Steel Crochet Hook Size Chart
There are two types of crochet hooks – one that is meant for yarns and the other, steel crochet hooks, for threads, or lace-weight yarns.
Crochet projects like laces or doilies are made from crochet threads or lace-weight yarns. And you need steel crochet hooks to make them!
These steel crochet hooks are similar to the aluminum crochet hook, but they come in much smaller sizes considering they are used for crocheting with threads instead of yarns.
Steel Crochet Hook Size Conversion Chart
The steel crochet hooks have separate sizing and measurements. The size chart is a little different than the regular crochet hook sizing.
The sizing of steel crochet hooks is similar to the sizing of crochet threads; the higher the number, the smaller the hook. This is completely opposite to the sizing of regular crochet hooks.
Check out the steel crochet hook size conversion chart, which will help you choose the correct size of the steel crochet hook needed for your project.
| Metric | UK Size | US Size |
|---|---|---|
| 3.50 mm | – | 00 |
| 3.25 mm | 0 | 0 |
| 2.75 mm | 1 | 1 |
| 2.25 mm | 1 1/2 | 2 |
| 2.10 mm | 2 | 3 |
| 2 mm | 2 1/2 | 4 |
| 1.90 mm | 3 | 5 |
| 1.80 mm | 3 1/2 | 6 |
| 1.65 mm | 4 | 7 |
| 1.50 mm | 4 1/2 | 8 |
| 1.40 mm | 5 | 9 |
| 1.30 mm | 5 1/2 | 10 |
| 1.10 mm | 6 | 11 |
| 1 mm | 6 1/2 | 12 |
| 0.85 mm | 7 | 13 |
| 0.75 mm | – | 14 |
Just like with regular crochet hooks, always work up a gauge swatch with the suggested hook and compare it to the gauge mentioned in the pattern before proceeding with crocheting your actual piece of work.
If the swatch is larger than the pattern gauge, switch the hook and use a smaller one. Conversely, if your gauge swatch is too small, redo it using a larger hook.
Tips for Choosing the Right Steel Crochet Hook
- Start with a smaller hook size in case of any doubt: If the size of the hook is not mentioned in the project, it is always best to start with a smaller one. It will help to ensure that the stitches are tight and the project will not be at risk of unraveling.
- Always use gauge swatch: Once you have chosen a steel hook size, checking the gauge swatch is a good idea. It will be useful in ensuring that your stitches are not too tight or loose and the project turns out the way you want.
- Experiment with hook sizes: If you aren’t happy with how the project turns out, you can always play around with different steel hook sizes to find the perfect one.
For an easy reference, here is the steel hook size conversion chart as a graphic! You can even pin it to your Pinterest account!
Here is the downloadable PDF of the size conversion chart for steel crochet hooks!
You can also check other crochet and knit resources from our website.
- Crochet Abbreviations
- Knit Abbreviations
- Common Terms & Symbols in Crochet & Knit Patterns
- Crochet Pattern Terms: US & UK Differences
- Size Conversion Charts for Knitting Needles & Crochet Hooks
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11 Comments
Bernie L Lineberry
I have a size 13 Steel crochet hook( very tiny). What material and projects are used with this hook?; Thanks so much
aabharcreations4u
Hey Bernie, size 40, 60, or 80 thread works well with a steel crochet hook of size 13.
It will be perfect for any kind of fine and intricate crochet and lacework. For example, you can make exquisite borders on handkerchiefs, table mats, motifs, collars, doilies, snowflakes, and even jewelry using a size 13 steel crochet hook.
Molly Matthews
what size cotton thread should I use with a #5 1.90mm steel hook?
aabharcreations4u
Hey Molly, for a steel hook size 1.90mm (#5), you can use size 5 or 10 threads. Just for reference, the smaller the number of thread sizes, the thicker the thread.
#5 Pearl Cotton thread is suited more for making lacy scarves or shawls while #10 Cotton threads are more versatile and you can make anything such as doilies, motifs, jewelry, snowflakes, edgings, and more.
Molly Matthews
THANK YOU!!! Sorry I missed this when you first responded. APPRECIATE THE HELP!!!
aabharcreations4u
Happy to help!! 😊
Bev
Hi there. Is a 1.25mm hook appropriate to use for Coats Chain Mercer cotton #40?
aabharcreations4u
Hi Bev, for thread size 40, a steel hook of size 1.10, 1.00, or 0.85 mm (US 11, 12, or 13) will work best. For 1.25mm, usually, thread size 20 is ideal. Hope this helps 🙂
Bev
Yes, it helps. Many thanks. 😀
Priscilla Webb
Are there Tunision Crochet needle sets available with an extension cord?
aabharcreations4u
Hi Priscilla, you can find several options on Amazon, like the Knitter’s Pride-Dreamz Tunisian Crochet Hook Set (https://amzn.to/3w4jEQP) or Clover Interchangeable Tunisian Crochet Hook “Takumi” Combo Set (https://amzn.to/3w7nPeO) or the ChiaoGoo T-Spin Bamboo Tunisian Interchangeable Set (https://amzn.to/3CMkxBd).