Crochet Thread at JOANN: Sizes, Types, Uses and Buying Guide (2026)

Crochet thread is not yarn. It is thinner, tighter, and used for completely different projects lace, doilies, jewelry, and fine edging instead of blankets and scarves. If you have ever picked up a thin spool at a craft store and wondered what it is for, this is the guide for you.

The yarn section at JOANN stocked crochet thread alongside regular yarn Aunt Lydia crochet thread in multiple sizes, cotton crochet thread in a full color range, and specialty bamboo and lace weight options. After store closures in 2025, most crochet thread shopping has moved online. This guide covers the full size system, fiber types, hook sizes, projects, brands, and where to buy crochet thread now.

What Is Crochet Thread

Crochet thread is a fine, tightly twisted cotton or cotton-blend yarn used for detailed crochet work. It is much thinner than standard crochet yarn. The tight twist gives it a smooth, firm texture that holds fine stitch detail in finished pieces.

Thread crochet material is different from knitting thread and different from sewing thread. It is specifically designed for crocheting spun and twisted to the right tension for hook use, available in a range of numbered sizes, and sold on spools or balls rather than skeins.

Most crochet thread is mercerized cotton cotton that has been treated to increase its luster, strength, and ability to hold dye. Mercerized cotton crochet thread feels smooth and slightly silky compared to untreated cotton, and it holds color more vibrantly over time.

What Is Crochet Thread Used For

Crochet thread is used for fine, detailed work that standard yarn cannot produce. Common crochet thread uses include lace patterns, doilies, edging, jewelry, ornaments, and decorative crochet projects that require precision and small stitch definition.

Common uses for crochet thread:

Doilies the most traditional crochet thread project, worked in size 10 thread
Lace edging applied to fabric edges, handkerchiefs, and linens
Crochet jewelry rings, bracelets, earrings made with fine thread
Ornaments small crocheted balls, snowflakes, and holiday shapes
Granny squares in thread miniature versions of the classic block pattern
Table runners and placemats lace-style flat work in cotton thread
Bookmarks thin, precise work using size 20 or 30 thread
Edging on baby clothing delicate trims applied to finished garments

Crochet thread crafts sit in a different category from yarn crochet. The finished items are smaller, more intricate, and often decorative rather than functional.

Crochet Thread vs Yarn

This is the question most beginners have first. What is the difference between crochet thread and yarn?

Feature	Crochet Thread	Yarn
Thickness	Very thin	Ranges thin to thick
Hook size	0.75mm to 2.5mm steel hooks	3.5mm to 15mm+ hooks
Fiber	Usually cotton or cotton blend	Acrylic, wool, cotton, blends
Texture	Smooth, firm, tightly twisted	Soft, lofty, variable
Projects	Lace, doilies, jewelry, edging	Blankets, scarves, garments
Stitch visibility	Very high fine detail shows	Moderate stitches visible
Beginner difficulty	Intermediate	Beginner-friendly

The key difference is weight. Crochet thread is the finest weight material used in crochet equivalent to lace weight yarn on the yarn weight scale. Crochet thread yarn weight sits below lace weight yarn, making it the finest category used in crochet work. If you are looking for something to make a blanket or hat, you want yarn. If you want to make lace, doilies, or fine edging you want crochet thread.

Crochet thread yarn weight places it below even lace weight yarn thinner than weight 0 lace weight in most cases. The thread size system (explained below) runs independently of the standard yarn weight number system.

For thicker projects like blankets and garments, see the blanket yarn joann guide and cotton yarn joann guide for yarn options better suited to large-scale crochet.

Crochet Thread Size System Explained

The crochet thread size system is the most important thing to understand before buying. The numbering works in reverse from what most people expect.

Higher number = thinner thread. Lower number = thicker thread.

This is opposite to how most people think about size numbers. A size 3 thread is thick for thread. A size 80 thread is extremely fine. Common sizes include 3, 5, 8, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 80, with size 10 being the most widely used for patterns. Most beginner thread patterns use size 10 because it is the middle ground fine enough for detailed work, thick enough to see and handle comfortably.

Thread Size	Thickness	Hook Size	Best For
Size 3	Thickest thread	2.25–2.5mm	Dishcloths, thick edging
Size 5	Thick	1.9–2.1mm	Edging, bags, accessories
Size 8	Medium-thick	1.5–1.75mm	General work, patterns
Size 10	Standard	1.5mm	Doilies, lace, most patterns
Size 20	Fine	0.9–1.0mm	Fine lace, edging
Size 30	Very fine	0.75–0.9mm	Advanced lace
Size 40	Extra fine	0.75mm	Detailed lace, heirloom work
Size 80	Extremely fine	0.5–0.6mm	Professional lacework

Size 10 is the most widely stocked and the best size to start with. It is the default size for the vast majority of published doily and thread crochet patterns. Aunt Lydia size 10 was the most consistently purchased crochet thread at JOANN.

