Crochet Hooks

Crochet hooks come in various sizes and materials.  For every yarn on the market, there is a suggested hook size. Granted, these are only suggestions.  It is up to the crocheter to determine their preferences.  One of the most important factors in choosing your hook size is gauge (how many stitches you need to make an inch).  Your gauge is based on the size hook and type of yarn you select along with how tight or loosely you crochet.

Parts of a Crochet Hook:

Crochet Hook Types:  Crochet hooks come made in different materials

• Steel Crochet hooks - These are the smallest hooks.  Steel hooks are usually used with cotton.  Sizes range from number 15 (smallest) to number 00 (largest).
• Aluminum Crochet Hooks - Inexpensive. The smooth surface allows you to knit quickly with minimal resistance.
• Plastic
• Wooden crochet hooks - A favored hook of many crochet.  Wooden hooks are not as strong as plastic or metal. They are not as slippery as metal but more slippery than plastic.  Range from sizes "F" through "K".
• Bamboo Crochet Hooks - Light weight, smooth-running and pleasant to handle. Great for crocheting with slippery yarns.
• Casein Crochet Hooks - made of a natural, nontoxic milk protein. They bend and flex gently and feel warm in your hands.  Come in a very wide range of colors. 
• Plastic Crochet Hooks - An example are the Bryspun hooks. These are made of plastic and are preferred by those with arthritis because they are flexible, smooth and warm to the touch.
• Afghan Hooks - Sometimes referred to as Tunisian hooks.   These are longer than usual, have a uniform diameter and sometimes have another hook at the other end.  Afghan hooks are much longer than regular crochet hooks.  They come in lengths of 9 inch, 14 inch and 20 inch. The hooks have knob on the end to prevent the yarn from slipping off the end.

FACT: The material used to make the hook corresponds with the hook size.

Crochet Hook Sizes: 
Hooks come in a large range of sizes.  They are sized according to three different measuring systems.  See the conversion charts below to find the correct crochet hook sizes for your project.

Steel Hooks - Conversion Chart
U.S.	Canada/ UK	Metric
00	-	3 mm
0	00	2.25 mm
1	1	2 mm
2	-	1.95 mm
3	-	1.85 mm
4	2	1.75 mm
5	-	1.7 mm
6	-	1.6 mm
7	2.5	1.50 mm
8	3	1.25 mm
9	-	1.15 mm
10	4	1mm
11	-	.8 mm
12	5	.70 mm
13	-	.75 mm
14	6	.6 mm