Problems with the gauge

Hello, dear community, I’m having a problem with a crochet pattern that specifies the following gauge:
Yarn: Catania 125 m LL/50 g
Hook size 3
Pattern: 1 row of single crochet, 1 row of double crochet, always work the double crochet into the back loop
24 sts, 14 rows = 10 x 10 cm

Since my gauge with hook size 3 was already almost twice as large, I tried using hook size 2—now it’s “only” 1.5 times as large :(

I don’t understand this. I really don’t crochet too loosely. Are there actually such big differences in crocheting (too tight, too loose) that I can only get the piece right in the end with hook sizes 1 or 1.5? Or am I doing something wrong with the pattern?
I’m getting a little frustrated right now.

I’m grateful for any advice and wish everyone a relaxing weekend.

Best regards, Regina

Hi, yes, depending on what you’re crocheting, crocheting too tightly or too loosely can make a big difference.

In your case, though, I’d write to the designer and ask for help. If you get a result twice as big with a size 3 hook—and depending on what you’re crocheting—you could then start with half as many stitches as described in the pattern.

I just discovered a thread discussing the different size specifications for crochet hook sizes:
https://www.crazypatterns.net/de/forum/topic/28267/haekelnadeln-nummer-oder-groesse

Maybe this has something to do with your gauge?

@ruthk
The thread you mentioned is in the authors’ section (identified by the red star and the red text in the forum overview). Laydee4 can’t read there.

@laydee4
welcome to Crazypatterns. I hope a solution can be found. Here on Crazypatterns, answering questions is part of customer service, so please just contact the relevant author. If you tell me which pattern it is, I can do that for you as well.

Good evening, first of all, thank you for your replies and the nice “welcome” :)
I’ve already asked the author, but she can’t explain why my crochet piece differs so drastically in size, even though I did everything exactly as in the pattern, used the right material, and—as already mentioned—tried it with a size 2 hook instead of 3. I might try the pattern with half double crochet; then it might at least work out with the specified number of rows. For now, though, I’ve unraveled the piece, put everything aside, and am going to do a little knitting again to relax :)
Best regards, and wishing everyone a lovely evening—laydee4