Crochet Thread Size 10 The Standard

Crochet thread size 10 is the standard size for most thread crochet patterns. It is fine enough to produce delicate-looking lace but thick enough to be manageable for beginners transitioning from yarn crochet.

Most doily patterns, edging patterns, and beginner thread projects are written for size 10. Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread size 10 is the most widely available crochet cotton size 10 in the US market and was the primary thread option stocked at JOANN.

Hook pairing for size 10: a 1.5mm steel crochet hook. Steel hooks are labeled differently from standard crochet hooks steel hook sizes run from 0 (largest) to 14 (smallest). A US size 7 steel hook is 1.65mm and works well for most size 10 thread patterns.

Crochet Thread Size 3

Crochet thread size 3 is the thickest commonly available thread size. It is close in thickness to very fine lace weight yarn and produces fabric that is denser and heavier than size 10 thread.

Size 3 is used for dishcloths, cotton bags, thick edging, and accessories where a slightly heavier cotton fabric is appropriate. It is also the easiest thread size for beginners to work with because the thicker diameter is easier to see and manipulate.

Hook pairing for size 3: a 2.25mm to 2.5mm steel hook or a very small standard hook.

Crochet Thread Size 40 and Finer

Crochet thread size 40 is used for fine lacework and detailed heirloom patterns. At this thickness, the thread produces extremely delicate fabric with very fine stitch detail. Size 40 and finer (size 80 is the finest common size) are used by experienced thread crocheters for collector-quality doilies, bridal lace, and museum-quality work.

Beginners should not start with size 40. The thread is difficult to see, the hooks are very small, and mistakes are hard to spot until several rows later. Master size 10 first then move to finer sizes as your technique improves.

Crochet Thread Hook Size Chart

The correct crochet thread hook size depends on the thread thickness. Size 10 thread typically uses a 1.5mm steel hook, size 3 uses 2.25mm to 2.5mm, and finer threads like size 40 use hooks below 1mm. Steel hooks are required for thread crochet because standard crochet hooks are too large for fine thread work.

Steel crochet hooks are used for thread not the standard aluminum or plastic hooks used with yarn. Steel hooks are thinner and labeled with a number system that runs opposite to standard hooks.

Thread Size	Metric Hook	US Steel Hook Size
Size 3	2.25–2.5mm	US 1–2
Size 5	1.9–2.1mm	US 5
Size 8	1.5–1.75mm	US 6–7
Size 10	1.5mm	US 7
Size 20	0.9–1.0mm	US 10–11
Size 30	0.75–0.9mm	US 12
Size 40	0.75mm	US 12–14
Size 80	0.5–0.6mm	US 14

Always check your pattern for the recommended hook size and match it to the thread size you are using. Thread tension is much more sensitive to hook size differences than yarn crochet. One hook size off can change the finished dimensions of a doily significantly.

Types of Crochet Thread

Cotton Crochet Thread

Cotton crochet thread is the standard fiber for thread crochet. It is smooth, strong, and holds fine stitch definition clearly. Mercerized cotton crochet thread has been chemically treated to produce a silky sheen and deeper color saturation than untreated cotton.

Cotton crochet thread joann stocked in the standard section was primarily Aunt Lydia’s Classic 100% mercerized cotton in sizes 3, 10, and occasionally 20. Cotton thread is the best starting fiber for thread crochet beginners.

Bamboo Crochet Thread

Bamboo crochet thread is a semi-natural fiber with a silkier feel than standard cotton. Aunt Lydia bamboo crochet thread size 10 was available at JOANN in the specialty thread section. Bamboo thread has a natural drape and sheen that produces beautiful results for decorative lacework.

Polyester Crochet Thread

Polyester crochet thread is more durable than cotton and holds color well. It does not have the same natural feel as cotton but is stronger and more resistant to wear. Used for items that will be handled frequently bookmarks, bag handles, and functional edging.

Acrylic Crochet Thread

Acrylic crochet thread is the most affordable option. It is machine washable, widely available in basic colors, and consistent in thickness. Less common in the fine thread market than cotton, but available for craft projects where natural fiber is not required.

