Just got new patterns and pretty thread in the mail!!!

[debbielamb]

I'm so excited. I just go "Festive Snowflakes and Ornaments" and "Needle Tatting with Style Book 1" in the mail. Plus, Lizbeth Ocean Sunset and Peacock Blues thread in size 10. LOL...trying to pick out the next thing to tat. I do have a couple of questions. I was expected the thread to be bigger(thicker, not sure which word to use) because I got some size 10 crochet cotton and it was bigger. Someone said they are the same thing, crochet cotton and thread, but I don't think so. Am I wrong? Also, I see people talking about thread conditioner and/or beeswax. Was just wondering what that is about.
Thanks everyone!! I love this site and I love needle tatting!!!!

[debbielamb]

Almost forgot...Lizbeth is coming out with size 3 thread in the fall. It will be bigger than 10 correct?

[Ellen]

Hi, Debbie. I'm a newbie here, too, but I love the advice! I can tell you about tatting thread sizes--the higher the number the finer the thread. So, the #3 Lizbeth that is soon to come will be thicker than the 10, which is thicker than the 20, which is thicker than the 40, which is thicker than the 80. Other companies offer size 30, 50, and I've even seen some vintage thread in 75. I can't tell the difference between the 20 and 30, but I guess there is one. How to determine the # of the thread? That, I'm not sure about. Since cross-stitch fabric count goes by how many stitches per inch, I'll bet the numbers of the thread go by how many threads in a particular unit of measure. But, that's just a guess, and I'm not sure what the unit would be.

Like you, I thought #10 crochet cotton was the same size as #10 Lizbeth (and other brands) tatting thread. Maybe it varies a little bit by company/brand? That one is a puzzlement to me. I will have to yield to more experienced stitchers for that answer.

Nice to meet you, by the way!

[TeresaW]

I'll try to offer a little experience here.

Most crochet cottons are 3-ply and have not typically been highly mercerized; also, the thread is typically short-fiber cottons. Nor are the strands wound together tightly.

Lizbeth threads are what have been termed as cordonnet types. These are 6-ply that have been tightly wound together and mercerized. Mercerized thread is gaused, i.e., gas singed, which burns away small "hairs" and gives the thread its sheen.

There is also the dyeing process itself. Darker threads, especially browns and blacks, will appear to be smaller diameter to a lighter or pastel color. In order to get the substrate (cotton fibers) to take the dye, there are several steps and for darker colors, multiple dyeings. Unfortunately, these steps stress the substrate and can cause the thread diameters to be a bit smaller.

Hope this helps.

[debbielamb]

Teresa, thanks! I think that is why everything is bigger on the crochet cotton. I like both though :) Now all I have to do it decide what to tat next out of the new books :)

[Judy]

Don't forget to match needle and thread sizes... #20 might br a 5 or mor likely a 7, Size 10 thread for a #5 needle..

[xstchntat]

As far as thread conditioners vs beeswax - Threw Heaven is a conditioned that not only helps your thread to slide it protects from UV damage and does not turn yellow. Beeswax on the other hand will turn yellow after time and offers no UV protection. I always recommend Thread Heaven for any thread project. Take a look at their site www.threadheaven.com

Somealso like to tat with perle cotton. The sizes are different, still larger the number the smaller. It is not as tightly wound as cordonnet but if treated gently has a shininess to it. Also there are threads from other countries that are sized different.

[Ireneho]

Crochet cotton will get furry after awhile. I only use crochet cotton to try out patterns. It's not a strong thread by itself.