What to Do When You Forget Which Crochet Hook Size You Used

What do you do when you forget which crochet hook size you used on a project? Have you ever put away a crochet project, only to pull it out weeks (or months? I don’t judge) later and have no idea which crochet hook size you were using when you put it away?  Here’s how to figure it out – and how to avoid it in the future.

What to Do When You Forget Which Crochet Hook Size in Project 

It is so frustrating pulling out an old forgotten project and when you finally sit down with your tea and audio book you realize you have no idea where you left off or what hook you were using. Here are some things to do before you put that project away, and some tips to help determine which hook after you simply forget which crochet hook size used in a project.

1. Hook Size Reminders

Hook size reminders are similar to stitch markers except that their sole purpose is to remind you which hook you were using lest you forget. And… they sure are pretty. To make these beauties, you’ll use jewelry making supplies listed below.

Head pins
Beads
Alphabet beads
Clasps

Simply add a bead, an alphabet bead and another bead, then throw on the lobster clasp and carefully twist the top of the head pin to close with your pliers. Voila!

2. Stitch Marker with Size

If you don’t want to make fancy hook size reminders, and if you use these kind of stitch markers, you can simply use a Sharpie and write the letter or hook size in MM on the flat portion of the stitch marker.

3. Bread Tie with Size

Another practically free way to remember hook size is to use a bread tie.  Slap a size on the side of that bad boy with a Sharpie and attach it carefully to your work. BOOM! Done.

4. Place ALL Items in Bag and Label

If you have a plethora of crochet hooks (hook sets that were gifted to you, your first set and now you have invested in ergonomic hooks, you’re a hook hoarder like me etc) take one of the extras in that size and throw it in with your WIP.

If you’ve got a pattern printed and the project isn’t too large, you could put it all of it in a gallon size food storage bag and write the pattern name, blog where you found it, hook size etc on the outside with a Sharpie.  Have the printed pattern? Go ahead and throw that in with it! Make a note on the pattern as to where you left off as well. Placing all of these in one bag keeps things together and organized and also keeps things safe from any water or possible bugs.

If you just plain ol’ forget crochet hook size, or if you were asked to complete a half-completed project for a friend – never fear! There are a few things you can do to determine which hook size to use after the fact.

5. Check Yarn Label for Suggested Hook Size

First, check the yarn label for the suggested hook size.  If you don’t have the yarn label, ask yourself what weight yarn that is.  Is it lightweight, worsted weight or bulky? By knowing the weight/size of your yarn you will be able to narrow down your hook size choices. You wouldn’t use a D/3.25MM hook with a super bulky yarn – it just wouldn’t work.

More on how hook size affects your crochet.

6. Try a Row

If you’re confident that you were using one of two hooks (say an H or an I for example) do one row (and it may not even take that much) to see if everything lines up with the previous rows.  Too big? Go down a hook size.  Too small? Go up a hook size.

7. Gauge Swatch

If you still can’t decide which hook to proceed with after trying a few rows, do a gauge swatch with the exact yarn and pattern.  Just start a little bit (about 4″ square) and measure how many stitches you have in each direction. Need help with a gauge swatch? Here ya go!

8. Project Book

If you’re wanting to stay super organized, make a project book! Take a 3-ring binder and throw in some filler paper.  Three-hole punch your patterns, and then make notes as to for whom the project is intended, what yarn you’re using (cut the label and tape it to the back of the pattern!), what hook size you’re using, the date it must be completed… any pertinent information.  If you alter the pattern at all, make a note of that as well!

What do YOU do when you forget which crochet hook size you were using?

More crochet tips:

Yarn Hacks Every Crocheter and Knitter Needs to Know
Creative Ways to Use Yarn Ends (Instead of Tossing Them Out)
The Difference in Bernat Pop! Yarn Cakes, Caron Cakes, Mandala and Sweet Rolls
How to Soften Economical or Scratchy Yarn
Understanding Crochet Gauge and How to Measure It
How to Keep Straight Edges in Crochet