Crochet Thread Types Chart

Thread Type	Fiber	Feel	Best For	Price Range
Mercerized cotton	Natural	Smooth, slight sheen	Doilies, lace, standard work	$3–$6 per ball
Bamboo blend	Semi-natural	Silky, drapey	Decorative lace, gifts	$5–$9 per ball
Polyester	Synthetic	Smooth, firm	Functional edging, bags	$2–$5 per ball
Acrylic	Synthetic	Smooth	Budget projects	$2–$4 per ball

Aunt Lydia Crochet Thread

Aunt Lydia crochet thread is the most widely sold and most recognized crochet thread brand in the US. Aunt Lydia is the most recognized crochet thread name in the US market and is often used interchangeably with crochet cotton thread in patterns and tutorials. Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread in size 10 is the default starting thread for most beginners and the most-stocked thread at JOANN.

Aunt Lydia product lines:

Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread Size 10 100% mercerized cotton, available in a wide color range including white, ecru, black, and pastels. 350 yards per ball. This is the thread most published doily and edging patterns are written for.

Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread Size 3 thicker cotton thread for heavier edging, dishcloths, and cotton accessories.

Aunt Lydia Bamboo Crochet Thread Size 10 a bamboo-cotton blend with a softer, silkier texture than the all-cotton Classic line. Less widely stocked but available through specialty retailers.

Aunt Lydias size 10 crochet thread is the best first purchase for anyone starting thread crochet. It is widely available, consistently produced, affordable at $3 to $5 per ball, and compatible with the widest range of published patterns.

Crochet Thread Colors at JOANN

JOANN stocked crochet thread in a functional color range centered on the most-used colors for lace and doily work.

Standard colors always stocked:

White crochet thread joann the most used color for doilies and lace
Ecru warm off-white, traditional doily color
Black crochet thread joann used for contrast edging and dark backgrounds
Blue crochet thread joann medium and navy
Pink crochet thread joann soft pink for baby and gift projects
Red crochet thread joann holiday and accent work

Aunt Lydia size 10 color range: 50+ solid colors in the full Classic line sold in individual balls at $3 to $5 each.

Popular Crochet Thread Projects

Crochet thread projects focus on fine, detailed work that cannot be achieved with standard yarn. These projects are typically smaller, decorative, and precision-based the opposite of the fast, large-scale blankets and garments that yarn crochet produces.

Doilies

Doilies are the most traditional crochet thread project. They are worked in rounds from the center outward using size 10 thread and a steel hook. Beginner doily patterns use simple increases in each round. More advanced patterns add lace openwork as the diameter grows.

A basic beginner doily in size 10 thread takes approximately 100 to 200 yards and completes in 3 to 6 hours depending on experience level.

Crochet Lace Edging

Crochet thread edging is applied to fabric edges tea towels, pillowcases, table linens, and clothing hems. It uses size 10 or finer thread in short repeating pattern rows. Edging patterns are beginner-friendly because they require only a few stitches per repeat.

Crochet Thread Jewelry

Fine crochet thread is used for jewelry rings, bracelets, earrings, and pendants worked with size 20 to size 40 thread. The thin diameter allows small, precise shapes to be formed around wire frames or directly in thread alone. Crochet thread jewelry produces lightweight, colorful accessories that are popular at craft markets.

Crochet Ornaments

Crochet ornaments snowflakes, stars, bells, and balls are worked in size 10 thread, stiffened with sugar water or commercial fabric stiffener, and shaped while wet. Holiday ornaments are one of the most popular crochet thread crafts for both beginners and experienced crocheters.

Crochet Thread Granny Squares

Miniature granny squares in size 10 thread produce small, intricate motifs used for joining into lightweight shawls, table runners, and decorative panels. Crochet thread granny square patterns require the same technique as yarn granny squares but at a much smaller scale a standard 4-inch yarn granny square becomes a 1 to 1.5 inch motif in size 10 thread.

Crochet Thread Free Patterns

The majority of crochet thread free patterns available online are doilies, edging, and lace motifs written for size 10 thread. Ravelry, DMC, and Aunt Lydia’s own website offer free downloadable patterns for thread crochet projects at all skill levels.

Crochet thread patterns are most commonly written for size 10 cotton thread, especially for doilies and lace edging. Size 3 patterns exist but are typically used for heavier projects like bags and accessories. Free crochet thread patterns are widely available online, with the majority focused on lace motifs, edging designs, and decorative pieces rather than garments. When choosing a pattern, always check the thread size and hook recommendation to ensure the finished piece matches the intended dimensions.

How to Choose the Right Crochet Thread

Step 1 Choose size based on pattern. Most published patterns specify a thread size. Match your thread to the pattern first. If the pattern does not specify, size 10 covers the majority of thread crochet patterns correctly.

