Amigurumi Hook Size

When making amigurumi, one of the most important decisions you will make with your project is the hook size you use. In this post we will talk about the best amigurumi hook size for your project!

Typically, the crochet pattern that you are using will provide you with a suggested crochet hook size. If you are using the same type of yarn that the pattern was made with, this is a great starting point.

However, if you want to use a different yarn, or are familiar with your tension while working with the recommended yarn, you may want to adjust your hook size for whatever yarn you are using.

Not sure how to decide the kind of yarn to use for your project? Check out my post on how to read a yarn label!

Understanding Crochet Hook Sizing

The crochet hook size refers to the thickness of the shaft of the crochet hook, which is what establishes the size of your crochet stitches (in combination with your tension).

A crochet hook can be measured with a millimeter range and a US size range. Most hooks provide both measurements, but some hooks may only provide one.

My preference is to use the mm size range when describing a crochet hook, however, some crochet patterns may only list the US size. You can see the full hook size chart from the Craft Yarn Council.

What is Tension in Crochet?

Tension refers to how tight or loose your crochet stitches are. Tension will vary from person to person, and can change based on the project, yarn, or even your mood!

Everyone crochets differently. Which is why the crochet hook suggested in your amigurumi pattern may work for some people, but not others. This will depend on each individual pattern designers’ tension, compared to each your own crochet tension.

Your tension can even change over time. When you first start crocheting, you might use a 4.0mm (G) crochet hook with worsted weight yarn but have loose stitches. As you continue to improve your amigurumi skills, your tension will become more consistent, and your stitches will get tighter with that same hook size.

Tension is especially important when it comes to projects that require a certain gauge. But in amigurumi, the main reason that you need to be aware of your tension is so that the fabric of your stitches will be tight enough that your stuffing won’t show through.

Recommended Hook Size

Most yarn labels will include a recommended hook size, or range of sizes, for that specific yarn. If you want to know how to find this recommendation, take a look at my post on how to read a yarn label.

The yarn label’s recommended hook size is generally never the right fit when making amigurumi. That recommendation is typically intended for other projects such as blankets, hats, scarves, etc.

For example, the label of Red Heart Super Saver yarn recommends a 5.5mm (I) crochet hook. While this hook size may be perfect if I were making a hat with double crochet stitches, if I were to use this hook for making amigurumi, my stitches would be too loose.

When making amigurumi, you want your stitches to be tight. You want to create a solid fabric of single crochet stitches in order to ensure that when you add stuffing to your project, the stuffing doesn’t show through.

What Amigurumi Hook Size Should I Use?

In general, you always want to use an amigurumi hook size that will keep your stitches tight enough that your stuffing won’t show through. However, you don’t want your stitches to be so tight that you can’t work your hook through. The hook size you use can change for every type of yarn that you use.

It’s great to have a full set of crochet hooks with a range of sizes so that you can test out which hook and yarn combination works for your personal tension. My favorite crochet hooks are Clover Amour crochet hooks. You can find these hooks on Amazon, or at a local craft store.

Amigurumi Hook Size Starting Point

So where do you start when choosing a hook size? If you’re working with a new yarn, and it is the same type (or same weight) as the yarn the pattern designer used, start with the hook that they suggest. You’ll know after a few rounds if the hook size is right or not.

If you want to use a different weight of yarn than the one given in the pattern, here are some example yarn types and hook size combinations that work for me.

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Yarn Weight	Hook Size
Light (3) – Darn Good Yarn Snuggle Buggle	5.0mm (H)
Medium (4) – Provincial Tweed, Lion Brand Wool-Ease Solids	3.75mm (F)
Medium (4) – WeCrochet Brava Worsted, WeCrochet Brava Speckle, Premier Just Yarn, Premier Basix, Big Twist Value, Loops & Threads Impeccable, Red Heart Super Saver, WeCrochet Mighty Stitch, WeCrochet Chroma Worsted, Bernat Baby Velvet	4.0mm (G)
Bulky (5) – Bernat Velvet	4.0mm (G)
Bulky (5) – Yarn Bee Arabella Metallic	5.0mm (H)
Bulky (5) – Lion Brand Homespun	6.0mm (J)
Bulky (5) – Hobbii Amigo Giga	6.5mm (K)
Super Bulky (6) – Premier Just Chenille	4.0mm (G)
Super Bulky (6) – Premier Parfait Chunky, Premier Bloom Chenille, Hobbii Honey Bunny	5.0mm (H)
Super Bulky (6) – WeCrochet Fable Fur	5.5mm (I)
Super Bulky (6) – Bernat Blanket, Lion Brand Hometown	6.5mm (K)

As you can see by the chart above, the hook size can vary so much based on not just the yarn weight, but the yarn itself. Chenille and plush yarns, while classified as super bulky, might not even require as large of a hook size as an acrylic yarn of the same weight.

Keeping Track

Start keeping a log of each amigurumi hook size and yarn combination that you use in your projects. Keep track of what works well, and what could use adjusting next time.

You can do this with a notebook that you keep with your yarn, in the notes app on your phone, or if you use Ravelry, by adding a Ravelry project that you can look back on. Then you’ll always know what amigurumi hook size is best for YOU!

More Crochet Tutorials and Resources

Check out my post on how to read a yarn label so that you can be sure you’re choosing the perfect yarn for your project! Then check out amigurumi tips and tricks for more ways to advance your amigurumi skills!