Crochet Threads

Crochet thread comes in various sizes, types, colors and quantities.Threads are sized by weight with each weight identified by a number.The lower the number, the thicker the thread. For example size 3 is amuch heavier thread than size 8. Thread sizes include sizes 3, 5, 8,10, 20, 30, 40 and up. Most patterns in the United States call for size10. Other popular threads are sizes 3, 5, 8 and 20. Sizes 30 and 40,ideal for lacey patterns, are used less frequently.

Size 10 comes in 100% mercerized cotton such as DMC Traditions. Premium quality threads in sizes 10, 20 and 30 are also available, such as DMC  Cebelia. Cebelia is made from 100%, double mercerized, combed cotton for a beautiful smooth and silky appearance.  Now Size 3 comes in a variety of thread compositions such as NEW Senso's 100% Cotton Thread, Senso Microfiber Cotton, Senso Denim, Senso Linen Cotton, Senso Wool Cotton, Senso Rainbow Cotton, and Senso Metallics.

Generally crochet thread comes in a ball put-up, however DMC offers its Baroque Crochet Cotton in a pull skein.

Crochet thread put-ups vary in yardage, which is indicated on the packaging. Project instructions usually indicate the yardage required and the designated thread size to complete a project.

Size 10 comes in 100% mercerized cotton such as DMC Traditions. Premium quality threads in sizes 10, 20 and 30 are also available, such as DMC Cebelia. Cebelia is made from 100%, double mercerized, combed cotton for a beautiful smooth and silky appearance.

Generally crochet thread comes in a ball put-up, however DMC offers its Baroque Crochet Cotton in a pull skein.

Crochet thread put-ups vary in yardage, which is indicated on the packaging. Project instructions usually indicate the yardage required and the designated thread size to complete a project.

Dye Lot

Since the color of crochet threads can vary slightly from dye lot to dye lot, manufacturers include a dye lot number on each label. This number guarantees that crochet thread with the same dye lot number will be the exact same color. When purchasing crochet thread for a project, it is recommended that you buy all the thread for the project at the same time and with the same dye-lot number.

Crochet Hooks

Crochet hooks are available in steel, aluminum and plastic and come in various standardized sizes to accommodate different sizes of thread or yarn.

Steel hooks are used for crochet thread and can be identified by a numbering system. The lower the number, the larger the hook. Standard sizes for the United States in both number and millimeter (mm) are listed below. Lower numbered hooks are usually used with thicker threads. Higher numbered hooks are used with finer threads to create more delicate items.

Note: All the hook sizes given here are standard for the United States. English and Continental hooks each have their own systems, which are generally the reverse of the United States system. For example, a size 6 steel hook in the U.S. is a 2 in England and a size 1.75mm in rest of Europe. Today many hooks give both the U.S. size and the mm size.

Crochet Pattern Instructions

Crochet Pattern Instructions include everything you will need to create the crochet design, including the type and quantity of crochet thread, hook size, gauge and complete row-by-row instructions.

There are a large variety of Crochet Patterns available. A good place to start is the DMC Club on this web site. Other places include your local Craft Store, book stores, and needlework catalogs which will have crochet leaflets, books, and magazines.