Decoding Crochet Hook Sizes: A Comprehensive Guide

Hello! Have you ever found yourself baffled by the seemingly endless array of crochet hook sizes? It can be confusing to navigate between metric measurements, numbered sizes and letter-number combinations. I mean, how can the SAME hook be known as a 4mm, a G/6, an 8 AND a 7/0? 

Don't worry! My blog post will help you unravel this tangle and select the perfect hook for your next project.

Understanding Crochet Hook Sizes

Crochet hooks come in various sizes, each designed for specific yarn weights and project types. The most common sizing systems are:

1. Metric System: Measured in millimetres (mm), this is the most widely used system, especially in European countries. I write my patterns with the hook sizes stated in mm, adding the US sizes when I remember!
2. The US System: This letter and number system is typically used in the United States of America; this system combines letters with numbers to denote hook size, for example H/8.
3. Numbered System: The old UK and Canadian crochet hook size system uses numbers, similar to the US system, but with slightly different numbering. It's important to note that this system is now less commonly used, and that most modern patterns use the metric or US system.
4. Japanese System: The Japanese crochet hook size system uses numbers but the numbers definitely do not refer to millimetres! It's essential to refer to a conversion chart to accurately match Japanese hook sizes to the system you're most familiar with.

A Handy Crochet Hook Size Chart 

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Anatomy of the Crochet Hook

Did you know, the part of the crochet hook which dictates its size is the shaft? Also known as the shank, this is the long, cylindrical part of the hook (see infographic below). It's the diameter of the shaft or shank which determines the size of the stitches you can create with that particular hook.

Tips for Choosing the Right Hook Size

• Read your Pattern Carefully: Well written crochet patterns should specify the recommended hook size.
• Consider the Yarn Weight: Different yarn weights require different hook sizes - as a general rule of thum, the thicker the yarn, the bigger the hook size. The yarn label will give you some guidance here, though frustratingly, they often only give knitting needle size recommendations.
• Experiment: Don't be afraid to try different hook sizes to achieve your desired fabric. We all crochet slightly differently!
• Check Your Tension: If your stitches are too loose or too tight, adjust your hook size accordingly. For more advice on tension, please visit my blog post all about.

I hope that I've given you a good understanding of the different sizing systems and that, by following my tips, you'll be confident about selecting the perfect crochet hook for any project. 

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

My Current Favourite Hook: The Clover Soft Touch

Hello! For every crocheter, there's that one hook. You know, the one you reach for time and again, the one that feels like an extension of your hand. Today, I'm here to sing the praises of my own personal crochet bestie: the Clover Soft Touch. I should say that this is not an affiliated or sponsored post and that all opinions are my own. 

This little wonder isn't fancy or expensive, but it ticks all the boxes for me. Let's break down why it's become my go-to hook:

 

Comfort First:  

Crocheting can be hard on your hands, especially if you tend to grip your hook tightly. The Clover Soft Touch boasts a shaped plastic handle with a smooth, rubber thumb grip handle that's a dream to hold. I can crochet for hours without feeling any strain or cramping.

 

Glides Like a Dream:  

There's nothing worse than a hook that snags on your yarn, making every stitch a struggle. The Clover Soft Touch has a tapered point which glides effortlessly through the yarn, creating beautifully even stitches. 

 

Size Does Matter:

The Clover Soft Touch comes in a whopping 21 sizes, from 0.5mm hooks perfect for delicate threads to 6mm for working with chunkier yarns. Also, if you're just starting out, they offer handy sets of 9 hooks that cover the central range of yarn weights.

 

Kind to Your Wallet:  

Let's face it, crochet supplies can add up quickly! The beauty of the Clover Soft Touch is that it's very affordable. You won't break the bank adding it to your collection, which leaves more room for that gorgeous yarn you've been eyeing up!

 

Bonus Tips: 

If you're on the hunt for your own favourite crochet hook, I highly recommend checking out some reviews online or visiting your local craft store to see if they have any available for you to handle. I also made a YouTube video last year all about the different types of crochet hooks which might be of interest to you, you can watch it via the embedded link below.

Finding the perfect hook is definitely a personal journey, but trust me, the search is worth it! Have you found your own crochet soulmate? Share your favourite hook and why you love it in the comments, I'd love to know!

