What Is Knitting?
Knitting uses needles to form a single continuous strand of yarn into a series of interlocking loops, built up row by row (or round by round, if working in the round). It requires comparatively little setup — just needles and yarn — and knitted fabric is generally known for being elastic and stretching readily in more than one direction.
What Is Weaving?
Weaving uses a loom to interlace two separate sets of yarn at right angles: the warp, which is held under tension lengthwise on the loom, and the weft, which is passed horizontally over and under the warp threads. Setting up a loom — “warping” it — takes real time before you can start weaving a single row, but the resulting woven fabric is generally more stable and tends to stretch in only one direction, if at all.
Key Differences Between Knitting and Weaving
Tools and Setup
Knitting needs only needles and yarn, which makes it relatively quick and inexpensive to start. Weaving needs a loom, and looms range widely in size and price, from small lap or tabletop looms to large floor looms. Setting up the warp on a loom is a separate, often time-consuming step that has to happen before any weaving itself begins.
Fabric Properties
Knitted fabric is generally more elastic and drapes well, which is part of why it suits fitted garments. Woven fabric is generally more stable and structured, often stretching in only one direction (sometimes called the bias), which makes it well suited to projects like home décor items, tapestries, and certain garments that benefit from more structure.
Yarn Used
Most yarn can technically be used for either craft, but knitting yarn and weaving yarn are often prepared differently. Knitting yarn is typically sold in balls or skeins and categorized by weight, using terms like lace, fingering, sport, DK, worsted, or bulky. Weaving yarn is more often sold on cones, since a loom’s warp needs long continuous lengths, and it’s frequently sized using a different system based on yarn count and number of plies. Weaving yarn also tends to be prepared to hold up under the tension of the warp, while knitting yarn is generally chosen more for softness and stretch.
Which Is Older, Weaving or Knitting?
Weaving is generally considered the older of the two crafts. Some sources point to evidence of early weaving techniques dating back as far as the Paleolithic era, though exact dating of ancient textile crafts is difficult and estimates vary by source. Knitting is thought to have developed later, with more confidently dated knitted items appearing in historical records from a more recent period. Treat specific dates for either craft as approximate rather than firmly settled. If you’re curious about how knitting’s own vocabulary has shifted over time, see our glossary of old knitting terms.
Is Weaving Quicker Than Knitting?
There’s no simple yes-or-no answer here, and no well-documented source directly benchmarks the two. Weaving requires setting up the warp on a loom first, which takes meaningful time before a single row can be woven — so for a one-off small project, knitting (which needs no setup beyond casting on) can often get underway faster. Once a loom is warped, though, some weavers find they can produce fabric relatively quickly per row, since the weft simply passes across an already-prepared warp. In short: weaving’s speed advantage, if any, tends to show up after setup, not before it.
What Are Two Types of Weaving?
Weaving covers more structures than just two, but a couple of commonly cited broad categories are:
- Plain weave, where the weft passes over and under alternating warp threads in the simplest possible pattern, producing a basic, balanced fabric.
- More complex weave structures (such as twill or other patterned weaves), where the weft follows a more involved over-under sequence to create texture, diagonal lines, or patterns in the fabric.
Many looms and weaving traditions support additional structures beyond these two, so this is a starting-point distinction rather than a complete list.
Can You Weave With Yarn?
Yes. Yarn is a common material for weaving, used for both the warp and the weft, though weavers often reach for yarn that’s labeled or prepared specifically for weaving rather than standard knitting yarn, since weaving yarn is generally sized and finished to hold up under the tension of the warp. Other materials, like certain cords, ribbons, or fabric strips, can also be woven, but yarn remains a standard choice.
Is Crocheting Considered Weaving?
Generally, no. Crochet uses a single hook to form loops one at a time from a continuous strand of yarn, which is a different structure from weaving’s interlaced warp and weft. Crochet is usually classified alongside knitting as a looped craft rather than a woven one. If you want a closer look at how crochet compares to knitting specifically, see our knitting vs. crochet comparison.
Which Is Better, Knit or Woven Fabric?
Neither is better overall — it depends on what you’re making. Knitted fabric’s stretch and drape make it a good fit for close-fitting garments like sweaters and socks. Woven fabric’s stability and structure make it a better fit for projects like upholstery-style home décor, tapestries, or garments where you want less stretch and more shape retention. Many wardrobes and craft projects use both, chosen for what each does well.
FAQ
Do I need a loom to weave with yarn? Typically yes, though looms range from simple cardboard or small frame looms for beginners to large floor looms, so the entry cost can be adjusted to fit a smaller project or budget.
Is it more expensive to start weaving or knitting? Starting to knit is generally less expensive, since it only requires needles and yarn. Starting to weave usually requires a loom, which adds to the upfront cost, though smaller or improvised looms can lower that cost somewhat.
Can knitting yarn be used on a loom? It’s possible, but knitting yarn’s stretchiness can make warping more difficult and may require extra yardage to account for stretch, so dedicated weaving yarn is often recommended for the warp specifically.
Which fabric is more durable, knit or woven? Woven fabric is often considered more durable against tearing and abrasion because of how tightly the warp and weft interlace, while knitted fabric tends to be more prone to runs or stretching out of shape over time. Durability still depends heavily on the specific yarn and construction used.