Have you ever found yourself staring at a pile of crochet hooks, completely confused by the different numbers and letters? Well, don’t worry! We’ve all been there. Whether you’re a newbie who just stumbled over grandma’s crochet stash, or a seasoned crocheter looking to expand your crochet hook collection, we’ll guide you through deciphering the mysteries of the crochet hook numbers and letters.
Why Crochet Hook Sizes Matter
When you’ve found a nice project, perhaps in our collection of beginner crochet patterns, you’ll see that the pattern will suggest a hook size based on the thickness of the yarn. The hook size is there to help you make your finished project as close to the design in the picture. If you use a crochet hook size that is way too big, your project might look droopy, and a bit sad! If you use a crochet hook smaller than intended, your project will become more compact and stiff. The stiffness can also make it difficult to guide the yarn into the individual stitches.
Crochet Hook Sizes - One Standardized Numbering to Rule Them All?
Before we dive deeply into all the different crochet hook sizes, you should know this: There’s no universal numbering standard to rule them all. There are numbers, there are letters, and then there are both numbers and letters. As if that wasn’t enough, there are also variations in the numbering, depending on the manufacturer.
This is (even though it might feel that way) not because people like to make things difficult on purpose, but partly because of the history of crocheting. Over time, different regions and cultures have developed their systems for sizing crochet hooks based on their unique needs and practices. That’s right – humans have been crocheting all over the globe, from Asia to Africa and South America! In Italy, nuns developed a crocheting style using super skinny steel crochet hooks to make fine church textiles. And in northern Europe, shepherds were allegedly crocheting to pass the time while watching over their flock of sheep.
But history lesson aside – regardless of the numbers and letters, the best thing to do is to make a gauge swatch and compare it to the pattern gauge information. More on that later. Now let’s get back to the guide to understanding crochet hook sizes.
US Crochet Hook Sizes vs. Crochet Hook Sizes in mm
The difference between US crochet hook sizes and crochet hook sizes in mm, is that US crochet sizes are measured in letters that start from B1, which is 2.25 millimeters. Why not start from A, you say? Well, ask the Craft Yarn Council! You might encounter standard crochet hooks that are thinner than 2.25 mm, which could be considered a US size A. The closer the letter is to the beginning of the alphabet, the smaller the size of the hook, but we agree – the US crochet hook sizes might feel a bit random. If you’ve got a standard crochet hook with a metric size, the number tells you how many millimeters the hook is around the shaft. Easy!
Psst! The reason why we say standard crochet hook is because there are also steel crochet hook sizes. Those are thinner crochet hooks for lace-weight yarns and t-shirt yarn. Steel crochet hook sizes are perfect for making doilies or lacework. Scroll further down for a steel crochet hook size chart.
When it comes to sizes in patterns, this can also vary a little. Crochet patterns from the US often use the US size, but patterns from other countries, for example, the UK, use metric units. If you’re lucky, the pattern will inform you of both. Most yarn labels will also recommend what hook size works best with the specific yarn, but there will be times when you’ll need to convert the size yourself. Under you’ll find a standard crochet hook size chart for the US and the equivalent crochet hook measurements in metrics.
Psst! The reason why we say standard crochet hook is because there are also steel crochet hook sizes. Those are thinner crochet hooks for lace-weight yarns and t-shirt yarn. Steel crochet hook sizes are perfect for making doilies or lacework. Scroll further down for a steel crochet hook size chart.
Steel Crochet Hook Sizes: For Delicate Crochet Projects
Steel crochet hook sizes are typically used for making fine crochet projects with intricate designs. They are sized the opposite of regular crochet hooks, which means the higher the number, the smaller the hook. The smallest steel hook goes all the way down to 0.6 millimeters, which is a size 12 in US. The hooks are often made from hardened steel, which makes them durable and more difficult to bend, despite the slender look. The combination of the material and pointed tip makes them a very sharp weapon! In other words: make sure you don’t fall asleep with your crochet project in bed, and use a cover to protect the needle so it doesn’t pierce through your project bag.
Uhm..My Crochet Hook Size is Not Labeled on the Grip - Help!
Crochet hooks without any numbers or letters are common in pre-loved crochet hooks. You can find the size by using a needle gauge, commonly used to measure knitting needle sizes. Take your crochet hook and try them in the different holes in the tool until you find one that fits perfectly. And voila! Now that you know your crochet hook size, you can get ready for the crochet party.
What Crochet Hook Size Should I Use?
The crochet hook is going to guide every single stitch of the project, so what crochet hook size to use is absolutely a good question to ask yourself if you’re not sure. Are you making a chunky Littmyebag? Or perhaps you’ve found the cutest amigurumi pattern that requires thin yarn and an even thinner hook. Let’s take a look at a few key factors.
Your Yarn Choice
It’s easy to get lost in the world of the different colors of each skein. But do you know what’s as important as your favorite color? Your yarn choice. The yarn you choose sets the tone for what crochet hook size you should pair it with. The thinner the yarn, the smaller the hook size. On the flip side, if you’re working with a plush, chunky yarn, you’ll want a larger hook size to help you guide every stitch with ease. Fingering weight yarn – a thin, but durable yarn, is a good match to hooks around 2.25 – 3.5 mm. Worsted weight yarn is the goldilocks of yarn thickness. Not too thin and not too thick. Worsted weight yarn is great for beginners and is paired well with crochet hook sizes 4.5 – 6.5 mm. If you choose a bulky, thick yarn, like strips of jersey fabric, a large hook size around 6.5 – 15 mm would be most handy.
