Difference Between Number 10 & Number 20 Crochet Thread

Doilies was chrocheted with thread, as opposed to afghans and scarves which are crocheted with yarn.

Crocheting is one of the most enduring needlework crafts still practiced today. The art is thought to have originated in England and France during the 1500s. Crochet remains popular today both as a hobby and as a way to create unique clothing and home decorating accessories. Crocheters use yarn to create afghans, scarves and hats and use thread to create delicate doilies and lace trim.

Number 10 Crochet Thread

Number 10 cotton crochet thread is the size most often used for coasters and doilies. Antimacassars -- pieces of lace draped across the back of a chair to protect the upholstery from hair pomades -- were also typically made from number 10 crochet thread.

Number 20 Crochet Thread

Number 20 crochet thread is finer than than number 10 thread. In crochet thread terminology, as the thread size increases, the circumference of the thread decreases. Thus, number 5 crochet thread is thicker than number 10 crochet thread, number 10 is thicker than number 20 and so on until you get to the most delicate crochet thread made, number 100. Number 20 crochet thread is a thread well suited for making snowflakes, lace edging and pendants for jewelry.

Crochet Hooks

Yarn crochet projects are worked on colorful aluminum crochet hooks, but thread projects are worked on steel hooks. As with crochet thread, the higher the number of the hook, the smaller the hook size. Most patterns that call for number 10 crochet thread recommend a size 7 hook, and patterns that call for number 20 crochet thread recommend a smaller hook. Steel hooks go up to size 14 for fine lace crochet.

Crochet Thread Quality

Premium threads are worth the extra cost. Premium crochet threads have a higher luster than less expensive, fuzzier threads because they have been mercerized, a process that burns the fuzz off the thread and makes it shiny. Premium threads are easier to work with and hold their twist longer than cheaper, non-mercerized threads.

References

• Butler's Bears: History of Crochet
• Snowflakes and Thread Crochet: Thread Size
• Snowflakes and Thread Crochet: Thread Crochet for Beginners