In this post: Learn all about steel crochet hooks, how they are sized, and how to pick the right hook for your project.
Hello hello hello! Today, we are learning all about steel crochet hooks. These little crochet tools are a necessity for working with threads and other finer materials, but it can all be a little confusing for beginners.
Let’s start with the basics, shall we?
P.S. If you are new to crochet, be sure to check out my beginner’s crochet tutorials here.
What are Steel Crochet Hooks?
Steel crochet hooks are small metal crochet hooks designed to work with threads and other lightweight yarns. Sometimes referred to as lace crochet hooks, they come in various sizes ranging from 0.6mm to 3.5mm and are perfect for crocheting intricate lacework, doilies, detailed designs, and other miniature crochet projects.
Because these hooks are so teeny tiny and delicate, they need to be made of a super strong material, i.e., steel, to avoid getting bent out of shape.
Larger crochet hooks can, of course, be made out of metal, although larger metal crochet hooks are usually made from aluminum, which is more lightweight. So, when you hear or see someone referencing “steel crochet hooks,” they usually mean these small precision hooks.
Steel hooks are durable and have sharp points, which can also make a little dangerous, so be careful how you store them. I know I have stabbed myself with a tiny little steel hook more than once!
Understanding Steel Crochet Hook Sizes
Even experienced crafters often get confused by the sizes of crochet hooks and their various sizing systems, so don’t stress if it’s a little overwhelming at first. Here are some basics to keep in mind:
- Steel crochet hooks typically use a numerical sizing system instead of the letter-based sizes of larger crochet hooks, which might be more familiar.
- US sizes decrease in size as the number of the hook increases, meaning a size 14 hook is smaller than a size 8 hook. Crochet threads use a similar system, so a size 30 thread will be thinner and finer than a size 5 thread.
- In the American system, the hook sizes range from 00 (largest) to 14 (smallest).
- To make things extra confusing, in the Imperial/UK system, sizing is flipped with 00 being the smallest and 6 being the largest.
- Metric or mm sizes are also common and are probably the best and easiest way to identify hook sizes as they clearly represent the diameter of the part of the hook where your stitch is worked in millimeters.
- Sizing varies by manufacturers. For example, a Clover Amour size 2 hook is 1.50 mm while a Boye size 2 hook is 2.25 mm. Because of this lack of standardization, it’s best to go by the metric sizes when selecting steel crochet hooks.
What is the smallest size of steel crochet hook available?
There isn’t one clear answer to this question. The craft yarn council lists the smallest steel crochet hook as a size 14, which can have a diameter of either 0.9 mm or 0.75 mm depending on the brand; however, a Clover Amour hook size 12 has a smaller 0.6 mm diameter. Beyond that, I was able to find an even smaller size 16 (0.4 mm) hook online, if you want to get into super tiny micro crochet.
So, depending on the brand of steel crochet hook you are using, the smallest hooks will range somewhere from 0.4 mm to 0.9 mm.
What is the largest size of steel crochet hook available?
The largest steel crochet hook is a size 00, which has a diameter of 3.5 mm or 2.7 mm depending on the brand. There are, of course, larger metal crochet hooks, but beyond that size they are no longer considered steel crochet hooks and are more commonly referred to using their alphabetical labels (at least in the US). For example, a US F hook is 3.75 mm.
Steel Crochet Hook vs. Aluminum Crochet Hook
Crochet hooks can be made from all kinds of materials, but generally when people are talking about steel crochet hooks they are referring to the super small lace hooks (~0.4 mm to 3.5 mm) we are discussing here today. “Aluminum hooks” usually refers to the larger, standard crochet hooks made from a lighter weight metal. In the US those hooks are usually sized B-N (~2.25 mm – 10.00 mm). Wooden and plastic crochet hooks generally use this same alphabetic size standard.
Why does Crochet Hook Size Matter?
