What size crochet hook or knitting needle for what ply yarn?

Published on September 9, 2026

If you like to be a little creative with projects it helps to know what weight yarns equal to what plys and what knitting needles and crochet hooks can be used with what, so we have created this handy chart to help you chose the right fit every time. So, whether you're comparing UK yarn terms to US yarn terms or looking for a guide on what crochet hook size is suitable for a 4-ply yarn, simply refer to the table below.

Please note, this table has been created as a guide, always refer to the pattern or yarn in question. We would also recommend testing gauge and tension with a tension swatch.

Image version of table (all information can be found in text form below)

Laceweight (1 ply)

Designed for use in advanced patterns only, this can be used to make lace garments and accessories.
1.5 – 2.25mm knitting needles
0.75 – 3mm crochet hook

Fingering (2 ply)

Also for use in advanced patterns only, this can be used to make lace garments and accessories.
1.25 – 3.5mm knitting needles
2 – 3.5mm crochet hook

Sport (5 ply)

Tricky to use, this is commonly reserved for use in complex, decorative accessories.
3.5 – 4.5mm knitting needles
2 – 3.5mm crochet hook

DK (8 ply)

Used to create warm garments, including hats, jumpers and cardigans.
4.5 – 5.5mm knitting needles
3.5 – 4.5mm crochet hook

Aran (10 ply)

Creates snug winter clothing and accessories, such as hats, scarves and jumpers.
5.5 – 6.5mm knitting needles
5 – 6.5mm crochet hook

Chunky (12 ply)

Great for chunky mid-winter jumpers and cardigans designed to keep out the cold.
6.5 – 9mm knitting needles
6.5 – 9mm crochet hook

Super chunky (14 ply)

Ideal for creating heavyweight rugs or blankets.
9mm + knitting needles
9 - 14mm crochet hook

Your Guide to Yarn Weight

Check Out This Month's Hottest Blog Posts!

category:christmas

15 free Christmas crochet patterns to make this year

15 free Christmas crochet patterns to download today: ornaments, wreaths, amigurumi toy...

category:guide

How to knit a hat: two methods, one evening

Learn to knit a hat from scratch — flat on straight needles or in the round. Cast-on nu...

category:christmas 15 free Christmas crochet patterns to make this year

15 free Christmas crochet patterns to download today: ornaments, wreaths, amigurumi toy...

category:guide How to knit a hat: two methods, one evening

Learn to knit a hat from scratch — flat on straight needles or in the round. Cast-on nu...

category:roundup The 10 best mohair jumpers & cardis to make this year

Mohair knits are having a moment. Here are 10 of the best mohair knitting patterns to i...

category:guide Delightful spring crafts to brighten your day!

All things floral and fabulous, discover spring crafts guaranteed to brighten anyone's ...

category:tutorial Crochet a colourful Moroccan-inspired floor cushion with our fab FREE pattern

Learn how to crochet a Moroccan inspired floor cushion with our easy step-by-step guide...

LoveCrafts Acquired and Joins Missouri Star Quilt Family

category:guide Knitting in red and pink, from scarlet to cherry blossom

Somewhere between orange and purple sit red and pink, the colours of love, passion and...

Sustainable yarns + ideas

Whether you're planning your next yarn haul or starting a new WIP, every eco-conscious ...

category:guide Discover the best yarn for summer clothes: the ultimate guide

Explore the top five best yarns for a variety of summer projects - from cute lightweigh...

category:roundup Don’t walk, run! Debbie Bliss introduces new yarn, Super Chunky Merino + a free scarf pattern just for you!

Don't walk, run! Discover the latest yarn to be added to Debbie Bliss' range of sumptou...

category:roundup Debbie Bliss shares the story behind her new yarn, British Wool Aran + free hat pattern!

The latest yarn from Debbie Bliss goes on a fantastic, short journey from fleece to yar...

category:tutorial Learn how to crochet the sweetest giant candy cane!

Crochet the sweetest giant candy cane! This oversized Christmas decoration is the perfe...

category:roundup 11 devilishly delicious Halloween cupcakes!

Searching for Halloween cupcake decorating inspiration? We’ve got a roundup of 11 total...

category:gift-guide The Handmade Gift Guide for your Little One: The one with the sweetest smile; the mini explorer with a curious mind

Find the perfect present for the little person in your life with our roundup of homemad...

category:roundup 22 totally tasty bake sale recipes

Get inspired for an upcoming bake sale with our roundup of totally tasty bake sale idea...

category:roundup 10 happy anniversary card ideas

Handmade anniversary card ideas for every year, from simple stamped designs to pop-up h...

category:tutorial How to make stickers with Cricut

Looking to make your creative mark or say something sweet? No doubt about it, stickers ...

category:tutorial How to create a zesty citrus embroidery

Learn how to create a zesty citrus embroidery packed with lemons, limes and grapefruits...

