📖 7 minute read
How many times have you found yourself in front of a new crochet bag project and wondered: "which crochet hook should I use?" Size 3, size 8, size 12, aluminum, plastic… there are so many options and the right choice completely changes the final result.
In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know about types of crochet hooks: materials, sizes, which one to choose for each yarn in our catalog, and — most importantly — the mistakes to avoid if you're a beginner.
𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗶𝗱𝗶-𝗯𝗼𝗯𝗯𝗶𝗱𝗶-𝗯𝗼𝗼 ✨🎶
If you think about it, a crochet hook is truly a magic wand: a small tool, a ball of yarn, and poof 💥 — here's a handmade bag all your own. But like any magic wand, you need to know how to choose it.
Why crochet hook size makes a difference
The number printed on the crochet hook (3, 4, 5, 7, 12…) indicates the diameter in millimeters of the tip. The higher the number, the larger the diameter, and the thicker the yarn you can work with.
Using the wrong size risks two undesirable outcomes:
- Crochet hook too small for the yarn: the work becomes stiff, difficult to execute, your wrist hurts after a short time, and the finished bag can be too hard and heavy
- Crochet hook too large for the yarn: the work is too open, "holey," and the bag loses structure — especially if it's a bag that needs to maintain its shape
The important thing is that the right size depends on two factors together: the thickness of the yarn and the type of stitch you want to use. For compact stitches (like single crochet), you tend to use a hook slightly larger than the minimum recommended on the yarn; for more openwork stitches (like mesh stitch), you use the recommended size or even smaller.
The three main crochet hook materials
Steel crochet hooks
Steel crochet hooks are robust, indestructible, and generally come in very small sizes (from about 0.5 to 2). They are designed for working with thin cottons, embroidery threads, lace, and doilies. They are not our primary tool: for crochet bags, larger sizes are generally needed.
Aluminum crochet hooks
Aluminum is the most common and versatile material for those who crochet bags. Aluminum crochet hooks are lightweight, smooth, don't slip on your fingers, and last a long time. They are available from size 2 up to size 10 (sometimes beyond).
At Macrè Bag, you'll find two variations of aluminum crochet hooks:
- Classic aluminum crochet hooks (from size 2 to size 10): the standard option, excellent for most bag yarns — discover all available sizes here
- Aluminum crochet hooks with ergonomic plastic handle: they have a soft, colored plastic grip that reduces wrist fatigue during long sessions. Highly recommended if you work frequently or suffer from carpal tunnel — see those with ergonomic handles
If you prefer to buy all sizes at once, our set of aluminum crochet hooks gives you the full range in one package — perfect as a gift or a starter kit.
Wood or plastic crochet hooks
When working with large yarns — bulky t-shirt yarn, extra thick cords, marshmallow yarn, raffia — large crochet hooks are needed, and the most suitable materials become wood and plastic. They are lightweight (important at these sizes!) and economical.
In our catalog, you'll find two perfect crochet hooks for bulkier yarns:
- Plastic crochet hook size 12: ideal for medium-large yarns like recycled cotton t-shirt yarn
- Recycled plastic crochet hook size 20: the largest in our range, designed for Lycra t-shirt yarn and bulky yarns that require space
Crochet hook and yarn correspondence table
This is the reference table we recommend you save. These are general guidelines: the best thing to do before starting a project is always to make a small 10x10 cm swatch to check that the stitch turns out as you wish.
| Crochet hook size | Recommended yarn | For which projects |
|---|---|---|
| 2 – 3 | Thin cotton, embroidery threads | Lace, doilies, details |
| 3.5 – 4 | Classic Cord, Classic Pandorino | Clutches, mini bags |
| 4 – 5 | Lurex Cord, Lurex Pandorino | Elegant bags, evening bags |
| 5 – 6 | Big Cord, Fettuccina | Structured handbags |
| 7 – 9 | Cotton T-shirt Yarn, chenille | Soft bags, tote bags |
| 10 – 12 | Lycra T-shirt Yarn, Velvet T-shirt Yarn | Large bags, shopping bags |
| 15 – 20 | Marshmallow cotton, extra thick t-shirt yarn | Super soft bags, drapes |
Note: each yarn has its specific recommended size on the product sheet. Those in the table are starting ranges based on average experience.
Which crochet hook for each Macrè yarn
If you're already a customer and have one of our yarns at home, here's a quick guide:
- Classic Cord (500g): aluminum crochet hook size 4 — the classic of classics, smooth and perfect for beginners
- Big Cord (500g, 6mm): aluminum or plastic crochet hook size 5-6 — pay attention to your wrists if you work for a long time, the version with an ergonomic handle is better
- Pandorino (250g): crochet hook size 4-5 — Pandorino is elastic, so choose a size that allows you to keep the stitch taut but not stiff
- Cotton T-shirt Yarn (600g): crochet hook size 7-8
- Lycra T-shirt Yarn: crochet hook size 12 — here, size starts to matter, and you need a suitable tool
- Marshmallow cotton (500g): crochet hook size 20 — or even no crochet hook at all, because marshmallow yarn can also be worked by hand!
The 5 most common mistakes in choosing a crochet hook
- Using the same crochet hook for all yarns. If you learned with a size 4 on cord yarn, it won't work on t-shirt yarn. Each yarn has its own size.
- Changing crochet hook mid-project. Even with the same yarn, two hooks of different sizes (even just half a size) produce stitches of different dimensions. If the bag is already started, finish it with the hook you began with.
- Not making a swatch before starting. It's an extra 10x10 cm, but it saves you from having to unravel an entire bag if the stitch is too open or too tight.
- Buying the cheapest crochet hook without testing it. Some hooks have too square or irregular tips, and the yarn constantly "catches." Investing a few extra euros in quality hooks will save you hours of frustration.
- Neglecting ergonomics if you work many hours. If you crochet as a daily hobby, an ergonomic hook makes a huge difference — your wrist will thank you.
Is this your first project? Here's how to start
If it's your first time trying to crochet a bag, our advice is to start with a complete kit. It saves you from having to choose a hook, yarn, and accessories separately: you'll find everything already coordinated and with the video tutorial included.
Our beginner kits are designed exactly for this. Each kit indicates the recommended hook size, and many patterns (like the Stella Bag or the Loretta Bag) are also suitable for those who have never picked up a crochet hook.
Ready to start your first project?
Choose your perfect crochet hook from our complete collection of crochet hooks and pair it with one of our Made in Italy yarns.
Frequently asked questions
Which crochet hook should I buy if it's my first?
Can I use the same crochet hook for different yarns?
Is an aluminum crochet hook or one with a plastic handle better?
How much does a good crochet hook cost?
Is it better to buy a set or individual crochet hooks?
In summary
The right crochet hook is the one that allows you to work smoothly, without tiring yourself, and that gives your project the consistency and appearance you desire. There is no single "best" crochet hook — there is the best crochet hook for that yarn and for that project.
And remember: even if choosing the hook is important, in the end, you make the real magic with your hands. 𝗕𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗶𝗱𝗶-𝗯𝗼𝗯𝗯𝗶𝗱𝗶-𝗯𝗼𝗼 ✨
Happy crocheting from the entire Macrè Bag family! 💕
