Types of Yarn and Recommended Crochet Hooks and Gauges
By Rachel Choi – 39 CommentsThere are many categories for yarn and types of yarn that fall into each category. Yarn weights are labeled from 0 to 6 with 0 being the thinnest of yarns and 6 being the most bulky. There are many different types of yarn in each category. The table below shows a general gauge for each of the yarn weights along with some recommended crochet hooks to use with that type of yarn. The information in the chart is the most commonly used gauges and crochet hook sizes for each yarn category. You can always use a crochet hook or create a gauge that is not listed on the chart.
| Yarn Weight Symbol |  |
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| Types of Yarn In Category | Fingering, 10-count crochet thread | Sock, Fingering, Baby | Sport, Baby | DK, Light Worsted | Worsted, Afghan, Aran | Chunky, Craft, Rug | Bulky, Roving |
| Gauge in Single Crochet 4″ (10 cm) | 32-42 double crochets | 21-32 sts | 16-20 sts | 12-17 sts | 11-14 sts | 8-11 sts | 5-9 sts |
| Recommended Hook Sizes (metric) | Steel 1.6-1.4 mm | 2.25-3.5 mm | 3.5-4.5 mm | 4.5-5.5 mm | 5.5-6.5 mm | 6.5-9 mm | 9 mm and up |
| Recommended Hook Sizes (U.S.) | Steel 6, 7, 8 or B-1 | B-1 to E-4 | E-4 to 7 | 7 to I-9 | I-9 to K-10 1/2 | K-10 1/2 to M-13 | M-13 and up |
When you buy yarn a recommended crochet hook size and gauge may be listed on the packaging. If you are following a crochet pattern, it may also have the recommended crochet hook size and gauge in it.
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Thanks for the info. I have always wondered about this, now I know!! 😉
You’re welcome Harold! Sometimes I get confused with all these names, I need a chart to refer to myself 😀
[…] chose to use. The smaller the hook the easier it is for it to pierce the fabric. (Learn more about types of yarn and recommended crochet hooks) Optional: If your hook is not able to pierce through the fabric you may use a darning needle or […]
Rachel, I have recently gotten into wrapping edges, for a more profesional “softer” look. What yarn would you suggest for wrapping?
Thanks for your last response.. it worked! 🙂 YEA!!
Hey Shannon, I’m not too familiar with wrapping edges, so I don’t think I’m the best person to ask for a yarn suggestion for that.
[…] Types of Yarn and Recommended Crochet Hooks and Gauges for more information on project sizing and corresponding yarn weights and hook […]
I have made three projects from the free pattern list, two slouchy hats and baby set (sweater and hat) and the instructions are very easy to follow. I have only been crocheting for a month and love it.
Love to look at all your patterns and copy some. I was wondering if you could tell me what DK means when referring to the light weight yarn.
Hi Linda, DK is just the name of one of the yarns that falls under the light weight category. I believe it stands for “double knit”, but you’ll commonly see it on yarn packages as simply DK.
Thank you, Rachel. I was just curious and couldn’t figure out what those two letters meant.
What would crochet threads sizes 3 and 5 be in the chart? My guess is fingering weight, but I would like to ask the expert. =)
Thank you,
Gina
Recommended hook sizes for charts such as the one above or those recommended in patterns are guides based on the average or the norm. In other words some people crochet much tighter than the average person and some people crochet much looser than the average person. Therefore when following a chart such as this or when working from a pattern, it is very important to crochet a swatch to check the gauge and make any necessary adjustments in hook size or yarn to get the correct gauge. This is especially important for clothing or anything that has to fit right. You don’t want to make a sweater for an adult and it end up fitting a toddler instead or vice versa. lol
I notice that on a lot of balls of wool there is a symbol showing recommended sizes of knitting needles. Would the recommended crochet hook be the same diameter?
Hi Asprin, the crochet hook size isn’t always the same as the knitting, but sometimes it is. Most packages have the crochet hook size on it now too.
Rachel, usually patterns will tell you to ch one or two etc. when you get to the end of a row and then turn. How does one know to chain first and turn, or turn then chain as some patterns say to do? Thanks LindaM.
Hi Linda, to chain and turn, or to turn and chain, are basically the same thing. You can do either one or do whichever order you are most comfortable with. Some say that they give different looks, but I haven’t really noticed much of a difference.
Hi Rachel,
Is there a specific symbol that goes with it?
I haven’t seen a crochet hook recommendation on any of the balls I have looked at here in Edinburgh, maybe its not common in the UK.
Asprin, the symbol looks like a mini crochet hook and is normally next to the knitting symbol. Maybe it’s just a U.S. thing? I’m not really familiar with the yarn packaging in the U.K.
Bonjour, bonsoir Rachel,
Hello to all.
I am from Belgium, 63 years old, living in the Belgium country-side and I love crochet since olny one year.
