Knitting is a method by which yarn is manipulated to create a textile of fabric. It is used in many types of garments. Knitting may be done by hand or machine. Knitting creates stitches, loops of yarn in a row, either flat or in the round (tubular). There are many active stiches on the knitting kneedle at one time. Knitted fabric consists of a number of consecutive rows of connected loops that intermesh with the next and previous rows. As each row is formed, each newly created loop is pulled through one or more loops from the prior row and placed on the gaining needle so that the loops from the prior row can be pulled off the other needle without unravelling. Differences in yarn, needle size and stitch type allow for a variety of knitted fabrics with different properties including color, texture, thickness, heat retention, water resistance and integrity. A small sample of knitwork is known as a swatch.
Crochet is a process of creating textiles by using a crochet hook to interlock loops of yarn, thread or strands of other materials.