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Why Size Matters in Crocheting and Knitting

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We’ve all heard it: Size matters. And you know what? It’s true, friend. Hook size matters!

Why Hook Size Matters in Crocheting and Knitting

Size DOES matter, when it comes to crocheting and knitting, that is. In fact, it makes all the difference in the world. Both your hook size matters (or needle size in knitting) and your yarn size matters when it comes to how uniform and professional your items turn out.

Why Hook Size Matters in Crocheting and Knitting

Hook size matters

There are all different sizes of crochet hooks. Some are so itty bitty you can literally crochet with sewing thread. Others are so large you could almost use them for a walking stick. For those bigguns, you might as well use your arm.

Hook sizes are measured either by their letter in the alphabet, or by their size in millimeters starting with the smallest. I personally use the letters, but that also depends on where in the world you live.

Where in the World, is Carmen Sandiego? Hee hee!

In Europe, I understand that millimeters are used more often, while here in the United States we tend to use the alphabet. Same size technically, and the gist is the same just whatever suits your fancy.

As you can imagine, the size of your yarn makes a difference in which hook you’ll want to use as well. If you have a very large yarn, you’ll need a very large hook. A very small yarn? You’ll need a very small hook (unless you’re wanting it to have a loose, open and airy weave).

Yarn Size Matters

There are six main sizes of yarn.

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How Hook Size Matters in Crocheting and Knitting

Starting with a size 1 which is very thin, to a 2 which is a little bit thicker, then a 3 and 4 of “worsted weight” yarn. Size 4 is the most popular yarn size. This is the “average” thickness of yarn you’ll find when you visit the yarn store, and what a good percentage of patterns use. Size 5 starts to get a little thicker (considered bulky) and size 6 is known as super bulky.

Does Hook Size Matter in Crocheting and Knitting? YES!

The bigger the yarn, the larger the hook size you’ll need to use (and the larger the finished product will be as well). In the photo below, I used the exact same pattern with the exact same yarn. Same number of rows, same number of stitches. Exactly the same. The only difference? Hook size!

Why Hook Size Matters in Crochet

The first (smallest) was made with a D (3.25 MM), the next was made with a G (4.0 MM) hook, the next size up was made with an H (5.0 MM) hook and the largest was made with an I (5.5 MM) hook. Isn’t that interesting?

If you are wondering why I am making so many hats in these sizes, they are for donation to my local NICU. I have the pattern listed here on Heart Hook Home, and if you’d care to join me in my donation effort (or if you want to experiment with hook size) these little hats work up in about 10-15 minutes. Easy peasy, and a great way to understand both tension and why hook size matters.


More crochet tips:

Use Industrial Clips for Yarn Bobbins in Crochet and Knitting
Finger Burn? You Need a Finger Cuff for Crochet
9 Tips for Traveling with Crochet
The Difference Between Knitting and Crocheting & Master Your Tension
How to Soften Economical or Scratchy Yarn
16 Ways to Save at Michaels

