Crochet Thread Sizes report
Buy crochet thread, not sewing or embroidery thread. Technically, you can crochet with anything that remotely resembles thread or yarn, but make crochet projects much easier by purchasing the thread specifically intended for crochet. Crochet thread produces fabric of fine gauge.
The most common fiber for crochet thread is cotton, and therefore that is what you will find most easily. If you are seeking basic cotton crochet thread, you should find it anywhere that's selling yarn.
Before buying crochet thread, it is important to understand all about it. The biggest thing to know is how to choose the right thread size. It comes in a variety of different sizes of crochet thread. The following post is a handy sizing guide for the crochet thread you will need.
Crochet Thread vs Yarn
Crochet thread is a specially formulated thread usually made of mercerized cotton and has a denser pile and smaller gauge, which means it is thinner than yarn and regular needle thread. Crochet thread is used for crafting decorative crochet items with finer details. Crochet thread can withstand the enormous stress that occurs when sharp hooks pull.
Thread hooks are also manufactured differently from yarn hooks: modern yarn hooks are usually aluminum or plastic, while thread hooks are steel and have smaller hook heads and shorter shanks. There are small differences between thread crochet and yarn, which can confuse the crafter who has always worked with yarn. Thread size and hook size are key differences that must be understood to master the art of thread crochet.
Crochet Thread Size Guide
Each type of thread or yarn is assigned a number. For yarn size, the higher the number, the thicker the yarn. However, the higher the number of threads, the thinner it is. For example, a size 3 in crochet thread will be a thicker thread than a size 30. People will find that it comes in increments of 10 (size 40 to size 100), with the lower numbers being slightly thicker than the highest numbers. There are some standard crochet thread sizes you should know when purchasing.
Common Crochet Thread Sizes
Crochet thread comes in sizes from 3 to 100.
- Size 3 crochet thread is about as thick as a lightweight yarn. With size 3 being slightly thicker than size 5. If you have trouble learning thread crochet, start with these large thread sizes.
- Size 10 crochet thread is slightly thinner than most yarns and slightly thicker than size 3 or 5. These are good sizes to start with for beginners.
- Size 20, 30, and 40 crochet thread are very common sizes for tatting projects and thread crochet. Many thread crochet patterns require one of these two sizes of thread.
- Smaller sizes (40 and up) are often used for tatting jewelry and fine lace. Size 80 is considered a "true" tatting thread size and is very fine. The other larger size threads are referred to as "crochet cotton" or "crochet thread."
The Right Crochet Hook for Thread
When working in thread crochet, it is most common to use steel crochet hooks (thread hooks). If you are working with the thickest crochet thread (size 3 or 5), you might choose to use a small crochet hook. These hooks have numbers, and you may be surprised to learn that the higher the number, the smaller the hook. And most steel crochet hooks are also marked with an mm size. For example, a 9 (1.25mm) crochet hook is larger than a 10 (1.15mm).
Crochet Thread Size | Recommended Crochet Hook Size |
---|---|
Size 10 thread | Size 7 or 8 |
Size 20 thread | Size 9 or 10 |
Size 30 thread | Size 10, 11, 12 |
Size 40 thread | Size 11, 12, 13 |
Size 60 thread | Size 12, 13 |
Size 80 thread | Size 13, 14 |
Size 100 thread | Size 14 |
Conclusion
Crochet thread can be purchased in all of the same types of stores that sell yarn. There is a lot of vintage thread on the market, so you can also find supplies at thrift stores, antique markets, and estate sales. If you are looking for a trusted brand to get started with, there are a few great choices for crochet thread on the online store. It is fun to do with different threads. Pay attention to the projects you are doing before you work with thread crochet, and the finished product is truly a work of art.