When making a blanket, sometimes it’s hard to decide what size hook to use. Really, what size crochet hook for blanket really boils down to the yarn you are using and how loose you want your crochet stitches to be.
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Let’s take a look at the yarn weights individually and see what size crochet hooks would be good for blankets. I’ve omitted lace weight yarn since I have yet to see someone make a blanket with that weight of yarn (such as crochet thread).
Fingering Weight Yarn (Weight Category #1)
A fingering weight yarn is a very lightweight yarn that has a recommended hook size of C (2.75mm) to D (3.25mm), so when making a blanket you can choose the D (3.25mm) hook or even go up to a size E (3.50mm) or F (3.75mm).
You will not find many crochet blanket patterns in this weight category, but it would be easy to create your own pattern using multiples. See this post to learn how to use multiples to create your own blanket (the how-to is at the bottom of the post).
Sport Weight Yarn (Weight Category #2)
Sport weight yarn is another pretty lightweight yarn that isn’t used for blankets all that often. It has a recommended hook size of E (3.50mm) to F (3.75mm), so if making a blanket out of this weight yarn you can use the F (3.75mm) or go up to a G (4.0mm) or even a size 7 (4.5mm).
Again, there probably aren’t that many patterns out there with this weight yarn for blankets, so if you want to use this weight it would be best to calculate your own.
DK Weight Yarn (Weight Category #3)
Now we are getting into the weights of yarn that are more common for crochet blankets! DK yarn is one of the most common yarn weights, and the recommended hook sizes are G (4.00mm) to H (5.00mm), so if making a blanket with this yarn you can use the H (5.00mm) or I (5.50mm).
You will likely find many projects that use this weight yarn. If you use a crochet pattern, check the recommended hook size in the pattern.
Worsted Weight Yarn (Weight Category #4)
This is the most common weight of yarn and you will find an amazing array of crochet blanket patterns in this yarn weight. The recommended hook size is from I (5.50mm) to K (6.50mm). I love to use a size K hook for my blankets with worsted yarn, but you could also even go a bit larger if desired to a 7.00mm.
Again, if you are using a pattern, check the recommended hook size on the pattern, as desigers use different hook sizes to acheive different results. A smaller hook size will result in tighter stitches, while a larger hook size will result in looser stitches.
Bulky Yarn (Weight Category #5)
Bulky yarn (also referred to as chunky yarn) is another wonderful choice for crochet blanket patterns because it works up so quickly and is very comfortable. The recommended hook size for this yarn weight is from 7.00mm to 9.00mm, so we are getting into some larger hooks here.
For bulky weight yarn, I would use the 9.00mm hook or even up to a 10.00mm depending upon how tight you want your stitches to be. You will find a lot of great blanket patterns in this yarn weight. Again, check the recommendation on the pattern if using one.
Super Bulky Yarn (Weight Category #6)
There are also many patterns out there for blankets made with super bulky yarn because it works up amazingly quickly. The recommended hook size for this yarn weight is 10.00mm to 12.00mm, so if using this weight yarn for a blanket you can use an 11.50mm, 12.00mm or even up to a 15.00mm.
Check for the pattern recommendation if using, if not just play around with the different hook sizes and sample swatches to see which hook size works best for your yarn and crochet stitch pattern.
Jumbo Yarn (Weight Category #7)
This yarn weight needs a VERY large hook, or sometimes is used for arm knitting. While there are some patterns out there for this weight of yarn, you aren’t likely to find the same variety as with a weight #3-5.
The recommended hook size for this yarn is 15.00mm and up. I have some seriously large crochet hooks and they all work well for this largest category of yarn, but I will admit I have not made many blankets with jumbo weight yarn.
If you want to try using this weight yarn, I would use at least a size 15.00mm but more likely a 17.00mm or even a 25.00mm.
What Size Crochet Hook Should I Use if I am a Beginner?
Beginners should stick with worsted weight yarn or chunky weight yarn at first, although they could branch into the super bulky weight yarns. Use at least a size H (5.00mm) crochet hook for beginners.
Working with a bit heavier weight yarn will ensure the project works up quickly and give a beginner confidence and excitement about a project. If using a smaller weight yarn and hook, a beginner might get discouraged at the lack of progress and give up.
Recommended Crochet Hooks for Blankets
Clover Amour (Ergonomic Crochet Hooks)
These are seriously some of my favorites among all the different crochet hooks! They are very lightweight, glide through your crochet projects like butter, and have a wonderful ergonomic handle.
I also love that they are all different colors according to size, as when you get familiar with the hooks you can tell the size by glancing at it.
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Susan Bates Silvalume Soft Handle Hooks
I also keep these great crochet hooks in my collection! Although the handle isn’t quite as ergonomic as the Clover Amour hooks, it is still lightweight and very easy to work with.
If you are familiar with the traditional aluminum crochet hooks, think of this as that style of hook with a softer handle.
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There are many other styles of hooks out there you might like, so be sure to experiment with lots of different ones. You can find wooden crochet hooks, plastic hooks, bamboo hooks and more. Hooks come in both US sizes with the letters and also metric crochet hook sizes.
Common Questions about Crochet Hook Size
The best place to start when figuring out what size crochet hook to use for any project is to check the yarn label/ball band for the recommended hook size. If you are making a drapey blanket, choose a hook one size larger than the hook size recommended on the label. If you are working something like amigurumi that needs tight stitches, go down a size or two.
The most common crochet hook is a size H (5.00mm). This is commonly used with worsted weight yarn and can also be used for DK weight yarn when making a project that can be a bit looser, such as a blanket or scarf.
This yarn is a super bulky yarn (yarn weight category #6), so it needs a larger hook. The recommended hook for this yarn is a size L (8.00mm), but when making blankets I prefer to use a larger size, such as a 10.00mm or even 11.50mm.
This will depend on the yarn being used. Check the ball band/yarn label for a recommended size and then go up a size or two. For instance, with worsted weight yarn most people use an H (5.00mm) or I (5.5mm) hook, but I love the loose feel and drape of a size K (6.50mm) hook when making blankets out of this weight yarn.
How to Choose a Crochet Hook Size for a Blanket
Learn how to choose the proper crochet hook size for any blanket.
Materials
- Yarn of choice
Tools
- Crochet hook - we will discuss how to choose the hook below
Instructions
- Choose your yarn that you would like to use for a blanket.
- Check the hook size recommendation on the yarn label.
- Try out your chosen stitch pattern with the largest size recommended on the label and a hook one or two sizes larger.
- Crochet your blanket using the stitch pattern of choice or by following a crochet pattern.
I hope this has shed some light into choosing the right hook to crochet a blanket.
This article was very informative on the beginnings of crochet and helped me out on how to choose materiel needed for my first blanket