Crochet yarn & tools
Hooks, yarn weights and substitutions. Choose right before you buy.
Crochet Hook Sizes Explained: Millimeters, US Letters and Matching Yarn
Crochet hooks are sized by the diameter of the shaft in millimeters. US hooks add a letter and number, so 5 mm is H-8 and 6 mm is J-10. Thicker yarn needs a bigger hook: medium (worsted) yarn usually pairs with 5.5 to 6.5 mm, bulky with 6.5 to 9 mm. When in doubt, go by the mm size.
Best Yarn for Beginner Crochet: What to Buy and What to Skip
The best yarn for beginner crochet is a smooth, light-colored medium (#4, worsted) or bulky (#5) yarn in acrylic, cotton or a cotton blend. A smooth plied yarn shows every stitch and does not split. Skip fuzzy, dark, very thin or textured yarns like mohair, boucle and chenille for now.