Why does Crochet hook size matter?

Question

What difference do different sizes make? Are there certain yarns used with certain hooks?

Answer 1

What matters if you want to duplicate a pattern is gauge. Gauge refers to the number of stitches per inch and the number of rows per inch. Each pattern is designed to come out the same every time if you crochet to the same gauge every time.



There are three components of gauge: 1. The yarn or thread used. 2. The size of the shaft of the crochet hook used. 3. The individual tension of the crocheter.



As a result of there being three components, you may have to adjust any one of them to get the correct gauge. Usually, you want to use the yarn or thread called for in the pattern, because that's what will provide the "look" and "texture" and "weight" of the example project. Usually, once a crocheter is experienced and competent, there's not much that can be done about tension--some people crochet loose, some tight, some medium. What can you change if you need to? The size of the crochet hook. A larger hook will result in fewer stitches per inch and a smaller hook will result in more stitches per inch (if the other two components remain the same).



Not long ago, a friend and I sat side by side using the same yarn, the same hook size, and the same pattern for a baby blanket. Hers came out much smaller than mine, because she crochets tightly and I crochet loosely. We probably should have changed hook sizes (me--smaller; her--larger); then our finished blankets would have been closer to the same size.

Answer 2

Size A Crochet Hook

Answer 3

The size of the hook will determine the size of the stitch. And the size of the stitch will determine the size of the finished item. The yarn size will also affect the size of the stitch. If I crochet a baby blanket, say, with a huge hook and rug yarn, I'll end up with a much larger blanket than I would if I used a tiny hook and that bedspread thread, even if I use the same pattern. The huge hook and yarn would be big enough for a school age child (as well as being quite rough) and the tiny hook and thread would be about the size of a hanky.



Most yarns and threads will have a suggested size of crochet hook and knitting needles listed on the label, unless you're buying the really expensive specialty yarns, in which case it's assumed that you know what you're doing.

Answer 4

If you wrap yarn around a 3mm diameter stick and then around a 7mm diameter stick, will they both give you the same size loop? No, of course not. One will be tighter and one looser. The same is true of the sizes of crochet hooks.



You need to use the right hook for the yarn and the right yarn for the pattern. Both the yarn and the pattern will tell you the right size to use. If you don't know how to interpret it, take the pattern with you to the shop. Show it to a clerk and ask for help in finding the right sizes of yarn and hook.



If there is no clerk available, find another customer in the yarn section and ask. Most will be glad to help if you ask politely and choose someone without small children to care for. Many of us are often asked questions like this.

Answer 5

size hook determine size stitch size stitch determine size finished item yarn size affect size stitch crochet baby blanket huge hook rug yarn ll larger blanket tiny hook bedspread thread pattern huge hook yarn big school age child rough tiny hook thread size hanky yarns threads suggested size crochet hook knitting needles listed label buying expensive specialty yarns case assumed