Expert: Bea Harrell - 11/11/2008

Question
pattern calls for 6 shells=3"; 16 rows=3 3/4" 3"w x 3 3/4'h. Pattern also calls for size 10 Bedspread Weight Cotton Thread. and size 8 steel crochet hook.
I have Coats "Opera" size 10 as my material. I've tried the size steel crochet hook size 8 and the shells are way over the 3" mark. I've come down to a size 11 steel crochet hook and I still get 5 shells=3". The hook is so small I can barely hook the thread through a hoop.
I don't seem to me able to go down in size of hook. What to do? Thank you in advance.

Answer
Hey,Bev: The only thing I can suggest is trying a size 20 thread. There is obviously a mistake in the pattern gauge. One other possibility is that there are varations in some of the size 10 threads,though I can't see it making the huge difference you describe.If you decide to try the size 20 thread, while you are there check out the other size 10 threads, against your "opera", just to be sure that's not the problem. I hope this helps!

Best,  Bea