Needlecrafts Crochet

Understanding Crochet Thread and Where to Buy It

Crochet thread and needles

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When people think of crochet thread, they often think of vintage crochet. However, the thread is still a popular fiber option for crocheters, even as thicker yarns have become more widely available and thus increasingly popular. People use thread crochet to make doilies and mandalas, crochet jewelry, and filet crochet art. Those who are ambitious can use thread to make large projects, even detailed crochet blankets. If you love this aspect of the craft, then you may be wondering where you should purchase crochet thread. Read on and find out.

  • 01 of 05

    Make Sure You Understand Thread Sizes

    Crochet thread on hook

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    Before you buy crochet thread, it's important to understand all about it. The biggest thing to know is how to choose the right thread size.

    Bigger is smaller.

    With yarn, the bigger the number, the thicker the yarn; the opposite is true with thread. With crochet thread, a size five is thicker than a size 30. If you want to work with crochet thread but you aren't very used to it, you'll want to start with a thicker thread, which means lower numbers.

    Yarn weights are numbered from zero to seven. Zero is the thinnest, and seven is "jumbo." This is important to know because a yarn that is labeled "0" is a lace weight or fingering weight yarn but it is also comparable in thickness to some of the thicker thread weights. So, if you're at a yarn store that doesn't have a specific section for thread, look for fingering weight yarn instead.

  • 02 of 05

    Figure Out What Fiber You Need

    Spools of crochet thread

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    The most common fiber for crochet thread is cotton, and therefore that is what you are going to find most easily. If you are seeking basic cotton thread then you should be able to find it anywhere that's selling yarn.

    However, there are also other types of crochet thread, and those may be tougher to find. Acrylic, nylon, metallic, and silk threads are options that many people seek for a cotton-alternative in crochet. It is often easier to find these alternatives online than in stores, where cotton will prevail.

  • 03 of 05

    Sewing and Embroidery Threads Are Not for Crochet

    Rows of colorful thread spools

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    Many people will go to the sewing section of their local craft store to purchase thread for crochet. Technically, you can use anything to crochet (from plastic bags to rope), but some materials are easier to work with than others. The thread that is created for sewing is very thin and simply doesn't work as well as thread intentionally created for crochet. While embroidery thread has the right thickness, the strips are very short, which is frustrating when trying to crochet because you will have to constantly join ends before working. So, when you go to purchase crochet thread, you want to look in the section of the store that is for yarn crafters, not the area for sewing.

  • 04 of 05

    Types of Store for Buying Crochet Thread

    Multi-colored spools

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    Now that you know what you're looking for, you're wondering where to shop. Crochet thread can be purchased in all of the same types of stores that sell yarn. This means you can go to chain craft stores (Michael's, JoAnn's, Hobby Lobby) as well as local yarn stores. You can also shop online from big and small sellers. One fun thing about crochet thread is that there is a lot of vintage thread on the market so you can also find supplies at thrift stores, antique markets, and estate sales. Even eBay can be a good option when looking to buy thread.

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  • 05 of 05

    Popular Brands of Crochet Thread

    bowl of crochet thread spools

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    If you are simply looking for a trusted brand to get started with, then there are a few terrific go-to choices for crochet thread. Aunt Lydia's is a number-one choice among many people for all different weights of crochet thread. Herrschner's and DMC are also trusted brands that have been offering crochet thread for a long time.

    Popular yarn brand Red Heart has its own line of nylon thread. Universal Yarn and Willow Yarns also have a few options when it comes to thread. Check Etsy for more unique offerings, particularly in terms of colors. Most name brands offer just solid colors, but Etsy sellers will sometimes have hand-dyed options that are variegated and more interesting to work with.