Crochet tool
Crochet hook sizes by yarn weight
Which hook do I use with this yarn?
medium · Hook
5.5 to 6.5 mm · I-9 to K-10 1/2
Number on the label: 4
Yarns of this weight: worsted, afghan, aran
Single crochet to 4 in (10 cm): 11 to 14 stitches
Hook and gauge by yarn weight: a starting point
Scroll the table sideways to see every column.
| Yarn weight | Number on the label | Yarns of this weight | Hook, in millimeters | Hook, US size | Single crochet to 4 in (10 cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| lace | 0 | fingering, 10-count crochet thread | steel 1.4 to 1.6 mm, or a regular 2.25 mm hook | steel 6, 7, 8, or regular B-1 | 32 to 42 double crochets |
| super fine | 1 | sock, fingering, baby | 2.25 to 3.5 mm | B-1 to E-4 | 21 to 32 stitches |
| fine | 2 | sport, baby | 3.5 to 4.5 mm | E-4 to 7 | 16 to 20 stitches |
| light | 3 | DK, light worsted | 4.5 to 5.5 mm | 7 to I-9 | 12 to 17 stitches |
| medium | 4 | worsted, afghan, aran | 5.5 to 6.5 mm | I-9 to K-10 1/2 | 11 to 14 stitches |
| bulky | 5 | chunky, craft, rug | 6.5 to 9 mm | K-10 1/2 to M-13 | 8 to 11 stitches |
| super bulky | 6 | super bulky, roving | 9 to 15 mm | M-13 to Q | 7 to 9 stitches |
| jumbo | 7 | jumbo, roving | 15 mm and larger | Q and larger | 6 stitches and fewer |
- These are the most usual hooks and gauges for each weight, not rules. Your pattern's gauge comes first.
- The gauges are counted in single crochet (UK: double crochet), except the lace row, which is counted in double crochet (UK: treble).
- Two sizes are written more shortly here than in the hook size chart: M-13 is the 9 mm hook listed there as M/N-13 and Q is the 15 mm hook listed there as P/Q.
- The steel hook numbers in the lace row are the yarn standard's own, printed beside its 1.4 to 1.6 mm. Makers do not number steel hooks alike, and the steel hook chart lists steel 6, 7 and 8 as 1.8, 1.65 and 1.5 mm: go by the millimeters.
How it works
- Look at your yarn's own label first: it names a hook for that yarn. Some labels for medium (4) yarn name a 5 mm (H-8) hook, a little under this chart's range.
- Go by the millimeter size on the hook or its package. United States letters and numbers differ from maker to maker.
- Make a swatch. If it has more stitches to 4 inches (10 cm) than the pattern asks for, change to a larger hook; if it has fewer, change to a smaller one.
- For stuffed toys, use a smaller hook than this chart gives, so that the fabric is tight enough to hide the stuffing.
Worked examples
- What size hook for worsted weight yarn?
- Worsted is a medium (4) yarn: a 5.5 to 6.5 mm hook, US I-9 to K-10 1/2. Some labels for this weight name 5 mm (H-8), so read yours.
- What size hook for DK yarn?
- DK is a light (3) yarn: a 4.5 to 5.5 mm hook, US 7 to I-9.
- What size hook for chunky yarn?
- Chunky is a bulky (5) yarn: a 6.5 to 9 mm hook, US K-10 1/2 to M-13 (the 9 mm hook, also written M/N-13).
Questions
- What does the number on a yarn label mean?
- It is the yarn's weight category: the charts we read run from 0 (lace, the finest) to 7 (jumbo).
- Can I use a hook outside the range for my yarn?
- Yes. A larger hook makes a looser, more open fabric and a smaller hook a firmer one. What matters is that your swatch matches the gauge your pattern gives.