Why Do Crochet and Knit Use Different Amounts of Yarn?

Knit and crochet seem very similar at first glance.

The differences between the two yarn focused crafts is something that I discussed in an earlier article called Differences Between Knit and Crochet.  Although I think something that might be shocking to people, is that crochet uses 30% more yarn than knitting does.  The difference in yarn usage is something that I wanted to discuss more in depth, because it is something that I find very fascinating and initially surprising.

This is both because of the way that the loops fit together in the fabric created from each respective craft as well as how each stitch is made.

How the Loops Fit Together

    Since knitting is mainly worked as an entire row at once, this means that to form each stitch the yarn has to travel less distance than in crochet.  When crocheting stitches are formed individual stitches, where each stitch is fully formed and completed before the next stitch begins, since each stitch must be fully completed to finish a stitch the yarn must travel more distance than in the knit fabric version.

    To make any stitch in knitting, purl or knit, the yarn only travels down to the previous loop, then back up.  Only two small lengths of yarn are used to form each stitch.  However, in crochet a stitch, even one as simple as a single crochet, makes the yarn travel three times.  Down into the loop of the row below, back up, then back down for a final time.  Due to the difference of two yarn travels within knitting versus the three yarn travels within crocheting, there are changes in the resulting knit or crochet fabric.  

Differences in the Resulting Fabrics

    Fabric made from knitting drapes better and has a better flow than that made from crochet.  Knitted fabric is also generally thinner and more pliable.  The reverse of this means that crocheted fabric, generally does not drape as nicely, is slightly thicker and more stiff.  This goes back to what is written above about the formation of the loops and crochet using a third again as much yarn.  The way that a fabric is made through knitting means that any spot in the knitted fabric will have at most two layers of yarn, which is still quite thin.  Having only two layers of yarn at most in a knitted fabric is the reason for the better flow and draping as well as its thinness and pliability.  Whereas in crochet at any point in that fabric there is at least two layers of yarn, if not three or more.  Having more layers of yarn at any point in crochet fabric is the cause for it being thicker as well as having less drape, flow, and pliability.

    Some people prefer the thickness and stiffer crocheted fabric to the more drapey and thinner knitted fabric.  The differences in thickness are also why some people prefer fabric made from knit to that made of crochet.  The stiffness of crocheted fabric lends itself to being more useful for the creation of three dimensional forms.