Troubleshooting my Gauge

What do I do when my gauge is not matching the pattern?

If you find that your gauge is not matching the author of the pattern's written gauge, your project may not come out to the correct size. This may not matter as much in some projects (like dishcloths), but with clothing gauge is really important to follow.

  • If you have TOO MANY stitches = INCREASE Hook Size
  • If you have TOO FEW stitches = DECREASE Hook Size

TOO MANY stitches means your stitches are too small and tight, and TOO FEW stitches means your stitches are too large and loose. You can adjust your tension as well if the adjustment needed is not huge, but I recommend crocheting with your normal/what is comfortable for you and adjusting the hook sizes where you can.

Quick Gauge Troubleshooting Guide

Find how your swatch compares to know how to adjust your hook:

Significantly too many stitches (stitches are too tight):
👉 Increase your hook size by 2 or more sizes to loosen up your gauge.
A couple too many stitches:
👉 Increase your hook size by 1 size.
Less than a stitch too many:
👉 Try to loosen your tension just a bit while keeping your current hook size.
Your gauge matches!
👉 Stick with your current hook size and comfortable tension. You're ready to go!
Less than a stitch too few:
👉 Try to tighten your tension just a bit while keeping your current hook size.
A couple too few stitches:
👉 Decrease your hook size by 1 size.
Significantly too few stitches (stitches are too loose):
👉 Decrease your hook size by 2 or more sizes to tighten up your gauge.

Standard Crochet Gauge & Hook Size Chart

Quick reference for standard yarn weights, hook sizes, and expected gauge ranges.

Yarn Weight Number & Name Common Hook Sizes (Metric) Common Hook Sizes (US) Average Gauge Range (SC per 4")
#0 Lace 1.6 to 2.25 mm Steel 6, 7, 8 / Regular B-1 32–42 (often measured in dc)
#1 Super Fine (Fingering/Sock) 2.25 to 3.5 mm B-1 to E-4 21–32 stitches
#2 Fine (Sport/Baby) 3.5 to 4.5 mm E-4 to 7 16–20 stitches
#3 Light (DK/Light Worsted) 4.5 to 5.5 mm 7 to I-9 12–17 stitches
#4 Medium (Worsted/Aran) 5.5 to 6.5 mm I-9 to K-10½ 11–14 stitches
#5 Bulky (Chunky/Rug) 6.5 to 9.0 mm K-10½ to M-13 8–11 stitches
#6 Super Bulky 9.0 to 15.0 mm M-13 to Q 7–9 stitches
#7 Jumbo 15.0 mm and larger Q and larger 6 stitches or fewer