knitting vs needlework

knitting and needlework both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
knitting	Yes	No	No	No
needlework	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, needlework is a hypernym of knitting; that is, needlework is a word with a broader meaning than knitting:

knitting: needlework created by interlacing yarn in a series of connected loops using straight eyeless needles or by machine
needlework: a creation created or assembled by needle and thread

Other hypernyms of knitting include needlecraft.

knitting (noun)	needlework (noun)
creating knitted wear	work (such as sewing or embroidery) that is done with a needle
needlework created by interlacing yarn in a series of connected loops using straight eyeless needles or by machine	a creation created or assembled by needle and thread