Matching crochet hook to yarn size comes down to thickness: thinner yarn needs a smaller hook, thicker yarn needs a larger one. I use the yarn label’s suggested size as my starting point, then swatch to confirm it’s right for my own tension.
Quick pairings by thickness
- Thin (fingering, sport): 2.25mm to 3.25mm.
- Medium (DK, worsted): 3.5mm to 5.5mm.
- Thick (bulky, super bulky): 6.5mm and up.
When to break from the standard pairing
I deliberately go smaller than the label suggests for amigurumi, since tighter stitches hide stuffing better, and I go larger than suggested for anything meant to drape softly, like a shawl.
Frequently asked questions
Does a bigger hook always mean a looser fabric?
Yes, for the same yarn, a bigger hook always produces a looser, more open fabric. This is why amigurumi patterns often specify a smaller hook than the yarn label suggests.
Can two different yarns use the same hook size?
Yes, as long as the yarns are a similar thickness, even if they’re different fibers, the same hook size usually works for both.