Yarn Usage for Knitting vs. Crochet: A Science Experiment
It’s fairly common knowledge in our fiber world that crochet uses more yarn than knitting. But what does that mean, exactly? And even within the two crafts, there are certain stitches that are denser, requiring more yarn to cover the same amount of area. And likewise, more open-stitch patterns will require less yarn.
I decided to conduct a simple experiment to explore this question further, and here’s what I found!
The Experiment
First off, if I’m going to claim this as “science”, I feel like we should review the steps involved in the scientific method. Roughly, they are:
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Define the question. In our case, it is: What is the relationship between yarn usage and craft/type of stitches?
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Make predictions. We believe that crocheting will take more yarn per square inch than knitting.
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Gather data. I have made swatches in different knit and crochet stitch patterns using the same yarn and the recommended hook and needle sizes listed on the ball band of this yarn. In this case, I’ve used Universal Yarn Deluxe Chunky with US Size 10 (6 mm) knitting needles and a US Size J-10 (6 mm) crochet hook. I have also used the same number of stitches and rows for each swatch: 20 stitches wide x 20 rows tall.
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Analyze the data and draw conclusions. Read on below for the lowdown!
Click the arrows to left and right below to explore yarn usage for different stitch patterns.
Example 1: Stockinette Stitch
Weight: 9 grams
Dimensions: 5.75″ x 4.75″
Total Surface Area: 27.31 square inches
Square inches per gram of yarn: 3.03
Example 2: Garter Stitch
Weight: 9 grams
Dimensions: 5.75″ x 3.25″
Total Surface Area: 18.69 square inches
Square inches per gram of yarn: 2.08
Example 3: Single Crochet
Weight: 19 grams
Dimensions: 6.25″ x 5.75″
Total Surface Area: 35.94 square inches
Square inches per gram of yarn: 1.89
Example 4: Half Double Crochet
Weight: 28 grams
Dimensions: 6.75″ x 9.25″
Total Surface Area: 62.44 square inches
Square inches per gram of yarn: 2.23
Example 5: Double Crochet
Weight: 38 grams
Dimensions: 7″ x 13″
Total Surface Area: 91 square inches
Square inches per gram of yarn: 2.39
All of the findings are provided in the swatch captions, looking at the same details for each swatch: overall weight, overall dimensions, and in plain terms—how much yarn is needed to cover how much area. In a nutshell—which way of making fabric with yarn is the most efficient in terms of yarn used?
Related: STEM + Knitting: Finding a Place for Craft in the Classroom
Bonus Experiment: Same Size Swatches, Different Amounts of Yarn
Our digital editor Andrea also did an experiment where she created two swatches, one in stockinette stitch and one in half double crochet, in the same yarn (Herlig DK from Ancient Arts Yarn) and equivalently-sized hooks and needles. Then she weighed the yarn from each swatch. You can see the results below:
The Results
Our primary question was: Does crochet use more yarn than knitting? The answer is most definitely yes, at least based on our examples. Stockinette can cover 3.03 square inches per gram, while single crochet covers only 1.89 square inches per gram. This means that stockinette uses about 60% as much yarn as single crochet to cover the same area. Double crochet is the most efficient of our crochet examples at 2.39 square inches per gram of yarn. Stockinette uses about 79% as much yarn as double crochet to cover the same area.
Within the knit examples, stockinette uses about 2/3 the amount of yarn as garter stitch to cover the same area. This makes sense based on row gauge. Looking at the crochet stitch types, as the stitches get taller, less yarn is used to cover the same area. Again, this makes logical sense since single crochet looks and feels denser than half double or double crochet.
Related: E=m12: Makers at the Intersection of Craft and Science
One piece of information was a surprise to me, and that’s the difference in width from single to half double to double crochet. Even though all three swatches are 20 stitches wide, the nature of the stitches causes each taller stitch to be a bit wider overall. I guess we can call this an accidental discovery!
The Takeaways
This is really the tip of the iceberg, as there are going to be other major differences if we look at extremely open stitch patterns such as mesh, and extremely dense stitch patterns such as cables, mosaic, etc. Logic tells me that an open double crochet mesh will use less yarn than stockinette stitch, but of course that’s just a theory for now. I’m satisfied with the findings and am delighted to have some data to back up this theory that I’ve always considered to be fact. Now I know, and now you know!
Did any of these numbers surprise you? Have you had certain beliefs or assumptions about yarn usage that were either proven or disproven by this little experiment? Let us know in the comments!
Originally from Iowa, Amy Gunderson lives in sunny Reno, NV. She’s been the creative director for Universal Yarn, yarn director for Jimmy Beans Wool, and all-around yarn enthusiast for over a decade. Her knit and crochet designs have appeared in most major magazines including Interweave Knits. When she’s not dreaming up a crazy sweater idea, you can find her violining, knitting at the dog park or smashing balls on the tennis court. Follower her on Instagram as @amyyounggunderson or on Ravelry as @amygunderson.
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Yes. I will like to join the conversation.
What surprised me most, was the height difference between the stockinette and garter swatches!
I would look at this differently. Because of the difference in stitch size, instead of knitting/crocheting the same number of stitches and rows, I would think that making the same size (4”x4”) would give a better comparison of the amount of yarn used. I might give this a try sometime.
Agreed. Another way to go about it to Really show the difference is to use the same Amount of yarn for each stitch. Say, 10 grams of yarn. We crocheters wouldn’t get very far.
Let me commend you on how interesting your posts and articles in general have been over the last months. I am challking it up to your editorial leadership. Yay.
But the knit/crochet post has me thinkin’ waaay too long about it. I understand that your row and stitch numbers were the constant here. But, visually, it looks like double crochet would go the farthest, which is the opposite of what i am reading in words. Then when i see that dc is 28g as opposed to the tiny garter which is only 9g, i get really confused! Is it my brain? I was wishing that the SWATCH SIZE was the constant–so i could see at a glance how much relative AREA was covered by each stitch pattern and then how much yarn was used. Sigh.
Thanks for all your good work!
I think the information that brings it all together is the final line in the caption for the photos of the swatches: How many square inches of fabric can you make in that stitch with one gram of yarn.
When we think about how much yarn we need to make a particular thing, the technique (knitting vs crochet) and the stitch pattern make a big difference. If the size of the thing remains the same (the square inches of fabric required), then you’ll need less yarn if you make it in stockinette stitch (3.03 square inches per gram of yarn) than if you make it in double crochet (2.39 square inches per gram of yarn).
So, if I wanted to make a blanket with this yarn 40″ wide by 50″ long, or 2000 square inches, I’d need about 660 grams for stockinette stitch, or 837 grams for double crochet.