Crochet | 3 min read time
Find out more about why the yarns you choose, and the hooks you use, matter!
Yarn ‘weight’ refers to the thickness of the yarn strand. The four most popular yarn weights areDK(which stands for double knit),aran/worsted weight,chunky/bulky, andsuper chunky/super bulky.
Hook sizes are generally given in mm (eg. 4mm) which refers to the thickness of the hook. The higher the number, the thicker the crochet hook, so a 10mm hook is thicker than a 7mm hook. If your pattern asks for a certain hook size using a letter, you can check which mm this converts to using our hook size conversion guide.
Each yarn will have a recommended crochet hook size to be used with it, depending on the yarn weight. The thicker the yarn, the larger the hook size you will need to use with it. For example most DK yarns recommend a 4mm hook, whereas chunky yarns use a 6-7mm hook. On the yarn band of every yarn it will give you the recommended hook size for that specific yarn – remember to check this as not all yarns of the same weight will have the same recommended hook size.
Although yarn manufacturers give you a recommended hook size for every yarn, this isn’t set in stone. Using a larger hook size than suggested will give you looser, more open stitches, as well as making your finished crochet piece larger. Using a smaller hook size will give you tighter, denser stitches, and your finished piece will end up being smaller. Here you can see the same yarn has been crocheted with three different hook sizes, giving three very different end results.
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There are times when you will intentionally use a smaller or larger hook size than what is recommended, such as;
- When you need to match tension for a swatch. Some patterns will ask you to crochet a sample swatch to ensure your tension matches that of the pattern author eg. 20 stitches and 15 rows should measure 10x10cm. If your swatch ends up larger than this you would go down a hook size, and if it is smaller you would go up a hook size to allow you to match their tension.
- Trying to create a specific effect with your crochet. For example I crocheted a scarf and wanted a very loose, open fabric, so I used a hook that was three sizes larger than was recommended for the yarn.
- Using a crochet technique that typically requires a different hook size. When making amigurumi toys it’s common practice to go down a hook size or two to create a really tight fabric so that no stuffing can escape, and to give a neat finish to your toy.
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Crochet patterns will usually list a specific yarn brand to use, but there may be times when you wish to substitute yarn. Usually you will substitute like for like - so if a pattern calls for a DK yarn you will substitute for another DK weight yarn. However, occasionally you may wish to use a different weight yarn than what the pattern suggests. When changing yarn weight it’s important to note that;
- When you change your yarn weight, you will also need to change hook size to one that works with your new yarn.
- Using a different yarn weight and hook size will affect the size of your finished piece. A thicker yarn and larger hook will mean the finished item will be larger, and a thinner yarn and smaller hook will mean it is smaller. This can work well for projects like blankets or toys, where you can create smaller or larger versions without having to change the pattern. But for clothing items it can be more tricky as you may need to adjust the pattern to ensure you get a good fit.
- Changing yarn weight may also affect the functionality of your finished item. For example crocheting a blanket in a super chunky yarn instead of a DK yarn will mean the blanket will be much heavier and thicker, which may not be the effect you’re looking for.
When substituting, it’s also important to check that you have enough metres or yards of the new yarn for your project, as different brands and weights of yarn will have varying lengths per ball or skein.
Remember – if you’re unsure about a yarn weight or what hook size will work best, always crochet a sample swatch. It is the best way to see how a particular yarn and hook will work together, and what the resulting stitches will look like.
What crochet creation are you working on at the moment? Share your photos with a community of crafters on Instagram and Facebook.
FAQs
The thicker the yarn, the larger the hook size you will need to use with it. For example most DK yarns recommend a 4mm hook, whereas chunky yarns use a 6-7mm hook.
Which size crochet hook to which size yarn? ›
Yarn Weight & Crochet Hook Size Chart
Yarn Weight Terms | Types of Yarn | Suggested Hook Size |
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#2 | Fine | (E/4) 3.50 mm, (F/5) 3.75 mm |
#3 | Light, Double Knitting | (G/6) 4.00 mm, (7) 4.50 mm, (H/8) 5.00 mm |
#4 | Medium, Aran, Worsted | (I/9) 5.50 mm, (J/10) 6.00 mm, (K/11) 6.50 mm |
#5 | Bulky, Chunky | 7.00 mm, (L) 8.00 mm, (M/N) 9.00 mm |
4 more rowsApr 8, 2022
How do you read yarn for crochet hook size? ›
On the back of your yarn label you'll always find a symbol of a set of knitting needle and one for a crochet hook. Either above or below these you'll find number, usually written in millimeters that tells you what hook size you need.
