Gauge - how much difference does hook size make?

[Squirrelfruitandnutkin]

I'm embarking on my first crochet garment - and have just done the gauge swatch.
5mm hook, arran weight yarn (Caron simply soft).
I should have a 10cm square swatch.
Mine is 9cm sq.

What do you reckon? I'm going to do another swatch but will need to find the bigger hooks. 😬

[SoupDragon]

I would have thought a 5.5mm would be ok. Although that might turn out too big - I find it really is hard to judge.

[Squirrelfruitandnutkin]

Found my 5.5 hook, it looks massive! I suspect it'll make a much bigger swatch...

[TondelayaDellaVentamiglia]

what sort of thing are you making? Is it very fitted so that gauge maks a huge difference?

can you just carry on but do a size or two bigger so say you crochet a 14size instead of a 12, but as you are crocheting small it''ll be a 12 and not a 14

[Squirrelfruitandnutkin]

It's a cardigan. I'm going to have to look at measurements carefully and decide if I want a possibly snug S or a baggier M... 😬

Finally got my cro-jo back and work and dcs are getting in the way!🙄

[Squirrelfruitandnutkin]

Gaaa! So 5.5mm hook gave me a 9.5cm square sample.

Do I try a 6mm hook?

I've never done a thing where gauge mattered before... is using 6mm instead of 5mm that bad/ weird/ big a difference?

[TondelayaDellaVentamiglia]

are you a tight crocheter?? Can you try and loosen up bit?..it is probably an idea to try a 6mm hook, would save you from working out if a different size would work out iyswim

[Squirrelfruitandnutkin]

I don't think I'm a tight hooker? 😳
Will have to find the 6 tomorrow.

[TondelayaDellaVentamiglia]

have you the time or patience to do a few of the squares, I know as I get into a pattern then the motifs tend to ease out a bit as I go on, as I learn and remember the pattern I seem to relax and that shows in the size.

I've never made a real garment though, baby cardis/hats aside, so tension has never really been a worry!

[Squirrelfruitandnutkin]

Just done my 3rd square with a 6mm hook this time - 10cm! 😄
The swatch feels less stiff than the first too which should make a nicer cardigan I I think.

I'm hoping this square was a reasonable representation of my crochet style/ looseness, the pattern is pretty simple (alternate dc & tr stitches) and I did it while half watching tv.

[SoupDragon]

Having put together several Woolly Hugs, I am always amazed at how different the squares are when they've all been made with the same yarn and hook. The difference in tension between Hookers is incredible! They range from really loose to incredibly tight and firm so don't be too surprised you've had to go up a few hook sizes.