What size needles for worsted yarn?
Use US 7–9 (4.5–5.5 mm) needles for worsted yarn, most often US 8 (5 mm). For crochet, the standard range is I-9 to K-10½ (5.5–6.5 mm).
Updated
Needle and hook sizes for every yarn weight
The standard ranges for each category on the ball band. Start in the middle of the range and adjust after swatching.
| Yarn weight | Knitting needles | Crochet hook |
|---|---|---|
| 0 · Lace | 1.5–2.25 mm (US 000 to US 1) | 1.4–2.25 mm |
| 1 · Super fine | 2.25–3.25 mm (US 1 to US 3) | 2.25–3.5 mm (US B-1 to US E-4) |
| 2 · Fine | 3.25–3.75 mm (US 3 to US 5) | 3.5–4.5 mm (US E-4 to US 7) |
| 3 · Light | 3.75–4.5 mm (US 5 to US 7) | 4.5–5.5 mm (US 7 to US I-9) |
| 4 · Medium | 4.5–5.5 mm (US 7 to US 9) | 5.5–6.5 mm (US I-9 to US K-10½) |
| 5 · Bulky | 5.5–8 mm (US 9 to US 11) | 6.5–9 mm (US K-10½ to US M/N-13) |
| 6 · Super bulky | 8–12.75 mm | 9–15 mm (US M/N-13 to US P/Q) |
| 7 · Jumbo | 12.75–25 mm | 15–25 mm (US P/Q to US T/U/X) |
Choosing between sizes in the range
- Loose knitter? Start at the smaller end. Tight knitter? Start bigger.
- Hats and mittens are usually knitted a size smaller for a firm, warm fabric; shawls and drapey cowls a size bigger.
- Cotton and linen don't stretch much, so a slightly smaller needle keeps the fabric neat.
- Always check gauge for anything that has to fit. The needle size in a pattern is only a starting point.
Common questions
What size knitting needles for worsted yarn?
The standard range for worsted (medium, category 4) yarn is 4.5–5.5 mm (US 7 to US 9). US 8 (5 mm) is the most common starting point. Check the ball band: most yarns print their recommended size there.
What size crochet hook for worsted yarn?
The standard range is 5.5–6.5 mm (US I-9 to US K-10½). Many crocheters use an H-8 (5 mm) for firmer fabric such as bags and amigurumi, and a J-10 (6 mm) for softer blankets.
Can I use smaller needles than recommended?
Yes. Smaller needles make a firmer, denser fabric and use a little more yarn; bigger needles make it softer and drapier. For anything that has to fit, knit a swatch and match the pattern’s gauge rather than its needle size.
Is aran the same as worsted?
Both are category 4 (medium), and many patterns treat them as interchangeable. Aran is slightly thicker, so knitters often go up half a size, to US 8–9 (5–5.5 mm).