Read more about the best yarn for crochet beginners here.
Your Desired Project Outcome
When you visualize your finished masterpiece, what do you see? Are you dreaming of a snuggly blanket that will wrap you in a cozy warmth? Or an airy top for a sunny beach day? If you want an open, airy weave, a larger hook would usually be a good match. But if you want a more sturdy outcome of the fabric, with minimal holes, a smaller hook will do the trick.
Your Personal Crocheting Style
Imagine this: you’ve got two crocheters side by side with the same pattern, yarn, and crochet hook size. One has a firm grip, making each stitch with confidence. The other one has a light hand, gliding the hook effortlessly with airy motions. How does this affect the hook size, you might ask? Well, the crocheter with the firm grip might have a higher tension on the yarn. One or two hook sizes larger would accommodate this, making sure the project doesn’t get too tight. While the crocheter with the lower tension, could go down to a bit smaller crochet hook size, compensating for the loose stitches, making them a bit tighter.
What Crochet Hook Style Should I Choose?
Another thing to keep in mind when you’re choosing a crochet hook from your stack is the crochet hook style. There are two types, inline and tapered, and it can be a bit difficult to know what style you prefer right away. Some crocheters don’t think about it too much and will use whatever they have in their stash, but others might swear to one style. Being able to keep track of what tools you are using for your different crochet projects is also one of our Knit&Note features. Feel free to test out both crochet hook styles, write them down and find your favorite!
Inline Crochet Hooks
Inline crochet hooks have a consistent diameter size from the shaft to the point of the hook, which means they look straight when looking at it from the front. If it’s your first time crocheting, and you spot an inline crochet hook in your collection, choose that one! Some crocheters find that the straight shape makes it easier to pull the yarn through the individual loops of the project. They can also help make the stitch a consistent size.
Tapered Crochet Hooks
Tapered crochet hooks have a thinner part between the point and the shaft when looking at it from the front. Another trait of the tapered crochet hooks is the more rounded point. If you have a yarn that easily splits, you should reach for the tapered crochet hooks.
What Material on the Crochet Hook Should I Use?
We’ve already talked about steel crochet hooks, but what about hooks in all the other materials? This one is all about personal preference, but let’s explore what’s out there!
Wooden Crochet Hooks
It’s easy to fall in love with the rustic, wooden crochet hooks! Hooks in bamboo, maple, or birch offer a warm feel to the touch and add an extra grip for more slippery yarns. You’ll often find that the biggest hooks are made of some kind of wood.
Plastic Crochet Hooks
Affordable, lightweight, and widely available. No wonder the plastic crochet hooks are popular for beginners! If you encounter a plastic crochet hook with a ridge from the seam from the molding, you can actually use a nail file and file it down a bit.
Aluminum Crochet Hooks
Aluminum crochet hooks come in various colors and will add a cheerful pop to your yarn projects! Their polished surface ensures snag-free stitching, while the cool and sturdy metal will ensure you a crochet buddy for countless projects ahead.
Erconomic Crochet Hooks
Ergonomic crochet hooks have a bigger handle and are especially designed to provide comfort during long crocheting sessions. If you experience discomfort or hand fatigue in your fingers or wrists, an ergonomic crochet hook is a good investment.
Tunisian Crochet Hooks
Tunisian crochet hooks, also known as Afghan hooks, aren’t your average handcraft tools! These hooks are specifically designed for something called Tunisian crochet. The shafts of the tunisian hooks are longer, and some may have an extended, flexible cord at the end to hold several stitches at once. Tunisian hooks can also come with interchangeable tips, which means you can switch hook sizes along the way. They can also have a hook on both ends or just a stopper at the end. A mix of both knitting and crocheting – you’ll certainly have the best of both worlds.
Read more about knitting needles and crochet hooks in different materials here!
Make a Gauge Swatch with Your Preferred Crochet Hook Size
Because we’re all different, with individual crocheting styles and yarn tension, it’s a good idea to do a gauge swatch. A Gauge swatch is when you crochet a little test square and compare your measurements to the gauge measurements in the pattern. This is to make sure you have the correct hook size for your project. If you’re making something wearable, like a pair of shorts or a fitted top, you might want to do an even more accurate crochet gauge. Wash, dry, and pin the swatch before comparing it to the gauge information on the pattern. This is also called blocking, and is mostly done after you’re done with knitting or a crochet project. If the swatch you made is larger than the pattern gauge, the best thing is to redo the swatch, using a smaller crochet hook. If, on the other hand, the swatch is smaller you can redo the swatch with a larger hook. Don’t feel guilty if you skip this step, though. Crocheting is supposed to be enjoyable!
Are You Ready to Get Hooked?
Now that you know everything about crochet hook sizes, you are ready to dive into the wonderful world of crocheting. Remember, don’t be afraid to try different hook sizes for different types of yarn. After all, one of the best things about crocheting is that all the stitches are brought to life by your unique touch! And hey, if you’re in need of inspiration, why not check out our Knit&Note app? You’ll find plenty of knitting and crochet patterns for every level. You can also find tutorials, track your projects, organize all your patterns, and join our lovely crocheting and knitting community. See you there!
