needlework vs knitting

needlework and knitting both are nouns.

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

As nouns, knitting is a hyponym of needlework; that is, knitting is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than needlework:

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

Other hyponyms of needlework include crochet, crocheting, embroidery, fancywork, knit, knitwork, sewing, stitchery, tatting.

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