If you are new to crochet, chances are you've been wondering how to choose crochet hook sizes and which types to use for certain projects. This Beginner's Guide to Crochet Hooks Sizes and Styles will help you on your journey to becoming an expert crocheter! Learning about the tools and tricks of the trade is the first step in mastering it. All of the different types of crochet hook sizes and styles can be a bit overwhelming at first, but this guide is sure to help. After you've decided on a hook, learn about How to Read Crochet Patterns.

Beginner's Guide to Crochet Hook Sizes and Styles

Crochet Hook Styles
Crochet Hook Sizes
Crochet Hook Cleaning & Storage
 

Crochet Hook Styles:

There are a lot of different types of crochet hooks floating around out there, so let us help you learn about them. Crochet for beginners doesn't have to be hard! It's important to learn about the qualities of each style because one crochet hook won't work for all projects. Even if you're not a beginner, you might not realize all of the possibilites out there. Take a look at these different types of crochet hooks and see which ones fit your needs. Although plastic hooks are the most common, you might find you're more comfortable with a different type of hook.
 

Steel - Steel crochet hooks are used in crochet projects that use very fine thread instead of yarn. Crochet blanket patterns that call for the smallest hooks probably require steel ones.

Aluminum - Aluminum crochet hooks come in almost all sizes. The advantage of an aluminum hook is that its slippery texture makes crocheting easier, faster, and smoother. The yarn almost glides across it.

Plastic - Plastic hooks are probably the most commonly used because they are available in all sizes. They usually are on the larger side, but weigh very little as they are hollow.

Bamboo - Bamboo crochet hooks are used because they are easy on the hands. Not only are bamboo hooks lightweight, but they also don't feel cool to the touch, like the other hooks. Most important, they're Eco-friendly!

Tunisian - Tunisian crochet hooks are specifically used for Tunisian crochet, which is a type of stitch. These hooks are longer and may have hooks on each end. Learn how to crochet the tunisian stitch here!

Ergonomic - Ergonomic hooks are designed for comfort. Crocheters who feel pain in their hands might prefer the soft handles of these hooks.These can be helpful to crocheters who suffer from arthritis.

Knook - This type of crochet hook is used to make stitches that look like knitting.
 

Crochet Hook Sizes:

What do they mean?

Crochet hook sizes are determined by the diameter of the shaft. A 2.5mm hook has a 2.5mm shaft width. The width of a hook shaft will determine the size of your crochet stitches. Crochet hook sizes in the US differ from those in the UK. US products assign a letter to each crochet size, ranging from B to Q. Below are the most common crochet hook sizes and their metric conversions:

How should I choose my crochet hook sizes?

The hook you use will depend on the weight of the yarn you use. When you buy a skein of yarn, take a look at the packaging to find the recommended crochet hook size. Before starting your crochet project, practice with the hook and gauge with swatches of stitches. If you find your stitches to be too tight, you might want a larger crochet hook size. If they are too loose, a smaller hook might be preferable.
 

What are the different parts of a crochet hook?

Crochet Hook Cleaning & Storage

You may not think that crochet hook maintenance is very important, but you'd be surprised how it can affect your crochet projects.
 

Cleaning: Your hooks can build up some unwanted dirt and oils from your hands, which can then end up on your yarn. No one wants a dirty afghan. Soak your steel hooks in some rubbing alcohol to preserve its shiny luster and avoid smudges. For plastic and aluminum hooks, plain old soap and water should do the trick.


 

Storage: After you've cleaned them, it's important to keep your crochet hooks in a safe place. If they are simply banging around in a box, they could develop some chips that may snag your yarn. Yikes! Your local craft store will have cases especially for crochet hooks that will keep them clean and in perfect shape. Need help organizing your yarn? Check out these easy storage solutions.

Have questions about yarn weight now? Check out Yarn 101: Yarn Weight, Type, and Which is Best for Your Pattern!