If you’ve ever commented under one of my YouTube tutorials asking “How do I make it bigger?” — this one’s for you. It’s hands-down the most common question I get, and it always makes me smile. Because the real answer is: there’s no single answer.
And that’s the beauty of crochet. Every project is an opportunity to experiment — to play with yarns, hook sizes, and textures until you discover something uniquely yours.
In this reading, I’m answering the top four sizing questions I get all the time — and sharing a little confession about why I don’t always have an exact recommendation.
1. “How do I make it bigger?”
🧶 Confession: When someone asks this, I wish I could give a simple formula. But in crochet, “bigger” can mean so many things. Do you want your project wider? Longer? Just larger stitches overall?
Many crochet patterns — including mine — are based on stitch multiples. For example, “a multiple of 8 + 1” means you can add more repeats to make it wider, or work more rows or rounds to make it longer. That’s usually all it takes!
If the pattern has special shaping or a border, you might need to adjust that part too. But don’t be afraid to try — the best way to learn is through experimenting. Worst case, you frog a few stitches and start again. Best case, you end up with a design that fits your vision perfectly.
2. “Can I use thicker yarn?”
Absolutely!
🧶 Confession: I love seeing how different yarn weights transform a design. Using thicker yarn (like worsted instead of thread) will naturally make your piece larger and often cozier. The stitch texture will look bolder, and your project will grow faster.
Just remember that yarn weight affects drape — delicate doilies made with lace thread will look sturdier in medium cotton. That’s not a bad thing! It’s just different. Think of it as your own remix of the pattern.
3. “Can I use a smaller hook or different size hook than the pattern says?”
Yes — and you should experiment!
🧶 Confession: I often don’t use the hook size printed on the yarn label. Every crocheter’s tension is different, and hook choice is as personal as handwriting.
A larger hook makes looser, drapier stitches and a slightly bigger piece. A smaller hook creates tighter, more defined stitches and a smaller piece. Neither is wrong — it’s all about the texture you want.
If you’re unsure, make a small swatch and see how it feels. That five-minute test can save hours later.
4. “Can I use thread instead of yarn (or vice versa)?”
Definitely — though it will change the look and scale.
🧶 First Real-World Example (Sunflower):
On my How to Crochet Sunflower tutorial I actually made the same sunflower pattern in three very different sizes:
- Small (thread): Using Aunt Lydia’s size 10 crochet thread (brown, orange, yellow) with a 1.75 mm hook, the sunflower ends up around 4.5 inches in diameter.
- Medium (mixed yarn + thread): I used a mix — Lion Brand Bonbon cotton (fine, size 2) for the brown, Lizbeth thread size 3 for the orange, and Alize Bella cotton yarn (also fine/size 2) for the yellow — with a 2.25 mm hook. That version is about 6 inches in diameter.
- Big (yarn): For the largest version, I crocheted in Caron Simply Soft yarn (a thicker medium-weight yarn) with a 5 mm hook, resulting in a roughly 9.5-inch flower.
This shows exactly how dramatically the same pattern can change in scale and texture just by switching yarn weight and hook size.
🧶 Second Real-World Example (Pinwheel Square → Pinwheel Pillow):
On my site, I first created the tutorial of the Pinwheel Square using sport or DK yarn with a 2.75 mm hook. This gives you a moderately sized (4.5 in), textured square that really shows off the swirl of the pinwheel.
Then, I turned that exact same square design into the Pinwheel Pillow — but with completely different yarn choices and a few stitch adjustments. For the pillow: I used bulky (size 5) yarn and a 6.5 mm hook. Because of the heavier yarn and larger hook, the finished pillow squares are much bigger, chunkier, and bold — perfect for a modern, statement piece in your home.
This contrast highlights something really important: the same pattern can look soft and delicate in lighter yarn, or big, bold, and graphic in chunkier yarn. And both versions feel “right” in their own way. But just like I did, in order to get the perfect result for the pillow, you will need to make a swatch and see if you need to modify the stitch count, add or remove rounds, etc.
🧶 Confession: A lacy motif that looks delicate in fine cotton thread can become a striking wall hanging or pillow cover in thicker yarn. Sometimes the most beautiful versions of a pattern come from makers who experiment fearlessly.
Because I design so many patterns, I don’t always have the time (or yarn stash!) to make every design in every possible combination of thread, yarn, and hook. So I can’t always say, “This is the exact size you’ll get if you use X yarn and Y hook.”
But that’s also why I encourage you to experiment. Try different combinations. Swatch. See what you like. Sometimes the version that’s “just for fun” ends up being your favorite.
So go ahead — grab that yarn that’s calling your name, pick a hook that feels right, and see what happens.
My Honest Takeaway
Crochet is not a science — it’s an art form with endless room for interpretation. When someone asks me what yarn or hook size to use, I can give guidelines, but your hands, tension, and creativity are what bring the pattern to life.
🧶 Confession: Every time I design something new, I’m guessing too! I’m testing, adjusting, unraveling, and re-trying until it feels right. That’s how every crochet designer learns — and that’s exactly how you’ll grow as a maker, too.
So next time you wonder “Can I make it bigger?” — the answer is: Yes, you can. Try it, trust your instincts, and let your creativity guide your hook.
Take-Home Message
- Yes, you can absolutely swap yarn weights (or use thread) — and doing so will change the look, feel, and scale in cool ways.
- The Pinwheel Square → Pinwheel Pillow is a real example from my own work: same pattern, totally different outcome.
- Don’t worry about “doing it wrong” — experimentation is part of the design process, and your personal twist might be the best version of the pattern.