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63 Comments

  1. Absolutely! The size game is real in the world of crocheting and knitting. It's fascinating how the tiniest details, like your hook or needle size, can influence the entire outcome of your creation. It's like wielding different tools for different magic tricks. Yours Truly Rahul Dubey https://learndigitalwithrahul.com
    Reply
  2. Hi! I’m having a difficult time and need an answer in what I’m doing wrong. I’ve crochet at least 10 pumpkins from the same pattern and now I want to make a few more pumpkins and I’m using the same pattern and the same Bernat 6 super Bulky yarn. The pumpkins are a lot taller than the 1st 10 that I have already made. I like the shape of the 1st 10 a lot better . Shorter and wider and now they’re taller and thinner. I tried using a G hook a 5.0 hook and H 5.5 hook. All 3 are tall and thinner. Nothing like the first 10 I made. Can you tell me what I’m doing wrong? Thank you!
    Reply
  3. hello. i’m currently starting a tote bag project and the pattern i’m using says i should use a 6.5 mm hook and the biggest hook i have is 5.5. should i start the project or will it not go as planned? thank you
    Reply
    1. If the pattern has a gauge listed, then try your 5.5mm and see if you can match gauge...but typically a smaller hook will result in a smaller gauge.
      Reply
  4. Hi. I'm very new to crochet. I'm about to start a scarf but couldn't get the exact size wool. Pattern says use a 5mm hook. My wool says 6mm. Should I stick to doing it as pattern and use 5mm or stick to wool and use 6mm. Thanks
    Reply
    1. Hi Angela! Welcome to crochet! If the pattern has a gauge listed, then you will want to use whichever hook needed to get the same gauge as in the pattern. If no gauge is given (which being a scarf it may not) then I would probably use the 6mm...just know that your scarf will probably turn out a bit bigger. =)
      Reply
  5. Does using a bigger hook with the same yarn, same pattern, use more or less yardage? Like say making a hat with 5.0 millimeter hook with acrylic yarn, would it use more or less yarn making the same hat, same yarn, but a 7.0 millimeter hook?
    Reply
  6. Hi, I am extremely new to crocheting and have no one to really ask this question to! I found your website and after reading the post and all the comments on this post, I still need answers. The pattern I have says to use an H hook, the yarn I bought says it is for and I to J hook size. Is it better to go with what the pattern says and use an H, or what the yarn suggests which the closest size would be an I?
    Reply
    1. If the pattern provides a gauge, then start with the pattern suggested hook and see if your gauge matches...if not you will need to adjust your hook size.
      Reply
  7. I am making a baby cardigan using a chunky chenille yarn. The instructions have me start out using a 6mm hook and then switching to a 6.5mm hook. I realized I do not have a 6.5mm hook in my arsenal. Can I continue with the 6mm without it making a huge difference, or can I make using a looser tension?
    Reply
  8. Hello, I wanted to use this #7 yarn but I have a 10mm hook. I plan on making a stuffed animal and I was told to use somewhat of a smaller hook than suggested so the holes can be smaller and we won’t see the stuffing on the inside. But I never made a stuffed animal before so I’m not sure… Any advice or suggestions?
    Reply
    1. Yes, it is suggested to go down a few hook sizes from what is recommended on the yarn label for the reasons you have listed.
      Reply
  9. This article was very helpful as I make beanies for my local hospital and I was always wondering what size hook and wool to use as I am in Australia and our wool is classed different to American wool. Thank you so much.
    Reply
  10. I am following a pattern that is using a 3.75mm hook, my question is what size is the closest to use for that as i do not have a 3.75mm hook but i do have a * 6/0 3.5mm hook*. Will the 3.5mm work?
    Reply
  11. hi! i’m making a hat that calls for a 6mm hook, but the biggest i have is 5.5mm. do you think there will be too big a difference? is there any way i could adapt the pattern so it would turn out the same? thanks!
    Reply
  12. Hi, I’m planning on making a men’s scarf and the yarn is calling for a 9mm hook, but I only have 8mm. Will that make a huge difference? Oh is it best for me to run out and seriously get a 9mm hook? I am a beginner at this. Thank you
    Reply
    1. Your scarf will probably turn out a bit smaller with the 8mm, so if you don't mind that, then go ahead! Or, if possible, you could add a few stitches and rows to get the bigger size. Hope this helps!
      Reply
      1. and add more yarn to it.. if you are short a skein, get another one. i always have extra.. because i never am able to get anything right.. so im always using wrong size hook, i found out just now and i learned something new, and ive been crocheting and knitting and loom knitting, i never bothered with size until i read this article and realized, this makes more sense and realized what huge difference in these hook sizes, if you look at the photo, see the hat, different hook, same worst yarn size, that whats make size difference of hooks.
