I remember my first visit to the crochet hook aisle. Rows of metal hooks with letters and numbers that made no sense: “B‑1, E‑4, H‑8, K‑10.5… what does it all mean?” I grabbed a random one, went home, and my first chain was so tight I couldn’t insert the hook again. The wrong hook size can ruin your experience. But here’s the good news: as a beginner, you need exactly one hook size to start. In this guide, I’ll tell you which one, why, and give you a simple chart so you’ll always know what to buy.
The short answer (what to buy today)
Buy a 5.5mm hook (US size I‑9) in aluminum or ergonomic.
Pair it with worsted weight (#4) yarn (like Caron Simply Soft or Red Heart Super Saver).
That’s it. That one hook will get you through dishcloths, scarves, hats, and small blankets.
If you can only buy one hook as a complete beginner, make it 5.5mm (I‑9). It works perfectly with the most common beginner yarn (worsted weight #4). Not too small, not too big – just right.
Why hook size matters (bigger hook = bigger loops)
The size of your hook determines the size of your stitches. A larger hook makes bigger loops; a smaller hook makes smaller loops. That affects:
- Tension: Too small a hook makes tight, stiff fabric. Too large makes loose, holey fabric.
- Drape: Larger hooks produce softer, drapier fabric (good for scarves and shawls). Smaller hooks produce stiffer fabric (good for amigurumi and bags).
- Yarn consumption: Larger hooks use more yarn per stitch.
- Speed: Larger hooks work up faster because each stitch is bigger.
As a beginner, you want a medium hook that works well with medium yarn – that’s 5.5mm with worsted weight.
Hook size chart: metric vs US vs UK
You’ll see three different sizing systems on hooks. Here’s a quick conversion chart for the sizes you’re most likely to encounter:
| Metric (mm) | US size | UK size (old) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.25mm | B‑1 | 13 | Fingering weight |
| 2.75mm | C‑2 | 12 | Fingering / sock yarn |
| 3.0mm | – | 11 | DK yarn |
| 3.5mm | E‑4 | 9 | Light worsted, amigurumi |
| 4.0mm | G‑6 | 8 | Worsted (tight tension) |
| 4.5mm | 7 | 7 | Worsted (standard small) |
| 5.0mm | H‑8 | 6 | Worsted (most common) |
| 5.5mm | I‑9 | 5 | Best for beginners (worsted weight) |
| 6.0mm | J‑10 | 4 | Bulky yarn, blankets |
| 6.5mm | K‑10.5 | 3 | Super bulky |
| 8.0mm | L‑11 | 0 | Jumbo yarn |
Ignore the US and UK letters for now. Look at the metric size (mm). That’s the most consistent.
How to match hook size to your yarn
Every skein of yarn has a recommended hook size on the label. For worsted weight (#4), the label usually says “5.0mm – 6.0mm.” As a beginner, start with the middle or larger end – 5.5mm.
Here’s a quick guide for common yarn weights:
| Yarn weight | Recommended hook (mm) | US size |
|---|---|---|
| #1 – Fingering | 2.25 – 3.0mm | B‑1 to D‑3 |
| #2 – Sport | 3.0 – 3.5mm | D‑3 to E‑4 |
| #3 – DK | 3.5 – 4.5mm | E‑4 to 7 |
| #4 – Worsted | 4.5 – 5.5mm | 7 to I‑9 |
| #5 – Bulky | 5.5 – 6.5mm | I‑9 to K‑10.5 |
| #6 – Super bulky | 6.5 – 9.0mm | K‑10.5 to M‑13 |
For your first projects, stick with worsted weight (#4) and a 5.5mm hook.
Hook materials: aluminum, wood, plastic, ergonomic
Hooks come in different materials. Here’s what you need to know:
My recommendation: Start with a standard aluminum hook (Boye or Susan Bates) in 5.5mm. It’s $2‑5, widely available, and perfectly fine. After a few months, if your hands hurt, invest in an ergonomic hook – you’ll never go back.
What hook to avoid as a beginner
- Steel hooks (very small, size 0.6mm – 2.0mm). These are for thread crochet (doilies). They’re tiny and frustrating for beginners.
- Jumbo hooks (over 10mm). Too big for standard yarn; they’re for arm knitting or extreme bulky yarn. Skip for now.
- Cheap plastic hooks (no‑name brands). They often have rough seams that snag your yarn. Spend the extra dollar on aluminum.
- Tunisian crochet hooks (long, with a stopper). That’s a different technique. Confusing for beginners.
Recommended beginner hook brands
Here are my tried‑and‑true hooks for beginners, from cheapest to premium:
- Boye (aluminum): The classic. Flat thumb rest, smooth finish. Found at any craft store. Price: $2‑4
- Susan Bates (aluminum): Similar to Boye but with an in‑line head (some people prefer it). Price: $2‑4
- Clover Amour (ergonomic): My personal favourite. Soft rubber grip, smooth as butter. Worth the splurge. Price: $8‑12 per hook
- Prym (ergonomic, plastic): Lightweight, comfortable, very smooth. Good budget ergonomic option. Price: $6‑8
- Addi Swing (ergonomic): Unique angled shape – comfortable for some, weird for others. Try before you buy. Price: $15‑20
Start with Boye or Susan Bates in 5.5mm. If you love crocheting and your hands ache, upgrade to Clover Amour.
Should you buy a full set or just one hook?
Just one hook. Buy the 5.5mm (I‑9). That’s all you need for your first month of projects (dishcloth, scarf, beanie). Later, you’ll want a 5.0mm (H‑8) for tighter fabric and a 6.0mm (J‑10) for looser fabric. But you don’t need a full set of 10 hooks right away.
When you’re ready to expand, buy a set of ergonomic hooks – they often come in sizes 3.5mm to 6.0mm. Clover Amour sets are expensive but last forever.
How to care for your hook
Good hooks last a lifetime. Here’s how:
- Aluminum: Wipe with a soft cloth. If it gets sticky from yarn residue, wash with mild soap and dry immediately.
- Wood: Store away from moisture. Occasionally rub with a tiny bit of beeswax or mineral oil.
- Ergonomic handles: Don’t soak in water. Wipe with a damp cloth.
- Store in a hook case or pencil case. Don’t toss loose in a bag – they can scratch.
Quick answers to common beginner hook questions
“What’s the difference between Boye and Susan Bates?”
Boye has a tapered throat (the hook part is rounded). Susan Bates has an in‑line throat (the hook is the same diameter as the shaft). Both are fine – choose whichever feels better in your hand. Most beginners start with Boye.
“Can I use a wooden hook?”
Yes, but wood has more friction, which can be frustrating with acrylic yarn. Start with aluminum.
“Do I need a different hook for every pattern?”
No. Most beginner patterns are written for worsted weight and a 5.0‑5.5mm hook. You’ll be fine with just those two sizes.
“What’s a ‘hook size conversion chart’?”
It translates US letters (like H‑8) into metric mm (5.0mm). Bookmark our full hook size guide for a printable chart.
You’re ready to buy your first hook
Walk into the craft store, go to the crochet section, and find a 5.5mm (I‑9) aluminum hook. Boye or Susan Bates is fine. It should cost $2‑5. Buy it, grab a skein of worsted weight light‑coloured acrylic yarn (see our yarn guide), and then head to our beginner tutorial. You’re about to make your first chain.
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