Hey everyone! Today we’re going to talk about how to choose the best yarn and hook for your first (or next) crochet project.

When it comes to crochet, having the right materials can make all the difference in your projects. You could make the exact same project as someone else and follow the exact same pattern but your results may end up looking very different depending on your choice of yarn and hook. Choosing the perfect materials can be overwhelming, especially for beginners.

Where do you start? Why are there so many different types of yarn and which do you use for what? What size hook should you use?

In this guide, I’ll break down the different types of yarn and crochet hooks to help you make the best choices for your next (or first!) project.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.

Types of yarn

Yarn comes in a variety of fibers, weights, and textures. On most yarns you can look at the label and see a breakdown of what it’s made of, like 55% acrylic or 100% cotton.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

Yarn fibers

• Acrylic – Affordable, versatile, and available in a wide range of colors. Great for beginners and everyday projects. (I personally love Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek because there are so many color options and the yarn works up so soft)
• Cotton – Sturdy, breathable, and perfect for lightweight items like dishcloths, summer tops, and home décor. (I personally love Lily Sugar ‘N Cream as it comes in a ton of different colors and it’s widely available in stores)
• Wool – Warm, elastic, and ideal for winter wear. Some types, like merino wool, are very soft, while others may be scratchy.
• Alpaca – Luxurious, soft, and warmer than wool but can lack elasticity.
• Bamboo – Lightweight, silky, and eco-friendly with a beautiful drape.
• Blends – Many yarns combine fibers (wool-acrylic, cotton-bamboo) to enhance durability and texture. (I like this blend of acrylic and alpaca from Yarn Bee)

Yarn weights

Yarn weight affects the thickness and size of your project. If you look on the label of most yarns you’ll see a little picture of a ball of yarn next to a little number. Each number (0-7) correlates to a different weight of yarn.

If a pattern doesn’t specify what weight of yarn to use, worsted weight (4) is usually a good choice.

Common yarn weights include:

• Lace (0) – Delicate and fine, great for intricate lacework.
• Fingering (1) – Light and soft, often used for socks and baby items.
• Sport (2) – Slightly thicker than fingering, good for lightweight garments.
• DK (3) – A versatile lightweight yarn, perfect for shawls and baby clothes. (I like Baby Bee from Yarn Bee and Bernat Softee)
• Worsted (4) – The most common yarn weight, ideal for blankets, scarves, hats, and a variety of projects. (I personally love Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek because there are so many color options and the yarn works up so soft)
• Bulky (5) – Thick and warm, great for cozy winter items like beanies and blankets. (I like Bernat Softee Chunky)
• Super Bulky (6) & Jumbo (7) – Extra thick for quick, chunky projects like rugs, blankets, and oversized scarves. (I like Lion Brand Hometown, Lion Brand Thick and Quick, and Bernat Baby Blanket)

Types of hooks

Crochet hooks come in different materials, sizes, and styles, and each type has its own advantages.

Hook materials

• Aluminum – Lightweight, smooth, and great for fast crocheting (check out this set from Boye).
• Plastic – Budget-friendly and available in larger sizes for bulky yarns.
• Wood/Bamboo – Offers a natural grip that prevents slipping.
• Steel – Used for fine lacework with thread or very thin yarn.
• Ergonomic – Designed with a comfortable grip to reduce hand fatigue (my personal favorites–these are fantastic)

Hook sizes

Crochet hooks are measured in millimeters (mm) and come in different size systems depending on the country. In the US standard size crochet hooks (that is, those that aren’t part of the steel hook category) are also ordered by letters of the alphabet, a B-1 2.25mm being the smallest and a S-35 19mm being the largest.

For most projects that use worsted weight yarn you’ll most frequently end up using a H-5 or I-5.5 size hook.

Here are some common hook sizes and their uses:

• Small hooks (2mm-4mm) – Best for lace, fingering, and sport-weight yarns.
• Medium hooks (4.5mm-6mm) – Perfect for DK and worsted-weight yarns.
• Large hooks (6.5mm and above) – Ideal for bulky and super bulky yarns.

Hook styles

There are two main crochet hook styles:

• Inline hooks (e.g., Susan Bates) – The hook head is in line with the shaft, offering precise control.
• Tapered hooks (e.g., Boye) – The hook head is slightly rounded and tapers, allowing for smoother motion.

Personally I find inline hooks much more difficult to work with, especially if you’re using specialty or textured yarn, because they tend to snag and fray the yarn a lot worse. My favorite brand of hook is Boye if you want to go with a standard aluminum hook like these and Yarniss if you prefer the ergonomic hook like these, but really any type of tapered hook is going to be the easiest type of hook to start out with. Experiment with different hooks to see which one works the best for you.

Choosing the right yarn and hook

The best yarn and hook combination depends on your project. Here are a few tips:

• Check the yarn label for the recommended hook size for that particular yarn.
• Consider the drape and texture you want to achieve.
• If in doubt, start with worsted weight yarn and a 5mm hook—a perfect combination for beginners!

Understanding yarn and crochet hooks can definitely make your projects more enjoyable and successful. Experiment with different hooks and materials until you find what’s comfortable for you!

I hope this guide was helpful! Feel free to leave me a comment below if you have any questions.