This millimetre-first reference helps interpret modern and older patterns without implying that every brand uses identical regional labels.
Enter the physical diameter. Exact common matches appear in the result; the complete reference remains below.
Legacy UK: 000 · 10 mm
| Millimetres | US label | Legacy UK |
|---|---|---|
| 2 mm | 0 | 14 |
| 2.25 mm | 1 | 13 |
| 2.75 mm | 2 | 12 |
| 3.25 mm | 3 | 10 |
| 3.5 mm | 4 | — |
| 3.75 mm | 5 | 9 |
| 4 mm | 6 | 8 |
| 4.5 mm | 7 | 7 |
| 5 mm | 8 | 6 |
| 5.5 mm | 9 | 5 |
| 6 mm | 10 | 4 |
| 6.5 mm | 10½ | 3 |
| 8 mm | 11 | 0 |
| 9 mm | 13 | 00 |
| 10 mm | 15 | 000 |
Read modern and inherited patterns
Metric and US values rise as needles become larger, but legacy UK numbers generally become smaller. That is why “size 10” cannot be interpreted safely without the system. Use the pattern’s origin, date and any metric value to disambiguate it.
This millimetre-first table is a limited reference for common labels, not a claim that every historical or manufacturer-specific needle maps identically.
How to use this page
- Find the metric diameter on the needle or pattern.
- Compare the common regional label.
- Use a needle gauge when the tool is unmarked.
What to check before you rely on the result
- Legacy UK numbers decrease as diameter increases.
- Very small and very large sizes have less consistent labels.
Source note
This original presentation was checked against the relevant Craft Yarn Council reference. Regional labels may vary; no third-party graphic or table layout is reproduced.
Consulted authority ↗