Expert: Patricia - 7/20/2010

Question
I bought a hook for experimenting with filet crochet, and some cotton yarn #20.  The hook has "1.5mm" written on one side, and "5" written on the other size. However, this does not appear to correspond with anything I am finding in crochet hook size charts. Can you enlighten me as to what I might have?

Answer
Hi Norma,
The smaller steelite hooks are used for thread crochet, 00 is largest, 14 smallest.
The actual size of the hook in millimeters varies between manufacturers.  I use Susan Bates and my #5 steelite hook has 1.7mm on it. I usually use a #9 or #10 for #20 thread, and I use a #7 or #8 for #10 thread because it's a larger thread.  It depends on the pattern I'm working.

The aluminum hooks are for yarn and the lettering system is opposite from the numbering system for steelites. So an F hook will be smaller than a K hook.  The mm's are written on it also.

I see you are from Canada so take a look at this chart.  It might help you.
If not, search for "crochet hook sizes" or "crochet hook conversion charts".

http://www.crochettreasures.com/conversion.htm

I hope this helps and if you need any help with your filet crochet, let me know.

-Patricia