        Reply
    1. You can...but the stitches might be real tight and stiff. But, if that is what you trying to achieve (like in amigurumi) go for it!
      Reply
  15. Hi there! New to crocheting. Just making a baby blanket for my sister’s unborn child and the yarn I’m using suggests using an M hook. I live very rural and cannot run to town to pick up the correct size, but I have a size bigger and a size smaller. Which size would you use in my shoes? Thanks in advance!!
    Reply
  16. I want to get the pattern for a Amigurumi hippo, however, the finished product is less than a foot long. If I used a bigger crochet hook and a thicker yarn, will it maintain its shape while making it bigger? It's calling for a 3 mm hook and 5 ply yarn, 125 metres, 50 g. I would use a 4.5 mm hook and medium weight, 260 meters, 127 g. yarn.
    Reply
  17. Hi everyone, I'm super new to crocheting, I'm trying to follow the Llama-No-Drama pattern (I know its quite complex but it's just so adorable), the pattern says to use Aran yarn so I got some and on the bac on the yarn, it says to use 5mm hooks. The pattern says to use a 3.75mm hook but I only have a 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, and 5mm. I've tried to start the pattern multiple times which different hooks or different tensions but it never looks like the youtube guide I'm following and I thought it might be because of the yarn/hook size? Which should I hook should I use?
    Reply
    1. Hi Lucy! First off, welcome to the addicting hobby of crochet! I hope you love it as much as I do! As for your project, that pattern will use a hook size smaller than the yarn recommended so the stitches will be nice and tight...and so the stuffing won't be falling out of your llama. I would probably use the 3.5mm or 4mm hook. It shouldn't make a huge difference in your finished project. Hope this helps!
      Reply
    1. Oh no!! You would probably be okay to use the bigger hook, however your project might grow a tad, but if you try to tighten your tension the growth (if any) would be less noticeable. Hope this helps!
      Reply
  20. Thank you for the tutorial on why needle size is important. It was nice to see what size the different needles looked like in the hats you made. Very informable! Keep up the good work.
    Reply
  21. I am very new to crocheting. I am in the middle of my first afghan and I lost my hook! I think it was a 4, but I am not sure. My husband went out to get me a new one and came back with a 4.25. Will this make a noticeable difference if i continue with the new hook? I don't want it to look bad as it is for a very special little girl.
    Reply
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  26. I also am crocheting for my local NICU. I had a granddaughter than was in there for the first 30 days of her life. She's a adorable little 3 year old now. So I have time and yarn and decided in between any orders I might get that I would make these little hats. Very rewarding!
    Reply
    1. I am making a throw and pattern uses a 12mm hook , can I substitute a 19mm for this throw? Yarn I am using is Bernal blanket yarn! Thanks for your help.....Betty
      Reply
      1. Hi Betty! If you are also using a larger yarn than is used in the pattern, then you would probably be okay using the bigger hook...keep in mind that the blanket will turn out much larger.
        Reply
  27. Hi Ashlea, I'm Suzan, the gran from Gauteng, South Africa. New comer to your blog and liking it already. So many abandoned children heee who need help and I will tap in for advice often I expect.
    Reply
  29. Hi, So I have a pattern that calls for a 5-bulky yarn that has been discontinued...can I use a 6-super bulky and use a smaller hook? I'm kind of new to this... Thanks! Jenny
    Reply
    1. Hi Jenny! If the pattern has a gauge swatch, I would definitely do that and try to make your gauge match that of the designers. Hope this helps!
      Reply
  31. Seems like most yarns I would like to use for scarves and even blankets are thicker and suggest using 9mm hook...yet when I went to look for a set of hooks like the ones you show in your pictures...(the clover takumi soft grip)...they don't come in the bigger sizes. Why is that? I haven't crocheted in years and have recently started back and wanted to buy some really good hooks but noticed these are all on the smaller side. Any suggestions...?
    Reply
  33. Not all crochet threads coming from other countries give the size of the thread. If a site states a recommended hook size 1-3mm, what is that thread size? I am looking for a rayon mix thread in various colors, size 4 or approximate. Do you know of a source? Many thanks, Eunice Maris
    Reply
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