Matching crochet hook to yarn size comes down to thickness: thinner yarn needs a smaller hook, thicker yarn needs a larger one. Use the yarn label’s suggested size as a starting point, then swatch to confirm it’s right for your 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
Go smaller than the label suggests for amigurumi, since tighter stitches hide stuffing better, and 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.