Here's how I explain the thread weights in my
crochet jewelry patterns, in order of thick thread to thin, with US, UK and AUS terms:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUPX1JvLoz2YTT7js9VUiYZuOJdy_j8l2hWK4YAB_79RhAG7WbM50U2X5BOEZoCkxMbbPZtbcVL_joPZsAszJ0Iz4olvvmeI5U51ZA6LV8dEfVlfnkZhYT4Hsk0StLrFgLDpfV0ZIpLo/s320-rw/Irish+Pearlcords+3+thread+sizes+1000w.jpg) |
Irish Pearl Cords L to R: Size #5 Lanaknits Hemp, Size #10 Cebelia, and Size #20 Opera threads. |
Size #3 crochet thread is fairly equivalent in thickness to CYCA #2 Fine or US "sport weight" yarns {UK Light DK, AUS 5 Ply}; however, yarns don't necessarily behave like a cotton crochet thread of the same thickness. Jewelry patterns often require crochet thread because of its smooth, finely twisted and plied mercerized cotton, usually “z-twisted.”
Size #5 crochet thread is fairly equivalent in thickness to CYCA #1 Super Fine or US "fingering weight' yarn {UK & AUS 3 Ply or 4 Ply}; however, not all yarns behave like a cotton crochet thread of the same thickness, so substitutions may not work well. Six-strand cotton embroidery floss falls in this size range when crocheted with all 6 strands together.
Size #10 crochet thread: some thread crocheters call this popular size “bedspread weight.”
It's lumped together with thinner thread sizes in the yarn industry’s catch-all “lace weight” category: CYCA #0 Lace weight yarn {UK & AUS ??}; and most lace weight yarns don’t behave like a cotton crochet thread of the same thickness. Most of my
thread crochet jewelry is designed for use with smooth, finely twisted and plied mercerized cotton, preferably “
z-twisted” (i.e. has a counterclockwise twist).
Size #20 crochet thread: As with Size #10 & #30 crochet threads, equivalent yarn weight names are not helpful with these extra fine threads. For the best looking and lasting crochet jewelry, use a “6-cord” thread, sometimes called "cordonnet." It has recently become easier to find in more colors than the traditional white and ecru.
Size #30 crochet thread: As with Size #10 & #20 threads, equivalent yarn weight names are not helpful with these extra fine threads. For the best looking and lasting crochet jewelry, use a “6-cord” thread, although it's difficult to find it in modern colors.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Qfl3jEsfi427xEibQJC6q-APQqG-rOd6etsyQOVmVxzazOtNf_K6FmAf9dXklVwAVYBo-uyi2cETFpHB_GJxkm3kmZ7T93OPpIJIuh7r4IAXbTWM9o-2M2NV_-9XT934AVrLNQHgQMQ/s400-rw/Palmetto+cuffs+colors+cvr+1000w.jpg) |
Palmetto Cuffs crocheted of yarns spanning the light sport to aran (heavy worsted) weight categories. The yarn of the smallest cuff is equivalent to the thickest thread size #3! |