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Does Knitting or Crochet Take More Yarn?

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Yarn use in knitting versus crochetMost of us know that crochet tends to be — or at least feel — a little faster than knitting, because the stitches can be a lot taller than a standard row of knitting. But does crochet also use more yarn than knitting?

It seems like it should, but I’ve never seen anyone actually test the theory.

This post is old but I just came across it on Facebook the other day, where Not So Granny tested how much yarn different stitches use.

You should click over for the full results but the short answer is that different stitches worked in different techniques don’t make a huge amount of difference in a swatch, but over a whole sweater you might need an extra ball or two. To me the most interesting thing is the difference between Garter Stitch and Stockinette.

So the upshot here is, if you’re stash busting, you probably won’t go through more yarn that much faster if you crochet versus knitting. Just pick projects you’re excited about so you will actually use the yarn and finish the projects (yes, I’m talking to myself here, too).

[Photo: Not So Granny.]

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Comments

  1. I love the knit look but I’m too impatient with knitting so I stick with crochet because I’m much faster at it and way more experienced and proficient. If I were doing clothing I would take the time to learn more and knit for sure.

Have you read?

Adorable Ghost Knitting Patterns

Adding a bit of knitting to your fall decor is a lot of fun, whether it’s knit pumpkins or a bunch of adorable knit ghosts like these.

Knit ghosts can be super simple like this free ghost knitting pattern from Trixie Zynch on Ravelry. Using about 50 yards of worsted weight yarn, they’re worked from the bottom up and are super cute as a pair. 

This fuzzy little ghost from Forest Knitting Toys is holding a pumpkin and wearing a witch hat, though of course the accessories are optional, as is the fuzzy yarn. The main yarn is chunky and the ghost measures about 10 cm/4 inches tall. It’s worked in the round. 

Another fuzzy ghost in more of a Pacman style is this ghost plushie form South Stitch Girls. It’s worked in the round with bulky yarn and includes a sweet little bow you can make in whatever color you like. 

The ghost doll from Edith Grace Designs has little arms and a curl at the top of its head. The body is worked flat using DK weight yarn and you could also work it in glow in the dark yarn for extra fun. The body and head are worked in one piece with the arms knit separately. 

The Grim Grinning Ghosts from Susan Claudino are super cute and you can knit them in any yarn and gauge you like to make ghosts of different sizes. These are worked in the round with the body done in one piece and the arms are knit separately. The ghosts shown were knit in sock yarn, DK and worsted weight yarn. You can find the pattern on Ravelry.

Make a ghost with funny striped legs with this ghost shelf sitter design from Claire Fairall Designs. It’s worked in three colors of DK weight yarn, and the letters spelling out boo are made with strips of garter stitch sewn into shape.