Knit and crochet are popular hobbies that were once important home crafts necessary to keeping one's family clad and warm. They are similar processes — loops of yarn or thread are pulled through existing loops to make chains and fabrics — but the two crafts are very different in how they are accomplished.
Knitting and crocheting tools: Knitting uses two or more pointed needles, while crocheting requires only one needle with a hook on the end.
Knitting and crocheting stitches: When crocheting, the crafter works on one loop at a time, making chains by pulling a loop of yarn through the loop on the hook, or by inserting the hook into the existing fabric and pulling a loop through both the fabric and the loop on the hook, leaving only one loop on the hook. When knitting, multiple loops or stitches are worked across the needle, the width of the fabric being dictated by the number of stitches across.
Similar effects can be achieved in both knit and crochet; they are just achieved differently. Cable stitch, the braided pattern that is a standard feature of the fisherman knit sweater, can even been simulated in crochet. Working in the round — that is, crafting a tube of fabric — is possible in both knit and crochet. When knitting, one uses multiple double-sided needles and knits in a circle, while in crochet, one simply connects the foundation chain to its own beginning and crochets over it in a circle.
Many crafters both knit and crochet, but a surprising number can do one but not the other. Many crochetters find the number of stitches on knitting needles confusing and the potential for a dropped stitch stressful, while many knitters find crochet instructions confusing and the need to find the right stitch in which to insert the hook eye-straining. However, either craft can be enjoyable, as well as very relaxing and meditative. Working at knit or crochet while watching your favorite television programs also allows you to claim you are really 'working' and not just 'wasting your time'.
