Hook, Needle & Yarn Guide
What Needle or Hook do I use?
Knitting needles and crochet hooks can vary in the way they are labelled depending on whether you're using needles that are in metric size, US size or UK size.
The following table is helpful when you need to convert knitting needle sizes:
How are Yarn Weights categorised?
The table below is from the US Craft Council. Crochet gauge refers to US terms.
Categories of yarn, gauge ranges, and recommended needle and hook sizes:
|
Yarn Weight Symbol
& Category Names |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Type of
Yarns in Category |
Fingering 10-count crochet thread |
Sock, Fingering, Baby | Sport, Baby |
DK, Light Worsted |
Worsted, Afghan, Aran |
Chunky, Craft, Rug |
Super Bulky, Roving |
Jumbo, Roving |
|
Knit Gauge
Range* in Stockinette Stitch to 4 inches |
33–40** sts |
27–32 sts |
23–26 sts |
21–24 sts |
16–20 sts |
12–15 sts |
7–11 sts |
6 sts and fewer |
|
Recommended
Needle in Metric Size Range |
1.5–2.25 mm |
2.25— 3.25 mm |
3.25— 3.75 mm |
3.75— 4.5 mm |
4.5— 5.5 mm |
5.5— 8 mm |
8— 12.75 mm |
12.75 mm and larger |
|
Recommended
Needle U.S. Size Range |
000–1 | 1 to 3 | 3 to 5 | 5 to 7 | 7 to 9 | 9 to 11 | 11 to 17 |
17 and larger |
|
Crochet Gauge*
Ranges in Single Crochet to 4 inch |
32–42 double crochets** |
21–32 sts |
16–20 sts |
12–17 sts |
11–14 sts |
8–11 sts |
7–9 sts |
6 sts and fewer |
|
Recommended
Hook in Metric Size Range |
Steel*** 1.6–1.4 mm Regular hook 2.25 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— 15 mm |
15 mm and larger |
|
Recommended
Hook U.S. Size Range |
Steel*** 6, 7, 8 Regular hook 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 to Q |
Q and larger |
|
* GUIDELINES ONLY: The above reflect the most commonly used gauges and needle or hook sizes for specific yarn categories. ** Lace weight yarns are usually knitted or crocheted on larger needles and hooks to create lacy, openwork patterns. Accordingly, a gauge range is difficult to determine. Always follow the gauge stated in your pattern. *** Steel crochet hooks are sized differently from regular hooks—the higher the number, the smaller the hook, which is the reverse of regular hook sizing |
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