#3 (Light) Cotton Thread - what exactly is it?

[GramaKate]

I use #10 crochet cotton thread to make my birthstone angels that when finished are about 3 inches high. I posted a picture, either here or on Knitting Paradise of my Birthstone angels. I love Hobby Lobby cotton yarns which are great for light shells or sweaters for spring and summer of a #3 or Baby cotton yarn. I have not found other brands around here in Ohio, other than ordering online. I'd use the balls of Cream and Sugar cotton for dishcloths and such and baby bibs. Stick with what you know. The larger the number the smaller the thread or steel crochet hook. My sister has used #20 and #30 thread for fine doilies, and sewing thread is considered about #80. Steel crochet hooks I use for my birthstone angels are about #7 steel, My sister would use a #10 or #14 steel crochet hook, you can hardly see the hook it's so tiny on the tip.

[MeToo!]

@Grama. Yes, I use Cream n Sugar #4 cotton for dishcloths, too.

Re ultra-tiny hooks: I was first taught to crochet with one of those!!!!! I never finished that "doily", it was so awful and did not look like anything at all but a well-used floor rag - but nevertheless I did learn to crochet. I am so grateful to the lady who taught me, a woman where I worked. It might have been less of a trial, though, if she had recommended a nonsteel hook and some worsted yarn. Ah, well!

[Gloriamv]

I went and looked at my crochet cotton and I have a 10 and it is thin. Thanks for your response
Gloria

[Gloriamv]

I looked and saw 10 is thin. I wasn't even thinking when I bought thread.
Gloria

[spoula]

Hi. It has been 20 years since I've crocheted, I am really rusty, and I have restarted by making [don't laugh] dishcloths out of #4 Cotton.

I notice in the yarn catalogues that there are yarns and threads that sure didn't exist 40 years ago, when I first learned to crochet as a teenager.

Anyway, I am now looking for a cotton yarn/thread that is lighter than the standard #4. I want to crochet a simple vest that recommends #4 Acrylic, but I want it in thin cotton instead.

I have found several brands of #3 Cotton, but I am not sure if they are all the same thing. One brand says "Mercerized". Would this have the same texture and uses as a #3 cotton that is just described as "100% Cotton"?

Does anyone here recall a now-discontinued #3 cotton thread called Speed Cro Sheen? It was pretty heavy, as I recall, and was mercerized. That is not what I want.

What would these two forms of #3 Cotton be used for? Hope someone here can come up with an answer! Many thanks.

All,
I used #3 thread to make the baby dress (purple and white) I posted under pictures on this forum. It made the shells and picots standout. The dress was soft not hard like dollies.Mercerized thread is washed with chemicals to get the fuzz off and it has a little sheen to it not real shiny. There is no difference in texture when both say 100% cotton. I am currently using the #3 mercerized thread to make a white bikini for one of my grand daughters so far it is really pretty. All lacy looking with a bit of shine to it. (like pearls) I need to line it and make the top. I will post a picture when it is complete. This size thread is easy to work with and you don't have to use a number 10 hook. I am using a C or 2.75mm to make the bikini ( for no holes)

Spoula

[GramaKate]

Interesting, Spoula, I can hardly wait to see your finished creation.

[MeToo!]

I used #3 thread to make the baby dress (purple and white) I posted under pictures on this forum

I finally found this, along with the cute hat. I like your choice of colours for the dress - not Fisher-Pricey but nice & restrained. That is a beautiful dress. Congrats.

[spoula]

Thank you MeToo,
I actually wanted to make the dress in 3 other colors but couldn't find the colors in the size thread I wanted. My husband picked out those 3 colors. I have made many things in lavender or purple for her and wanted something different. The picture I posted is kind of dark and I don't think you can see the detail in the yolk or the skirt. The baby just turned 12 months old so she will be able to wear the dress soon.
Spoula

[GramaKate]

If you can get premier or Hobby Lobby yarns, or Patons, they have a lighter cotton yarn that is #3 and it would compare to sport weight yarn. There is a difference in Thread and Yarn. I think of threads as doily type fabric and yarn as wearable type fabric.

[spoula]

If you can get premier or Hobby Lobby yarns, or Patons, they have a lighter cotton yarn that is #3 and it would compare to sport weight yarn. There is a difference in Thread and Yarn. I think of threads as doily type fabric and yarn as wearable type fabric.

Hello GramaKate,
I use to think that threads are only for dollies and yarn for sweaters, vest, blankets, hats. But there is so many different threads and yarn on the market and so many new ideas to use them. I like the Patons yarn. I was going to make a bikini for one of my granddaughters with it but they only had one color in the amount I needed and it was pink. She didn't want pink so I am using thread. I made one in white and I have started the other one in a gold/tan color. So far they look nice. I first purchased a number 2 yarn and made a bikini with it but I didn't like it as much. So I am going to use that yarn for my youngest granddaughter who is 12 months old. I am going to make a vest from an old hippy pattern I had when I was young. Looks like what was popular then is coming back. My oldest granddaughter like vintage patterns.
Spoula