How to tell what size crochet hook you were using? ›
You can easily measure the hook size with a knitting needle and crochet hook gauge tool. These little tools have holes in them that are drilled to specific millimeter measurements. Just insert your hook into the hole until you find the one that fits, and then you'll know exactly what size you're working with.
Do you use more yarn with a bigger crochet hook? ›
Then, when yarning over and pulling through, the amount of yarn you hold also depends on the hook size. As a general rule you can say that, the bigger your crochet hook, the more yarn you grab. The thinner you choose your crochet hook, the smaller the gaps between your stitches turn out.
How to match crochet hook to yarn? ›
Each yarn will have a recommended crochet hook size to be used with it, depending on the yarn weight. The thicker the yarn, the larger the hook size you will need to use with it. For example most DK yarns recommend a 4mm hook, whereas chunky yarns use a 6-7mm hook.
How do I know what size yarn to crochet? ›
Yarn Weight & Hook Size Cheat Sheet:
- Super Fine 1: 2.25—3.5mm.
- Fine 2: 3.5—4.5mm.
- Light 3: 4.5—5.5mm (Omegacryl and Favorito!)
- Medium 4: 5.5—6.5mm.
- Bulky 5: 6.5—9mm.
- Super Bulky 6: 9—15 mm.
- Jumbo 7: 15mm and larger.
What happens if you use the wrong size crochet hook? ›
If you use too small of a crochet hook, your crochet fabric will be stiff with no drape in the fabric—think more like stiff, felted fabric. If you use too large of a crochet hook, the resulting crochet fabric will be loose with very little stitch definition and large holes in the fabric.
How do you calculate yarn needed for crochet? ›
Formula: (length x width x gauge) / 6 = yards needed. Length and width are in inches and gauge is in stitches per inch. The division by 6 is to convert the answer from square inches to yards.
What is the most common crochet hook size? ›
For beginners, I recommend using a 5mm (H-8) or a 5.5mm (I-9) with a Medium (4) weight yarn. These are the sort of “average” hooks (and yarn weight) that are right in the middle of sizes. If you go too small in hook size while learning, it will be very difficult to see what you're doing and can be frustrating.
Determining Your Size
Choosing which size to knit or crochet is the first step in making a garment. Begin with your bust/chest measurement. Compare your measurement to the 'To fit chest/bust measurement' size line in your pattern and choose the closest match.
Is it better to size up or down a crochet hook? ›
Here's a rule of thumb: If you count fewer stitches per inch, drop down a hook size and swatch again. If you count more stitches per inch, go up a hook size and swatch again.
What is the easiest crochet hook to use? ›
Acrylic crochet hooks are great for beginners. They are lightweight, sturdy and offer great control over slippery yarn. If you are a more advanced crocheter you might find that the acrylic hooks slow you down.
Which crochet stitch uses the most yarn? ›
The single crochet swatch used the most yarn. On this small sample of 2″ x 6″ swatches, the half double crochet used 13″ less yarn than the single crochet. In turn, the double crochet used 38″ less yarn than the half double crochet. However, the treble crochet only used 2″ less yarn than the double crochet.
What crochet hook to use with 3 ply yarn? ›
Choosing The Correct Yarn, Needle & Hook sizes For Knitting & Crochet
USA | UK | Hook Size (mm) |
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Sock/ Fingering | 3 ply | 2.25-3.5mm |
Fingering/Sports | 4 ply | 2.5 – 3.5mm |
Light Worsted | Double Knitting | 3.5-4.5mm |
Worsted | Aran | 5.5mm-6.5mm |
4 more rowsApr 6, 2016
What size crochet hook to use with 8 ply yarn? ›
Crochet Hooks
Thread Size | Hook Size |
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10 | 1.50mm – 1.75mm |
3ply | 2.00mm – 2.50mm |
4ply | 2.50mm – 3.00mm |
8ply | 3.50mm – 4.00mm |
5 more rows
What size crochet hook to use for 4 ply cotton? ›
What size crochet hook to use with 4 ply yarn? We'd recommend a crochet hook size of 2.25mm – 3.75mm. Gauges assume a 10 cm (4 inch) square worked in single crochet; smallest hooks are steel, larger are aluminium. These indicative gauges are taken from the US Craft Yarn council website.