Different Size Crochet Needles
- Thread crochet hooks are made from steel, are tiny in size, and are used in conjunction with thinner crochet thread, which also comes in different sizes to accommodate filet crochet texture and tension differences. Steel thread crochet hooks range in size from 00 to 16. Steel crochet hooks are charted in their range of sizes, for example, Size 00 is 3.5 mm; size 0 = 3.25 mm; 1 = 2.75 mm; 2 = 2.25 mm; 3 = 2.1 mm; 4 = 2.0 mm; 5 = 1.9 mm; 6 = 1.8 mm; 7 = 1.65 mm; 8 = 1.5 mm; 9 = 1.4 mm; 10 = 1.3 mm; 11 = 1.1 mm; 12 = 1.0 mm; 13 = .85 mm; 14 = .75 mm; and 16 = .60 mm.
Crocheting a delicate piece of lace for a collar in thread crochet calls for a thinner thread and extremely tiny hook. Hook sizes are designed to match up to certain thread sizes depending on how tiny and delicate the crocheter wants the stitches. Mercerised threads such as #100, #80, #60, #40, #20, and #10 range from smaller ply to larger, respectively. These threads are thinner than yarns and play an important role in textures when using them for delicate projects such as doilies, edgings, potholders, shawls, appliques, and more. - The larger yarn crochet hooks range in size from B/1 to S/19 and are categorized in universal metric measurements, as well as in their range of sizes. From smallest to largest are: B-1 = 2.25 mm; C-2 = 2.75 mm; D-3 = 3.25 mm; E-4 = 3.5 mm; F-5 = 3.75 mm; G-6 = 4 mm; 7 = 4.5 mm; H-8 = 5 mm; I-9 = 5.5 mm; J-10 = 6 mm; K-10 1/2 = 6.5 mm; L-11 = 7 mm; M-12 = 8 mm; N-13 = 9 mm; P-15 = 10 mm; Q = 16 mm; and S = 19 mm.
The larger-sized crochet hooks along with yarn create a heavier and more varied range of textures, when making larger projects such as scarves, afghans, sweaters, and hats. Often, many of these type projects can be completed in a weekend. - Although a particular hook size is important for the type of project, a crocheter's stitch tension (tight or loose) usually determines how a project will turn out. This is why crochet patterns most often state "check your gauge." Crochet hook conversion charts show both the U.S. and U.K. (United Kingdom) sizes of hooks, which differ from each other. Crochet hook charts may show metric measurements and not inch measurements and vice versa. To convert to inches, multiply millimeters by 0.03937. To convert to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4. Both U.S. and U.K. crochet hooks usually show the sizes and metric measurements in the middle flat area of the hook on one side and the manufacturer's name on the other. As a side note, vintage crochet hooks are valuable collector's items in today's market.
- Modern crochet hooks are manufactured from bamboo, bone, or wood, which are lighter in weight than the aluminum or steel vintage hooks used in the past. For crafters with arthritis, choosing a crochet hook by make is important, since a lighter bamboo hook may be easier to hold and work with than hooks made with alloys.