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Crochet hook sizes are usually stamped right into the hook itself. Most metal and aluminum standard crochet hooks will be clearly marked. (I’ll explain sizing using Boye crochet hooks.)
N-9.00MM
Hook sizes are marked universally. The letter (N) is for America and any other non-metric countries. The millimeter (9.00MM) is for all other countries that use a metric system of measurement.
K-10 ½-6.50MM
(D-K will also have an additional number: All you really need to worry about is making crochet swatches when finished project size is important.)
8-1.50MM
The smaller crochet hook sizes are marked with numbers, instead of letters.
Metal crochet hook sizes range from 00-14 (steel - itty bitty hooks!!) And B-K and N. (Aluminum) Anything larger than an N will be plastic.
(Note: Boye’s N hook size (9.00mm) is equal to others M hook (9.00mm) - Boye does not make an M hook.)
Here’s some available hooks and sizes on my favorite Boye Crochet Hooks:
5” Steel
6” Aluminum
Plastic
Size 00 (3.50mm)
Size B (2.25mm)
Size P (10.00mm) 5 3/4”
Size 0 (3.25mm)
Size C (2.75mm)
Size Q (15.75mm) 8”
Size 1 (2.75mm)
Size D (3.25mm)
Size 2 (2.25mm)
Size E (3.50mm)
Size 3 (2.10mm)
Size F (3.75mm)
Size 4 (2.00mm)
Size G (4.25mm)
Size 5 (1.90mm)
Size H (5.00mm)
Size 6 (1.80mm)
Size I (5.50mm)
Size 7 (1.65mm)
Size J (6.00mm)
Size 8 (1.50mm)
Size K (6.50mm)
Size 9 (1.40mm)
Size N (9.00mm)
Size 10 (1.30mm)
Size 11 (1.10mm)
Size 12 (1.00mm)
Size 13 (0.85mm)
Size 14 (0.75mm)
14” Cro Hooks Hook on both ends Aluminum
14” Afghan Hooks Stopper on one end Aluminum
20” Flexible Afghan Hooks Long plastic tubing on end Aluminum
Size F (3.75mm)
Size F (3.75mm)
Size H (5.00mm)
Size G (4.25mm)
Size G (4.25mm)
Size I (5.50mm)
Size H (5.00mm)
Size H (5.00mm)
Size J (6.00mm)
Size I (5.50mm)
Size I (5.50mm)
Size J (6.00mm)
Size J (6.00mm)
Size K (6.50mm)
Size K (6.50mm)
Size N (9.00mm)
Size confusion comes when you buy some of the “designer” hooks. These are usually made of plastic in bright, fun colors. They are usually very inexpensive. Unfortunately, they are also, usually unmarked.
When I have purchased unmarked, plastic hooks, I take a permanent marker and write the size on the handle tip. If I purchase them in a set, they usually come with some sort of organizer to keep them in. The organizer will have the crochet hook sizes printed on it. I store the hooks in the organizer so I will know their size. (I would be in BIG trouble if someone took them out!!)
So what about Tunisian, afghan and on the double hooks?
Different types of afghan hooks
Those are usually unmarked. You use the entire crochet hook when working with them, so any markings would catch on your yarn. These always come with packaging that tells you their size. What do you do if you lose the packaging? Not to worry. Someone else has thought of that, too. There are size gauges out there that you can purchase that will help you figure out your crochet hook sizes.
This is one that I have
You would put your hook through the holes to determine its size. You would start trying to fit it into holes until you get to the first hole it fit smoothly through. That is your hook size. The gauge is set up to find crochet hook sizes as well as knitting needle sizes. It has a cut out for swatch measurements. It also has inch and centimeter markings so you can use it as a ruler. A very universal, handy tool.
Experiment with all the different crochet hook sizes. You will probably find you have a favorite size, style and brand. Have fun!! Just promise me you won’t get overwhelmed with all the options out there!!