To most people who have done neither, knitting and crochet look much the same, and there is even more confusion about what either process involves. Most people know both use yarn and some kind of needle, and the understanding usually stops there. Those who have done one and not the other are often unclear about what the other actually does.
The tools
Knitting uses two needles – or a circular needle, or a set of double-pointed ones. Both ends are working ends.
Crochet uses one hook, with a hook at the tip that catches the yarn and pulls it through loops.
The fundamental difference
This is the part that explains everything else.
In knitting, an entire row of live stitches sits on the needle at once. Every one of them is open and could unravel. You move them from one needle to the other, working them as you go.
In crochet, only one stitch is ever live. Each stitch is completed and closed before the next begins.
Almost every practical difference between the crafts follows from that.
What follows from it
Dropped stitches. In knitting a dropped stitch runs down the fabric and can ruin a great deal of work. In crochet it simply does not happen – the stitch below is closed.
Putting the work down. A crochet piece can be abandoned mid-row and picked up later with nothing lost. A knitted piece left mid-row risks stitches sliding off the needle.
Fabric. Knitted fabric is thinner, more elastic and drapes better. Crocheted fabric is thicker, firmer and uses noticeably more yarn for the same area.
Speed. Crochet is generally faster for the same area, though it uses more yarn to get there.
Shaping. Crochet builds outward in any direction from any point, which makes three-dimensional and freeform work far easier. Knitting shapes in rows and rounds, which makes fitted garments more straightforward.
Which suits what
Knitting is better for garments that need to fit and drape – sweaters, socks, fine lace, anything worn close to the body. Ribbing that actually grips is a knitting speciality.
Crochet is better for blankets, bags, toys, hats and homeware – anything wanting structure, and anything sculptural. Amigurumi is a crochet craft for a reason.
Which to learn first
Crochet is generally easier to start, because of the single live stitch and the forgiveness that comes with it. Many people find it a gentler introduction.
But learn whichever makes the thing you want to make. That is the only criterion that matters, and plenty of people end up doing both.
