Hook size.

[jlcgrandma]

I'm currently recovering from a stroke in the hospital - I decided to add crocheting to my daily routine to aide in my dexterity as well as mental recovery. I found a new pattern for a beach bag to make for my granddaughter and sent my husband for supplies. The pattern calls for a 5.5mm hook, mistakenly he picked out a 10mm. I didn't notice until I got a few rows into the pattern and could tell the bottom did not have the concave look it should.

I'm thinking if I change my initial magic circle size I could still follow the pattern end up with a larger bag which I'm sure she would love even more. I've altered patterns for blankets and scarfs before based on hook and yarn type, this is my first attempt at a bag, pattern is very simple and a good place to let my brain heel.... crochet hooks go big or go home!

Thank you in advance for your help-

Phyllis Pleasants

[redrosesdz]

Welcome to Crochetville!

 

I'm so sorry for your illness and glad that you are on your way to recovery. 

 

There is a huge difference between 5.5 and 10!  You can change hook sizes (and yarn) from the original patterns, but I wouldn't recommend such a drastic change.  Take a look at the information that came with the yarn for the recommended hook size.  Usually you can get away with 1-2 hook sizes up or down from the recommended size.  Here's a handy chart from the Yarn Council ...

 

http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/hooks.html

 

If he got you worsted weight (size 4) yarn, then it's best to use H, I or J hooks.  An N is too big and will cause frustration.  You want it to be relaxing.  My recommendation is to send hubby back to the store for a proper hook size and rip out what you've done.

[jlcgrandma]

Oh I already took it apart, no major loss only 5 rows in. I'll need to hide my bag out of my line of vision or I'll go nuts not being able to work on it until Friday ????

Thank you for the very quick reply

[magiccrochetfan]

If you go ahead and use the big hook with whatever yarn you have, you will probably still end up with a useful bag, it will just be more holey. Which could be good for a beach bag as sand and water will drain out of the holes.

 

In fact I have made a market bag using thin yarn and a relatively big hook. It makes a neat effect as the scale is so big that each stitch becomes holly and it has a unique look..

[magiccrochetfan]

Here is the pattern I used http://theartofzencrochet.blogspot.com/2010/09/free-patterns-for-hemp-produce-sacs.html

 

The beginning of it is basically like this http://www.crochetspot.com/how-to-double-crochet-an-oval/

 

And welcome to the Ville from me too!