knitwork vs needlework

knitwork and needlework both are nouns.

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

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

knitwork: 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 knitwork include needlecraft.

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