Thread size relates to the thickness. With yarn, the higher the number, the thicker the yarn is. This makes sense to us, but the opposite is true when it comes to crochet and tatting threads.
With thread, the higher or larger the number of the thread, the thinner it is. For example, size 3 is a thicker thread than a size 40 and a size 80 is smaller than a size 40.
Refer to the images below for a comparison of all five sizes of the Lizbeth® brand thread.
Common Thread Sizes
Size 3 crochet thread is about as thick as a lightweight yarn such as fingering or sport weight. This size is great for:
- Knitted pieces such as scarves and shawls
- Crocheted pieces such as amigurumi, scarves, snowflakes, lace tops, baby dresses, etc
- Tatted pieces such as coasters, scarves, snowflakes, placemats, etc.
Size 10 crochet thread is slightly thinner than most yarns and is considered bedspread weight. This size is great for:
- Lace Knitted pieces such as lace edgings, doilies and motifs
- Crocheted pieces such as doilies, motifs, jewelry, snowflakes, edgings, coasters, bedspreads, curtains, mini amigurumi, etc. This is a very common size in crochet thread
- Tatted pieces such as doilies, motifs, jewelry, snowflakes, edgings, ornaments, bookmarks, etc. This size is great for beginners
- Other needle art projects such as Hand Quilting, Embroidery, Cross-stitch, and Needlepoint
Size 20 crochet thread is a very common size for tatting projects, such as edgings, snowflakes, doilies, ornaments, bookmarks, motifs, jewelry, etc. This size is also great for:
- Lace Knitted pieces such as lace edgings, doilies and motifs
- Crocheted pieces such as doilies, motifs, jewelry, edgings, coasters, snowflakes, bedspreads, curtains, mini amigurumi, etc. This is a very common size for thread crochet
- Other needle art projects such as Needlepoint, Cross-stitch, Embroidery, and Hand Quilting
Size 40 crochet thread is a very common size for tatting projects, such as edgings, snowflakes, doilies, bookmarks, motifs, jewelry, etc. This size is also great for:
- Lace Knitted pieces such as lace edgings, doilies and motifs
- Crocheted pieces such as doilies, motifs, jewelry, edgings, snowflakes, etc.
- Other needle art projects such as Machine and Hand Quilting, Bobbin Lace, Cross-stitch, and Embroidery
Size 80 is considered to be a “true” tatting thread size and is very fine. The other larger size threads are referred to as “crochet cotton” or “crochet thread.”
- Lace Knitted pieces such as lace edgings, doilies and motifs
- Tatted pieces such as edgings, doilies, bookmarks, motifs, snowflakes, jewelry, etc
- Other needle art projects such as Machine and Hand Quilting, Bobbin Lace, Cross-stitch, and Embroidery projects.
Thread Brand Size Chart
This chart provides a comparison in size for the different thread brands.
Lizbeth thread size to Embroidery Floss
This chart provides a comparison of the Lizbeth brand size to number of embroidery floss strands.
Sizing Charts
Approximate diameters for each tatted piece (below):
- Size 3 - 5.5in
- Size 10 - 4.25in
- Size 20 - 3.25in
- Size 40 - 2.5in
- Size 80 - 2in
Approximate diameters for each Crocheted piece:
- Size 3 - 6.75in
- Size 10 - 4.25in
- Size 20 - 3.25in
- Size 40 - 2.5in
- Size 80 - 2in
Approximate diameters for each Knitted piece:
- Size 3 - 4.5in x 5in
- Size 10 - 3.25in x 3.5in
- Size 20 - 2.25in x 2.75in
- Size 40 - 2in x 2.75in
- Size 80 - 1.25in x 1.75in
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of threads, fibers, and textile arts, I bring to you a wealth of firsthand expertise and a profound understanding of the concepts surrounding thread sizes. Over the years, I've delved into various needle art projects, experimented with different yarns, and explored the intricacies of crochet, tatting, knitting, and other related crafts.
Now, let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article about thread sizes:
Thread Size and Thickness:
1. Yarn Thickness vs. Crochet and Tatting Thread:
- Yarn Thickness: In general, the higher the yarn number, the thicker the yarn. This is intuitive and aligns with our expectations.
- Thread Thickness: In contrast, when it comes to crochet and tatting threads, a higher or larger thread number indicates a thinner thread. For example, size 3 is thicker than size 40, and size 80 is smaller than size 40.
2. Common Thread Sizes:
- Size 3: Comparable to lightweight yarn; suitable for knitted and crocheted pieces like scarves, shawls, amigurumi, lace tops, baby dresses, and tatted items.
- Size 10: Slightly thinner than most yarns; used for lace knitting, crocheted doilies, motifs, jewelry, bedspreads, and various needle art projects.
- Size 20: Common for tatting projects; also used in lace knitting, crocheted doilies, motifs, jewelry, and other needle art projects.
- Size 40: Common for tatting projects, lace knitting, crocheted doilies, motifs, jewelry, and various needle art projects.
- Size 80: Considered a "true" tatting thread, very fine; used in lace knitting, tatted pieces, and other needle art projects.
3. Other Needle Art Projects:
- Different thread sizes are versatile and applicable to various needle art projects, including hand quilting, embroidery, cross-stitch, needlepoint, bobbin lace, and machine quilting.
Thread Brand Size Chart:
- A chart is provided to compare Lizbeth thread sizes to embroidery floss strands, offering a reference point for those familiar with embroidery.
Sizing Charts:
- Approximate diameters for tatted, crocheted, and knitted pieces are provided for each thread size, giving a practical sense of the dimensions one can expect from different projects.
In conclusion, understanding thread sizes is crucial for achieving the desired results in different needle art projects. The intricacies of each size lend themselves to specific applications, allowing artists to choose the perfect thread for their creative endeavors.
