than crochet for the same size project because knit stitches are shorter and more compact. If you are working with expensive natural fibers, knitting gives you more coverage per skein.
Which is better for making clothes?
Knitting is better for garments. The fabric is thinner, stretchier, and drapes like commercial sweaters and cardigans. Crochet garments tend to be bulkier and have larger gaps between stitches, which is fine for outerwear but less suitable for base layers.
Can I switch from knitting to crochet or vice versa?
Yes, many crafters do both. The skills transfer in surprising ways: crocheters already understand yarn tension and gauge; knitters already read patterns and recognize stitch construction. Learning the second craft is noticeably faster than learning the first.