The Clover Soft Touch 4.5mm hook was my choice for this year's Lazy Days CAL kits. It's my current favourite hook and I want you to try it and see for yourself how lovely it is to use. Kits are still available, but are selling out fast! Click here to order yours today, not forgetting your 10% off discount code: LAZYDAYS

I hope this post has been useful for you. Do let me know in the comments what your favourite hook is!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Your Guide To Choosing The Right Crochet Hook

Hello! With so many crochet hooks out there to choose from, maybe you're confused on which type to go for? Maybe you've tried a few different types and would like to explore further options? Here's my guide to choosing the right crochet hook ...

In this blog post, I'm listing the variety of materials that hooks can be made from and giving you a little info on each one. I also turned this post into a YouTube video if you're more of a visual learner you might want to check that out here.

1) Steel: these are generally super fine hooks (0.5mm - 2mm) which are ideal for working with thread and very thin yarn

2) Aluminium: are a good all rounder! They are cheap to buy and smooth to use. They come in a large range of sizes and are easy to find in charity shops.

3) Bamboo: an excellent choice if you prefer natural materials. Bamboo hooks come in a wide range of sizes, all except the really fine and the super chunky. Personally I have found that these hooks can catch on yarn, especially the finer ones (up to 4mm), but I do enjoy the feel of working with them.

4) Plastic: nice and light to work with. The smaller hooks are solid plastic, larger sizes are hollow plastic. Like aluminium hooks they are cheap to buy. You may want to avoid these if you're considering the environmental impact (unless second hand of course!).

5) Ergonomic: this is where your options explode open! There's a huge range of ergonomic hooks on the market, starting from very cheaply produced ones to luxury ones which feel so good to hold. The handles are formed of soft pastic moulded around an aluminium hook.

6) Hand crafted: these hooks are lovely if you're looking for something a little bit different. A polymer clay is added around an aluminium hook to create a chunkier handle. These hooks range from plain colours to quirky & fun!

7) Hand carved: if you're looking for something special, this is your option! These hooks are lovingly and expertly hand carved from wood. They usually have a bees wax finish to keep them supple and smooth.

8) Resin: Another luxury hook! A quick scroll through Etsy brought up so many pretty options, many of which are combined with wood. These tend to have a chunky ergonomic handle.

9) Interchangeable: A slightly different option; these hooks come with one ergonomic handle and a range of hook sizes to click or screw in place. I haven't tried them, but they are popular.

10) Light up: Similar to interchangeable hooks but with a light up tip. The hook itself is made of clear plastic with a light in the end, these click or screw onto a USB rechargeable handle.

Phew! Did you realise there were this many options?

Which type do I prefer?

Do you know, I tend to default to my trusty aluminium hook for most projects; it's probably because they're what I started crocheting with and they feel familiar to me.

I do also use a range of ergonomic hooks, particularly if I'm doing finer work. For super chunky and T-shirt yarn I like to use a hollow plastic hook because it's lighter. Basically, I mix things up!

A beautiful handcarved or resin hook is definitely on my WISH LIST! (I wonder if the hubby will read this?)

I've deliberately not linked to any hooks here. If there are any types you'd like to look up they're only a quick search away.

As well as different materials for hooks, there's also a difference in the design of the hook head and neck. However, I feel this needs a diagram to explain the technicalities and is probably a whole other blogpost for another day!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

PS. If you'd like to receive practical crochet info like this straight to your inbox, sign up to my mailing list here. There's a free pdf for you when you do - 25 Top Tips Every Crocheter Needs To Know!

Crochet hook size guide

Hello! Dropping in with some useful info for you about crochet hook sizes! You may have noticed in crochet patterns that sometimes hook sizes are referred to in metric terms, sometimes with a number and sometimes with a letter & number! This can all be a bit confusing, so I've put together a table with the most popular sizes for you to help keep you right.

The photo above is my collection of hooks, which I like to refer to in millimetres. Most patterns do state the hook size in metric terms (or a mix) so you shouldn't get in too much of a tangle over it!

I hope my table comes in useful for you - why not print it out and keep it to refer to! 

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

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