Because there are so many different elements to understanding crochet patterns, I’ve decided to break this down into several parts to make it easier to take in. In this first part we’ll be going over yarn weights and hook sizes.

Whenever you first look at a crochet pattern you’ll notice that it will tell you what yarn weight and what size crochet hook(s) you will need for the project. These are really important because if you use the wrong size crochet hook or the wrong weight of yarn, the project you’re making could end up too small, too big, or the stitches could be too close together or too far apart.

So pay close attention to what the pattern requires, and make sure you use the right materials.

Yarn Weights:

Common Names
- Thread - Cobweb - Lace - Fingering	- Sock - Fingering - Baby	- Sport - Baby	- DK - Light Worsted	- Worsted - Afghan, Aran	- Chunky - Craft - Rug	- Bulky - Roving
Common Uses
- Lace Knitting	- Light Layettes - Socks	- Light Sweaters - Baby Items - Accessories	- Sweaters - Other Garments - Lightweight Scarves	- Sweaters - Blankets- Outdoor Wear	- Rugs - Jackets - Blankets	- Heavy Blankets - Rugs - Sweaters
Crochet Guage* Ranges in Single Crochet to 4 inch
32–42 double crochets	21–32 sts	16–20 sts	12–17 sts	11–14 sts	8–11 sts	5-9 sts
Recommended Crochet Hook Size
1.6–1.4 mm* 6, 7, 8, B–1* (* Steel)	2.25-3.5 mm B–1 to E–4	3.5-4.5 mm E–4 to 7	4.5-5.5 mm 7 to I–9	5.5-6.5 mm I–9 to K–10.5	6.5-9 mm K–10.5 to M–13	9 mm and up M–13 and up

Crochet Hook Sizes:

Metric (mm)	US	UK/Canada
1.00 mm	-	10 steel
1.25 mm	-	8 steel
1.50 mm	-	7 steel
1.75 mm	-	5 steel
2.0 mm	-	14
2.25 mm	B/1	13
2.5 mm	-	12
2.75 mm	C/2	-
3.0 mm	-	11
3.25 mm	D/3	10
3.5 mm	E/4	9
3.75 mm	F/5	-
4.0 mm	G/6	8
4.5 mm	7	7
5.0 mm	H/8	6
5.5 mm	I/9	5
6.0 mm	J/10	4
6.5 mm	K/10.5	3
7.0 mm	-	2
8.0 mm	L/11	0
9.0 mm	M/N-13	00
10.0 mm	N/P-15	000
15.0 mm	P/Q	-
16.0 mm	Q	-
19.0 mm	S	-