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Knitting vs. crochet: Which is easier to learn?

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Knitting vs. crocheting: key differences

When comparing knitting vs. crochet, both are skills that use balls of yarn to craft items by hand. Some beginners enjoy the greater control they have when knitting with two needles, while others prefer the greater freedom that comes from crocheting. Many knitters also learn to crochet because the crochet stitches make neater edges on knitted clothing. Whether you choose one method over the other, you can find both knitting and crochet kits for beginners. 

Shop this article: Craftlab Knitting Kit for BeginnersBcmrun 22-Piece Stainless Steel Knitting Needles and The Woobles Beginners Crochet Kit

What is knitting?

Knitting is done with two active hands and two long, slender needles. You use one needle to scoop out loops and another to store them.

Knitting tools

Knitting needles are long, slender pointed rods that may be made of many different materials and come in many styles, lengths and diameters. They have three parts:

The most common knitting needles are made of plastic, metal and bamboo.

What is crocheting?

Crocheting is done with one active hand and uses a special hook instead of needles.

Crochet tools

Crochet hooks have parts:

There are three basic types of crochet hooks. Like knitting needles, they come in different sizes.

What kind of things do you like to make?

The bottom line

Most find it easier to learn to crochet than knit, for several reasons.

What you need to buy for knitting

Craftlab Knitting Kit for Beginners

Everything you need is here in this knitting starter kit. You get wooden needles, four skeins of wool yarn, a tapestry needle and an easy-to-follow instruction book. There is enough here to make a scarf, fingerless gloves and a bunny.

Lihao 36-Piece Bamboo Knitting Needles

You get 18 sizes from 2 to 10 millimeters in diameter, bleached to make the needles stronger, smoother and mildew-proof. This is a great starter set for beginners.

Bcmrun 22-Piece Stainless Steel Knitting Needles

Each of these 11 pairs has a different diameter, the size clearly marked on the knob. These smooth needles let you knit quickly with no snagging or catching.

Ruidi 26-Piece Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles Set

You get 13 sizes of aluminum needles with four tubes that can be connected to any size pair. You also get stitch markers, positioning buttons, a posting tool and a leather bag to carry everything in.

What you need to buy for crocheting

Jmark Crochet Kit for Beginners Premium Bundle

You get nine crochet hooks, six needles and 24 acrylic balls of crochet yarn, each 55 yards long. This beginner crochet kit comes with one bag for yarn, a second for your crochet hooks and a third to hold everything.

Inscraft 113-Piece Crochet Kit for Beginners

This crochet starter kit has 40 colors of yarn and a 73-piece crochet hook set that includes everything you need to crochet, including hooks, needles, scissors, stitch markers and a measuring tape.

Lewhoo Ergonomic Crochet Hooks Set for Arthritic Hands

These hooks come in a soft felt roll-up bag and are made with longer, wider handles that are easy to grip. The soft silicone non-slip design is perfect for those with arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Woobles Beginners Crochet Kit

Made popular by “Shark Tank,” this Woobles crochet kit tasks you with making an adorable animal made of yarn. It’s a great option to get children interested in the craft. The crocheting kit includes an easy-to-follow video tutorial, yarn, animal eyes, a yarn needle, a crochet hook and stuffing. You can make a penguin, bunny, chick, dinosaur, fox, lion, narwhal or other multiple animals with the bundle option.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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