My question is ..;
which hook do you love to use?
Clover USA Soft Touch Crochet Hooks –
or TULIP ETIMO Cushion Grip Gold Crochet Hook Royal Silver TES-002( Japan)
or other?
Because in Belgium there is only normal steel hooks , but not ergonomic and they are not so confortable.
to find these hooks I named ( Clover or Tulip Etimo) I must find them on internet .
Thank you very much ;
FleurBelge
hello! I like to use Susan Bates hooks. There’s nothing fancy or ergonomic about them, but they do the job! Here’s a post you may be interested in that discusses more favorite hooks: Favorite Crochet Hooks
Thank you Rachel, merci, I shall see the post about the favorite hooks. FleurBelge
Rachel, I’ve lost track of your reply about how to tell the right and wrong sides of your work. Would you please let me know what the easiest way is? Thank you Linda M. PS I am making a dozen or so of your cute double bows to use in a school play for penquins. They are so neat and simple. Thank you
Hi Linda, here’s the link to the info: Right Side and Wrong Side in Crochet
Have fun crocheting your bows!
Rachel,
I’m working with a pattern that suggests a size C aluminum hook and my gauge swatch is too large. I’m thinking that the B is still going to be too big–what size steel hook would be smaller than the Aluminum B?
Thanks
Hi Barbara, take a look at the chart in this post: http://www.crochetspot.com/hooks-are-for-crochet-not-for-swordfighting/
There’s a few that are smaller than the B hook. You may also want to change the yarn/thread you’re using in order to get the right gauge.
I have a pattern that calls for size 5 crochet thread, is there another alternative? Size 5 is really hard to find and not in pretty colors.
Thanks.
I am planning a project involving finger crochet. No hooks, just fingers. What weight yarn would you recommend for a project like this? I was thinking something chunky or bulky.
Hi Rachel, I just started crocheting, and I’ve got this problem. I always use the size recommended for the yarn, but my end product seem a little too loose, like it has gaps and all, unlike those end products I see that others crocheted. I was wondering if it’s supposed to be like that, or that I’m crocheting too loose and have to down a size (or two)? I’m currently using DK yarn that recommends 4mm, but I’m using a 3.75mm hook and it still seem too loose! Any suggestions as to what size of hook I should use? 🙂
Hi Kylie! You can use any hook size that works for you! The recommended hook size is only a recommendation. Everyone crochets a little differently with different tensions. So use what works for you. If you are working with a pattern that has a gauge in it, be sure to use the hook that helps you obtain the proper gauge. It doesn’t always have to be the hook that is used by the designer.
I love getting your Crochet Spot in my email. It’s simple and cute, doesn’t take long to look at or read, and you always have such neat items to crochet. I can always go to your site, too, when I need directions of how to do a certain stitch. Thank you, Rachel, and keep it up. One thing I would ask of you is to put directions to different stitches in your pattern. Many times, I have started something and I’ll see that there’s a certain stitch you included that I didn’t know about and know how to do, and I’ll have to go back to find the pattern and look it up. It would be nice for you to just include the directions for different stitches in your pattern. Thanks
Do you have any suggestions for crocheting 2 strands of worsted weight yarn?
Thanks!
Hi Shell,
2 strands of worsted weight yarn can act like a bulky yarn or a super bulky yarn. You can use a crochet hook meant for those weights and can make a small gauge to see how you like it.
Hi, Rachel, Been crocheting for 50 years and don’t know what baby DK yarn is. I thought baby yarn is fingering yarn, which is what I have. They recommend a G hook. Can you help? Seems like sizes of yarn has changed throughout the years.
Thanks in advance,
Hi Paulette! You can look for any yarn with the #3 symbol on it (as shown in the table). If your packaging doesn’t have the symbol on it, you can always crochet the gauge in your pattern with your yarn to see if it is the correct size for the project.
Hi,
I want to start a project of baby dress which has 5MM crochet hook with a Drops Paris Yarn, the beginning of the stitches is 60 nos, as I do not have the same yarn and would start my work with a 2MM or 3.5MM hook, and wool which size is not mentioned on the label, shall I start my work with twice the stitches mentioned i.e. 120 stitches, kindly guide.
Appreciate your reply,
Tehseen Tajani
Hello! It would depend on your gauge and what size you are trying to make it. Here are some tips in this post on adjusting crochet patterns: http://www.crochetspot.com/tips-for-adjusting-crochet-patterns/
Thanks so much for this chart! I took a screenshot of it and it will be so handy.
The pattern I’m trying to start calls for a size L hook but I can’t seem to find mine. However, I have a 7mm hook, would I be able to use that instead?
Hello! Check the gauge in the pattern, as that will tell you if you can use the hook or not. If you can obtain the same gauge using the different hook then you can use it.