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[shaina]

I'm just learning to crochet and a pattern I'm looking at says to use a hook a few sizes smaller than the yarn specifies.

Can anyone tell me what the reason for this is? why would a smaller hook be necessary/important? - it seems weird

Thanks

[Azcowgirl]

I think they mean that you need a smaller hook so you get a tighter denser finished piece.....thg larger hook may result in a stitch that is too loose and see through, and not have enough body.....does that make sense ?

[Azcowgirl]

P.S.....For instance, I made a shrug, and I wanted it to be lacy and see through, so I used a larger hook.

[shaina]

that makes a lot of sense. this project does need to be dense and sorta stiff. Isn't it difficult use a hook that is too small for the yarn, though? I haven't tried it yet, but it seems like it would be hard to do because the hook wouldn't hold the yarn easily.

[Azcowgirl]

Hi Shaina....it is a bit more of a challenge, it helps if you use a light colored hook for dark yarn, or a dark hook for light yarn.

[sipp]

If you are following a pattern and use a smaller needle- the piece you are making will be smaller--- ie if you are making a sweater- that smaller hook is going to make smaller loops and therefore your gauge is not going to be correct- your size will have to be adjusted accordingly and you would probably have to increase any amount of stitches per inch -- at the beginning of your pattern, regardless of the yarn - it will tell you how many stitches per inch should be used - and also the pattern will suggest what yarns to use that will give you the best results. If you use a huge bulky yarn- but the pattern is for a smaller ie mohair thin type yarn- there is going to be a huge difference and all your work will be for nothing.

[shaina]

All of this makes a lot of sense. THe pattern is a for a set of numbers 0-9 that could be affixed to another item, like an afghan etc. Thus, they need to be a tighter and denser. I want to make them as a 'toy' for a young child to practice counting etc.

I am a beginning crocheter and am teaching myself, so I so appreciate ya'll taking the time to answer my questions.

[sipp]

On 3/15/2014 shaina said:

All of this makes a lot of sense. THe pattern is a for a set of numbers 0-9 that could be affixed to another item, like an afghan etc. Thus, they need to be a tighter and denser. I want to make them as a 'toy' for a young child to practice counting etc.

I am a beginning crocheter and am teaching myself, so I so appreciate ya'll taking the time to answer my questions.

So, as I stated- if you use a smaller hook- you should use a recommended yarn type or size that the pattern is recommending. If you see a yarn that catches your eye, but is not compatible with the gauge- it's not going to give you the results you want. I get that you may have seen some that you practically fall in love with- there are so many new variations- but follow the suggested type yarns for your pattern first and foremost. And as for that one that you fall in love with on the shelf- well- usually the label will give you ideas for using it and many times even a free pattern--By the way- a good idea is to type that yarns label name into your search engine ( like LIONS brand) --- they often have whole pages of either free or inexpensive patterns that their yarns work with. And if you have a Joann's in your area, they often have free pattern sheets hanging along their yarn aisles. Good luck with your projects!!

[seehorse]

Hi Shaina,

Your project sounds like it's going to be fun and educational for the kid who's getting it! Best wishes in getting the look you want.

You can also get newsletters by email from the yarn companies.

As dgluvr said: Lion Brand, and also Yarnspirations.com (Paton's, Bernat and Caron), Red Heart.

I really enjoy www.bevscountrycottage.com. Just found www.craftyarncouncil.com

[jackthebear]

On 3/14/2014 shaina said:

I'm just learning to crochet and a pattern I'm looking at says to use a hook a few sizes smaller than the yarn specifies.

Can anyone tell me what the reason for this is? why would a smaller hook be necessary/important? - it seems weird

Thanks

if you need more help with crocheting take a look at the ravelry.com website,

the most amazing resource for knitters/crocheters. There are forums to help you, it is a very friendly place.