category:roundup Sew your way through spring and summer with our stunning new Spring Garden fabrics

Introducing the new LoveCrafts Spring Garden fabric collection, featuring birds, bees, ...

category:tutorial The best ever Victoria sponge cake recipe

Learn how to make the best ever Victoria sponge cake! With this simple Victoria sponge ...

category:guide The ultimate beginners guide to découpage

Master découpage with our beginner's guide: what it is, how to do it, plus paper choice...

category:roundup 11 brilliant DIY baby shower decorations

Planning a baby shower? Put a personal stamp on it with our round-up of DIY baby shower...

category:roundup 7 utterly amazing cake pop decorating ideas!

Looking for cake pop decorating ideas? We've got all the inspiration you need! From eas...

category:roundup 11 of the best ever baby shower and gender reveal cake ideas!

If you’re planning a party for a mum-to-be, we’ve got all the baby shower cake ideas yo...

category:tutorial How to make an egg-cellent Easter card

Make a whole stack of cards for your loved ones this Easter! This Easter card tutorial ...

4 easy crochet gifts for Mother's Day

These four crochet projects are beginner-friendly, use small amounts of yarn, and work ...

collection Introducing 6 NEW shades of Paintbox Yarns Cotton 4 Ply + patterns you'll love!

There’s something extra special about starting a new project with a fresh ball of yarn ...

category:tutorial Meet Emily the Dachshund! Crochet the sweetest spring toy with our tutorial

Follow along with our free tutorial to crochet Emily the Dachshund, the sweet amigurumi...

category:guide Easter crafts and project ideas

Hop into Easter with the perfect project! Discover loads of Easter craft ideas for the ...

category:roundup The birthday cake trends to look out for in 2022!

Find out what’s going on in the baking world in 2022 with our top birthday cake trends ...

category:guide Join our Patch for Pride project!

Join LoveCrafts and WEBS to create something truly spectacular! In the run-up to Pride ...

category:guide Hurray for Pancake Day! Recipes, inspiration and all the tools to create the perfect stack

Hurrary for Pancake Day! Discover pancake recipes, inspiration and all the baking tools...

category:guide How to read crochet charts

Read our guide to crochet symbols, and you'll know how to read a crochet chart in no ti...

category:guide LoveCrafts, the home of Makefulness

We all know that feeling you get when making - that sense of calm, that feeling of acco...

collection Your next project is here! Discover Paintbox Yarns collection of coastal patterns + NEW Cotton Mix DK

For cool patterns that have you dreaming of warmer days by the coast, taking in the sum...

category:roundup Top 7 chunky yarns to knit and crochet

Our 7 favourite chunky and super chunky yarns for fast, cosy makes - how each one feels...

craft:crochet 15 amazing makers to celebrate this International Women's Day

Join us at LoveCrafts as we celebrate some truly amazing women who are shaping the worl...

category:tutorial How to crochet a flat circle

If you're a newbie to crochet, a good place to start is learning how to crochet a circl...

category:roundup 14 totally awesome projects to make with t-shirt yarn

Got T-shirt yarn in your stash? Try these 14 projects, from crochet baskets and rag rug...

category:gift-guide 10 fun projects for under £5

Looking for a make idea that doesn't break the bank, or sweet Secret Santa homemade gif...

category:tutorial How to make an awesome pop-up birthday photo card

Want to learn how to make a pop up birthday card? You're in the right place! Our pop up...

category:tutorial How to sew a simple wall organiser

Learn how to sew a simple wall organiser with Anna Alicia. This is the perfect sewing p...

category:roundup 12 A+ teacher thank you card ideas

Show appreciation for your teacher with a homemade teacher thank you card. We’ve rounde...

category:tutorial Stitch the sweetest citrus embroidery for Christmas!

Get set for Christmas with this free festive embroidery pattern by Hope and Hart. Featu...

category:roundup 12 incredible bullet journal ideas to inspire you!

Discover a whole host of bullet journal ideas to fuel your inspiration! There’s somethi...

category:tutorial How to make Cricut cake toppers

Make the cherry on top of your next bake using Cricut and our how to make cake toppers ...

category:tutorial How to make super sensational cocktail cupcakes

Make it a happy hour in the kitchen and cele-bake with cocktail cupcakes! Check out thi...

category:tutorial Brighten your day with this FREE sunflower embroidery tutorial!

Stitch a sunflower with our free embroidery tutorial - the stitches, threads and hoop y...

category:tutorial Learn how to sew a fabulous detachable frilly collar

Ever wanted to learn how to sew a collar? You're in luck! Here we teach you how to make...

category:tutorial Learn how to make a cushion cover without a zip

Learn how to to make a cushion cover without a zip! This super easy step by step tutori...

View All Posts