The same yarn and same pattern crocheted with different sizes of hooks can create very different finished projects. When you size your hook up or down, the finished piece will also scale up or down accordingly.
Beyond size, changing up the size or your hook will affect your piece’s drape and stitch definition. A smaller hook can give you a more compact, tighter, and even stiff crochet fabric, while a larger hook can create a more flowly, relaxed drape, which can be great for some projects (think breezy summer garments) or it can also lean to loose stitches and a messy look.
Choosing the Right Hook Size for your Project
When it comes to figuring out right size crochet hook for your project, it’s all about experimentation and practice.
If you are following a pattern, then I recommend starting off with the size hook recommended in the pattern and adjusting from there according to the pattern gauge information. If are are crocheting without a pattern, then start by choosing a hook appropriate for the yarn or thread you are working with as outlined below.
Matching Hook Size to Yarn Weight
Most crochet thread and yarn labels will have a recommended hook size, and that is a good place to start. I recommend trying out a small gauge swatch of the stitch with the suggested hook size and then adjusting from there.
If the stitches are looking too tight or stiff, try increasing the size of your hook. On the other hand, if your stitches are too loose, try a smaller hook.
If you have misplaced your yarn label (I’ve definitely been there before!) or you just aren’t sure what steel hook size to start with, I’ve made up a little chart with some general guidelines to get you started that you can find below.
Crochet Thread Size and Steel Crochet Hook Size Chart
What Types of Yarn are Best for Working with Steel Crochet Hooks?
- Crochet Thread. There is a specific type of yarn designed to be used with steel crochet hooks, which is often called crochet thread. These fine, smooth yarns are often labeled as “mercerized cotton,” which means the thread has been treated using a chemical process that results in a stronger, shinier yarn. I used crochet thread to make the yoke for my daughter’s blessing dress.
- Pearl Cotton or Embroidery Floss. These threads are often used for embroidery and other types of needlepoint, but they work well for crochet as well. These yarns tend to be a bit softer and have a looser twist than the mercerized cotton crochet threads. I have made several crochet patterns using embroidery floss such as my pineapple earrings, flower hair combs, and fringe statement earrings.
- Lace-Weight Yarns. You can pair super fine, delicate yarns with a small steel hook to make lacy and airy garments. Generally I would recommend sizing up to a hook on the larger end of the steel hook spectrum when working with softer lace weight yarns, but this can definitely be a personal preference. Play around with some yarns and hooks and see what you like!
- Any Fine, Flexible Material. I love to crochet with unconventional materials! I made metallic crochet earrings using gold lame thread. I have crocheted leather cording into a bracelet. I have also done some crocheting with flexible wire, although it can be a little tricky. Really any thin, soft material that comes on a spool or in a ball can be crocheted using steel crochet hooks.
Tips for Working with Steel Crochet Hooks
- Take it slow. Working with small hooks requires a bit more precision than whipping through a mile a minute crochet afghan. Especially if you are new to working with steel crochet hooks, try to take your time and enjoy the process.
- Good lighting is key. Make sure you have proper lighting to see those tiny loops and stitches clearly. A well-lit space will save you from squinting and eye strain. A lot of crocheters find a neck lamp like this super helpful for seeing their stitches more clearly.
- Relax your grip. I know it can be a challenge when focused on those teeny little stitch patterns, but it’s best to avoid gripping the hook too tightly to keep your hands from wearing out quickly.
- Use a comfortable handle. Ergonomic crochet hooks are great for helping you avoid hand fatigue, and Clover Amour hooks are a favorite for a reason. However, if your steel crochet hook doesn’t have a handle, you can try adding a pencil grip or DIYing a grip from polymer clay.
- Take breaks. Working with small hooks can be more challenging, so remember to take breaks from larger projects and give your hands and eyes a rest.
That’s it for today! I hope you found this guide to steel crochet hooks helpful. If you have any questions, please drop them in the comments below.
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