What size hook do I use? 3 ways to know

What is the right size hook? Or, is there such a thing. Learn in this article why hook size matters and how to find your “right” size. There are 3 important things to consider.

There is no one right size hook. The hook size you use depends on (1) the pattern you are using, (2) the yarn you choose, and (3) the look you are going for.

What hook size do I use? The pattern you use

If you are using a pattern, the pattern designer will tell you what yarn they used and the recommended hook size. They will almost always include something called a “pattern gauge,” or how many stitches per inch your finished product should be. (Read more about pattern gauge by clicking here.)

Here’s where the hook size comes in: maybe you stitch way tighter or much more loosely than the designer does. So, when you make the swatch, you see that the gauge is way off. Can you make yourself stitch differently than normal for an entire sweater or dress? If so, do that and use the same hook size recommended by the pattern.

But, if what if you know that you will slip back into your tight stitching ways? I have a controversial opinion, I warn you: go up or down a hook size to match the gauge. Otherwise, you may end up with an item that is smaller or larger than what you want. That way, you won’t be horribly disappointed after spending so much effort to crochet it.

What hook size do I use? The yarn you use

Yarn comes in different sizes (or diameters) called “weights”. This can be anything from the size of sewing thread to the size of big hanks of hair.

The package or label on the yarn will show what size hook is recommended by the yarn manufacturer for that particular yarn.

Don’t go by just what the manufacturer says is the yarn weight! A yarn may be called medium or “worsted” weight, but may be completely different than another yarn that claims to be the same weight.

I have found this to be true of Lion Brand yarn (which I love). They have several yarns labeled “worsted” or “dk” that are completely different. Check the label to see what they recommend. And, if that doesn’t work for you, change hooks.

What hook size do I use? The look you want

You may start making an item with or without a pattern (or according to a pattern in your head), and you decide that you don’t like how the pattern is working up. The future of you item is in your hands!

This is especially true if it doesn’t matter what size the finished item is (for instance, a large shawl or an oversized dolman sleeve top). So, change your hook size to match what look you’re going for.

We crocheters are fiber artists, and we artists can choose how to work with our medium.

A bonus: what you like

Is there a hook size you especially like to use? Then, you may be able to do whatever you want with your favorite hook. That’s another semi-controversial statement, but there are reasons to stick with what you like.

Why? Because you’re supposed to enjoy crochet! It can be a hobby, it can be a job, it can art therapy, but you should enjoy doing it.

You might have arthritis or a another disability that makes it harder to hold certain types of hooks or hook sizes. Using a hook that hurts your hand will make you want to give up crochet.

You also might be low on funds and not be able to run and buy new hooks or a new set of hooks that is comfortable every time you try out a new pattern or you come up with a new idea. There’s no shame in not having much disposable income.

I remember finding only one hook in the house when I taught myself to crochet (with a book!) when I was little. (Could it be that Grandma wanted to keep me out of the way while she did some housework? Hmmm…my 8 year old self never considered that.) I used that one hook on all the patterns I tried from that book. I would say I didn’t know any better (I didn’t), but there wasn’t so much variety & availability of yarns & hooks 40 years ago when I was little. And, patterns! I made a lot of doilies that looked pretty on the coffee table.

Now, there’s variety & the worldwide web & online shopping. And, I can’t use embroidery thread to crochet the way I did when I was little, so I got a few new hooks when I re-taught myself to crochet. I find that I gravitate toward the 6mm hook & the 8mm hook.

Verdict?

The right hook size, the hook size you use depends on several different factors as we’ve discussed in this article. There’s no wrong size! That’s the bottom line. Now, go put this knowledge to use and start another project!