US Size 000 Knitting Needles (1.5 mm): Yarn Weight, Gauge and Conversions
A US size 000 knitting needle is 1.5 mm in diameter. It suits lace yarn, which knits at 33 to 40 stitches per 4 inches. At about 40 stitches per 4 inches, a 20 inch hat needs about 200 stitches and an 8 inch scarf about 80.
Knitting needle size is the diameter of the shaft, measured in millimeters. This needle is 1.5 mm, about 0.06 inch across. US size 000 is the American label for a 1.5 mm needle. The millimeter figure is the one that matches across every brand, so it is printed on most needles and needle gauges.
What is a US 000 knitting needle in mm and old UK sizes?
| Metric | 1.5 mm |
|---|---|
| Inches (diameter) | 0.06 in |
| US size | 000 |
| Old UK and Canadian size | None |
| Crochet hook, same diameter | None on the CYC chart |
| Usual yarn weight | lace |
| Estimated gauge | about 40 stitches per 4 in |
What yarn weight goes with US 000 needles?
The Craft Yarn Council lists 1.5 mm inside the recommended needle range for the yarn weights below. The hat and scarf columns show how many stitches the full gauge range of each weight gives, so you can see how much the yarn choice moves the numbers.
| Yarn weight | CYC needle range | Gauge per 4 in | 20 in hat | 8 in scarf |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lace | 1.5 to 2.25 mm (US 000 to 1) | 33 to 40 | 164 to 200 | 66 to 80 |
How many stitches do you cast on with US 000 needles?
The estimated gauge places 1.5 mm within the CYC range for lace yarn: the smallest recommended needle gets the most stitches per 4 inches and the largest gets the fewest. That gives about 40 stitches per 4 inches on this needle. Circular pieces are rounded to a multiple of 4 so 2x2 ribbing works out.
| Piece | Width or circumference | Cast on (estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Hat, 20 in around (multiple of 4) | 20 in | about 200 |
| Snug hat, 18 in around | 18 in | about 180 |
| Cowl, 24 in around | 24 in | about 240 |
| Scarf, 8 in wide | 8 in | about 80 |
| Baby blanket, 42 in wide | 42 in | about 420 |
| Throw, 50 in wide | 50 in | about 500 |
Swatch before you trust any cast-on number
Knit a swatch at least 6 inches wide, wash and dry it the way you will treat the finished piece, then count stitches across the center 4 inches. Put your real number into the cast-on calculator for an exact count.
Needles and supplies for US 000 (1.5 mm)
Leslye Solomon's Original Blocking Wires Kit
$26.95Stainless steel straight and flexible blocking wires with T-pins, for opening up lace to its full size.
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Knitter's Pride Lace Blocking Mats, 9 Pack
$40.86A set of nine blocking mats for pinning out shawls and lace to shape while they dry (pins sold separately).
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OttLite 4-Inch Hands-Free LED Magnifier
$23.99A 4.33 inch lens that hangs from a neck cord, so both hands stay free for fine stitches.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
What crochet hook matches a US 000 knitting needle?
No standard crochet hook is exactly 1.5 mm on the CYC chart. The nearest are none smaller and B-1 (2.25 mm). For the same yarn, crochet usually calls for a bigger tool than knitting.
What are the knitting needle sizes next to US 000?
Frequently asked questions
What size is a US 000 knitting needle in mm?
A US size 000 needle is 1.5 mm in diameter, about 0.06 inch. There is no old UK number for it on common conversion charts. US numbers were never fully standardized, so trust the millimeter size printed on the needle or check it in a needle gauge. The nearest size on the chart is US 00 (1.75 mm).
What yarn weight do you use with US size 000 needles?
CYC places 1.5 mm inside the recommended needle range for lace yarn. Lace is the usual match: its range is 1.5 to 2.25 mm (US 000 to 1), knitting at 33 to 40 stitches per 4 inches. The size sits inside a single category, so it is a straightforward match. Your pattern gauge matters more than the category name.
How many stitches do I cast on for a hat with US 000 needles?
At about 40 stitches per 4 inches, our estimate for lace yarn on 1.5 mm needles, a 20 inch hat needs about 200 stitches, rounded to a multiple of 4 for ribbing. For a snug fit many patterns size the hat 1 to 2 inches smaller than the head, which is about 180 stitches at 18 inches. The estimate places the needle within the CYC gauge range, so knit a swatch and recount before you cast on.
How many stitches for a scarf on US 000 needles?
Cast on about 80 stitches for an 8 inch wide scarf at 40 stitches per 4 inches. A 6 inch scarf needs about 60 and a 10 inch scarf about 100. Stitch pattern changes both width and yarn: garter stitch used about 46 percent more yarn than stockinette in one test. A quick 4 inch swatch in the stitch you plan to use gives a better count than the label gauge.
What crochet hook is the same size as a US 000 knitting needle?
No standard crochet hook is exactly 1.5 mm on the CYC chart. The nearest are B-1 (2.25 mm). They are not interchangeable for the same yarn, though. CYC pairs lace yarn with 1.5 to 2.25 mm (US 000 to 1) needles but 1.4 to 2.25 mm (Steel 8 to B-1) hooks, because crochet fabric is denser. A 1.5 mm hook usually suits a lighter yarn than a 1.5 mm needle does.
Are US size 000 needles good for beginners?
They are better as a second or third project. At 1.5 mm the stitches are small, about 40 to every 4 inches, so a 20 inch hat is 200 stitches around and progress feels slow. Good light helps a great deal, and if fine needles make your hands ache, ergonomic or square needles and short sessions help.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.