Welcome to the wonderful world of crochet! Crocheting is an enjoyable, relaxing hobby that produces beautiful items that you can use, gift, and wear. But to start crocheting, you will need a few supplies like good-quality yarn, scissors, and, of course, the right crochet hook.
But how do you choose the right crochet hook for your project? We’ll share the basics of hook types and sizes so that you can carry out your crochet projects with confidence.
Crochet Hook Sizes
The size of a crochet hook refers to the diameter of its shaft. The larger the shaft, the bigger your stitches will be, which will alter the size of your final product. This is why it is so important to choose the right size of hook for the project you are working on.
The hook size is measured in letters, numbers, and/or millimeters, depending on the region. U.S. hook measurements use a coordinating letter and number combination, as well as including a metric measurement. As the number gets higher, the diameter of the hook increases.
A good starting hook size for beginners (that works well with worsted weight yarn) is an H-8 5 mm crochet hook. As a beginner, you may want to purchase a crochet hook set so that you have a variety of sizes to use for different projects (a good hook set could range from sizes E-J). As you start a project, note the yarn label — typically, a recommended crochet hook size will be listed to match the yarn weight.
Common U.S. Crochet Hook Sizes
- B-1 2mm
- C-2 2.75 mm
- D-3 3.25 mm
- E-4 3.5 mm
- F-5 3.75 mm
- G-6 4mm
- 7 4.5 mm
- H-8 5mm
- I-9 5.5 mm
- J-10 6 mm
- K-10 ½ 6.5 mm
- L-11 8 mm
- M/N-13 9 mm
- N/P-15 15 mm
Crochet Hook Materials
Common, basic crochet hooks are made from inexpensive materials such as aluminum, bamboo, or plastic. More expensive hooks can be made of stainless steel, wood, or other materials. Choose a hook material based on how it will work with the yarn fiber (such as wool, cotton, acrylic, etc.) of your project.
More important than the hook material is the shaft: there are solid wood crochet hooks, or stainless steel or aluminum hooks with ergonomic handles that reduce hand strain.
Hook Throat Types
Another factor to consider with crochet hooks is the “throat” type, which can be either tapered or inline. Tapered hooks include a lip that goes slightly beyond the shaft’s width, and they have a rounder head and shallower mouth. Inline hooks feature a hook that is the same width as its shaft, and they have an angular appearance.
Neither hook throat type is better than the other, but keep the throat type in mind — if one is hard for you to work with, try another type.
Variations on Crochet Hooks
There are also different types of crochet hooks: Tunisian crochet hooks are also called Afghan hooks. These are long crochet hooks that either have a stopper on one end (similar to a knitting needle), have a cable attached, or have a hook on both ends.
How to Choose the Right Crochet Hook
With all these things considered, choosing the best crochet hook is ultimately up to you. There are several main questions to ask yourself when considering which hook to choose.
Before Choosing a Crochet Hook, Ask Yourself:
- Is it comfortable to use and hold?
- Is it the recommended hook size for the pattern (or close to it)?
- Is it the suggested match for the yarn weight? (Check the yarn’s label.)