Learning how to crochet can be overwhelming in the beginning. But before you go out and buy your first crochet hook set, there are a few things to learn about how to check the right crochet hook size for a project and select the right yarn. We all want to work comfortably while at the same time completing an evenly crocheted piece of fabric. So of course, the right crochet hook size does matter. However, the recommended hook size is certainly more important in some types of patterns than others. Here is why.
1. Crochet hooks are precision tools
Our crochet hooks usually have their needle size clearly visible on the shaft or hook handle, either in a lasered or impregnated way. This way, the symbols can never wear off and are always easy to spot. Crochet hook sizes vary depending on the country where the hook was produced. At KnitPro you will find all hooks in millimetre sizes. The diameter of the crochet hook shaft is what determines how large your stitches will be. The indicated number on our hooks correlates to that diameter.
Crochet hook sizes can vary by either 0.5 mm up or down and even 0.25 mm for the finer needle points. Whereas our steel hooks can be as small as 0.5 mm and are best for fine lace crafting and doilies, our Jumbo hooks are between a solid 20 mm and 35 mm thick and therefore suitable for very bulky items such as blankets or baskets.
2. The best hook size to start with
When it comes to selecting the best crochet hook size for your project, it really depends on what you are planning to crochet and what your hand shape and movements are.
If you are a newbie to crocheting, make sure your hook is thick enough to enable you to still see the individual stitches you are creating. Larger hook sizes result in looser stitches and a more flexible, softer fabric. If you feel comfortable making stitches, and the hook feels good to your touch, then choose a project or pattern to go with it.
Corresponding Crochet Hook Size |
Metric diameter |
B/1 |
2.25 mm |
C/2 |
2.75 mm |
D/3 |
3.25 mm |
E/4 |
3.5 mm |
F/5 |
3.75 mm |
G/6 |
4 mm |
H/8 |
5 mm |
I/9 |
5.5 mm |
J/10 |
6 mm |
K/10.5 |
6.5 mm |
L/11 |
8 mm |
M/13 |
9 mm |
N/15 |
10 mm |
Smaller hooks will make it hard for you to see the separate stitches as you work them individually, and therefore, you could find it difficult to find the spaces that you have to plunge your hook head into.
Before you invest in a complete set of hooks we recommend that you start with an all-purpose hook of a size from 4 to 6 mm. And to prevent your hands and fingers from tireing too quickly it should be easygoing and ergonomically shaped. Our Basix hook line is lightweight but long enough to provide sufficient suppport for your hand. Each item has been handcrafted by skilled artisans. The hooks are either individually available or as a set, and what's more, they come at an affordable price.
3. Yarn size and your pattern need to correlate
With so many brands of yarn around and some only locally available, it is highly likely you will not find the exact yarn as specified in your pattern. Do not fret, as this is quite common. In return, almost all yarns specify the correct hook size or sometimes even a recommended range of hook sizes on their labels. So you can always be sure to find a yarn brand that offers a similar weight and length as the one indicated in your pattern.
And why are there various hook sizes indicated for the same yarn? Again, the answer lies in your personal crocheting style and of course the stitch you have chosen.
If you find that your crochet stitches are too loose, it may be advisable to go down a hook size, and vice versa. As a general rule of thumb, your yarn and your hook should somewhat correlate to one other.
For the mosaic wall stitch shown in this photo, the label indicates a hook size 2 - 2.5 mm. However, in order to bring out the pattern nicely we have chosen a 3 mm hook from our Waves line. This way, the relief structure does not disappear behind the tiny stitches; the half millimetre has made all the difference! In return, an amigurumi animal would come out best with the recommended hook size.
4. A gauge swatch is your friend
Even if you have written instructions and a clear crochet pattern in front of you, we suggest you to crochet a swatch and measure your stitches. This is particularly helpful when you are crocheting an item in which size matters, such as a top or a dress.
A gauge refers to the number of stitches per row and per inch/cm. The gauge depends on the yarn weight, hook size, and your personal thread tension while crocheting. For this reason, making a gauge swatch will be the solution if you are still unsure about the right hook size. Before investing time, love, and effort into a new WIP, check how the pattern comes out under your own fingers.
If you then see that your swatch does not match the instruction, you can still decide to go up or down in hook size to obtain the correct measurement.
Want to know more about crochet hooks? Check out this blog about the different crochet hook types available.
