Hook size

Size E crochet hook: 3.5 mm (US E-4)

A size E crochet hook is 3.5 mm, labelled US E-4, and has old UK size 9. It is the recommended hook range for super fine (1) and fine (2) yarn, and crocheters typically choose it for sport-weight baby items and tight amigurumi in fine cotton. Always check gauge with a swatch, because tension varies between crocheters.

By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Updated September 20, 2026 · Editorial policy

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3.5 mm crochet hook conversions
Metric	US	Old UK	Suits yarn weights
3.5 mm	E-4	9	#1 Super Fine, #2 Fine

What is a 3.5 mm crochet hook in US and UK sizes?

A 3.5 mm hook is US size E-4 and old UK size 9. Metric millimetres are the only measurement that is the same on every brand, so check the mm size stamped on the hook.

Hook sizes around 3.5 mm
Metric	US	Old UK	Yarn weights
2.75 mm	C-2	12	#1
3.25 mm	D-3	10	#1
3.5 mm (this hook)	E-4	9	#1, #2
3.75 mm	F-5	—	#2
4 mm	G-6	8	#2

What yarn weight goes with a 3.5 mm hook?

A 3.5 mm hook is typically used with super fine (#1) yarn or fine (#2) yarn. Super Fine yarn gives about 21–32 sc per 4 in / 10 cm and suits socks, lightweight shawls, baby garments. Fine yarn gives about 16–20 sc per 4 in / 10 cm and suits baby blankets, summer tops, lightweight cardigans.

Yarn weights for a 3.5 mm hook
Weight	Also called	Crochet gauge	Recommended hooks
#1 Super Fine	Sock, Fingering, Baby	21–32 sc per 4 in / 10 cm	2.25–3.5 mm
#2 Fine	Sport, Baby, 4-ply (UK/AU, approximate)	16–20 sc per 4 in / 10 cm	3.5–4.5 mm

What can you make with a 3.5 mm hook?

97 patterns in our library use a 3.5 mm hook, including round amigurumi cat for beginners, little round amigurumi bunny with long ears, crocheted cover for carriage strap no. 799 (1915), face cloth in trebles (1914), shetland floss tam from the new ruffle sweater set (1920), chubby crochet frog amigurumi.

Sources and scope

Craft Yarn Council: Hooks & Needles
Reference for metric and US hook sizes. Letter and number labels vary between manufacturers; check the millimetre measurement. Old UK sizes are a separate historical convention.
Craft Yarn Council: Standard Yarn Weight System
Source for categories 0–7 and the crochet gauge and hook ranges. These are starting guidelines; use the gauge in your pattern. Regional ply names and yards per 100 g are approximate comparisons, not CYC specifications.