Step 2 Choose fiber for the project. Cotton for lace and doilies it holds stitch definition and washes well. Bamboo for decorative gifts the silkier texture elevates the finished piece. Polyester for functional edging durability matters more than sheen.

Step 3 Choose color last. Thread color is the easiest variable to change. Choose fiber and size first, then select color.

Step 4 Check yardage before buying. Crochet thread balls are smaller than yarn skeins typically 150 to 400 yards per ball. Large projects like full doily sets or table runners may require 3 to 5 balls. Always check the pattern yardage requirement before purchasing.

Beginner Tips for Crochet Thread

Start with size 10 thread. It is the most forgiving thread size and compatible with the most patterns. Do not start with size 40 or finer the thin diameter makes learning technique far more difficult than it needs to be.

Use a steel crochet hook. Standard hooks are too large for thread. A US size 7 steel hook (1.65mm) is the correct starting hook for size 10 thread.

Work in good light. Thread crochet requires seeing individual stitches clearly. Poor lighting leads to dropped stitches and miscounts that compound over rows. A bright direct light source reduces eye strain significantly.

Use a yarn bowl or place the thread ball in a small cup or bag. Thread balls unwind easily and roll away constantly if left loose. Controlling the feed tension prevents twisted thread and dropped stitches.

Count your stitches at the end of every round on circular projects. One missed or added stitch in a doily round causes the entire shape to distort. A simple stitch count after each round catches mistakes before they become unfixable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Crochet Thread

Starting too fine is the most common beginner mistake. Size 80 thread looks impressive in finished work but is nearly impossible to learn technique on. Start at size 10 and move finer only when the basics feel solid.

Using the wrong hook size produces stitch tension that does not match the pattern gauge. Always use a steel hook sized for thread standard yarn hooks are too large and produce loose, floppy fabric that does not hold lace structure.

Pulling thread too tightly creates stiff, dense fabric that does not spread to the correct dimensions when blocked. Thread crochet should feel slightly loose in your hand the blocking process pulls the final piece to its correct shape.

Skipping blocking leaves finished thread pieces looking small and puckered. Thread doilies and lace pieces require wet blocking soaking in water, pinning to the correct shape, and allowing to dry completely. A blocked doily looks dramatically better than an unblocked one.

Not matching dye lots on multi-ball projects creates visible color variation in the finished piece. Thread balls are smaller than yarn skeins large projects require multiple balls. Always match dye lot numbers when purchasing more than one ball for the same project.

Crochet Thread Price at JOANN

Brand	Thread	Size	Yards	Price Range
Aunt Lydia's Classic	Cotton	Size 10	350 yards	$3–$5
Aunt Lydia's Classic	Cotton	Size 3	400 yards	$3–$5
Aunt Lydia Bamboo	Bamboo blend	Size 10	300 yards	$5–$8
DMC Cebelia	Cotton	Size 10/20	282 yards	$5–$8
Coats & Clark	Cotton	Size 10	300 yards	$3–$5

Crochet thread joann sale events offered 30% to 40% off notions and thread during seasonal promotions. Crochet thread joann under $3 per ball was achievable on standard Aunt Lydia Classic size 10 with a coupon or during clearance events. At $3 to $5 per ball for 300 to 400 yards, crochet thread is one of the most affordable craft materials per yard of any product in the yarn section.

JOANN vs Michaels vs Hobby Lobby for Crochet Thread

Feature	JOANN (pre-closure)	Michaels	Hobby Lobby
Aunt Lydia Classic size 10	Full color range	Partial	Partial
Aunt Lydia size 3	Yes	Yes	Yes
Bamboo crochet thread	Yes specialty section	Rarely	Rarely
DMC thread	Yes	Yes	Limited
Color range	Very wide	Moderate	Moderate
Steel hook availability	Full size range	Partial	Partial
Coupon discount	40–50% weekly	20% app	40% single item

JOANN carried the widest color range for Aunt Lydia Classic size 10 of any major craft chain typically 40 to 50 colors versus 15 to 25 at Michaels and Hobby Lobby. Amazon now carries the complete Aunt Lydia range in all available colors with better availability than any current physical retailer.

Crochet Thread at JOANN

Thread crochet is one of the oldest crochet traditions predating yarn crochet significantly. JOANN stocked crochet thread from its earliest craft supply years, with Aunt Lydia’s Classic Cotton becoming the standard thread brand in the US market through the mid-20th century.

The category maintained a loyal customer base even as yarn crochet grew to dominate mainstream craft culture in the 2000s and 2010s. Thread crocheters are among the most brand-consistent craft customers many have used Aunt Lydia size 10 in ecru for decades and purchase the same product repeatedly.

Crochet Thread Near Me

Before store closures, searches for crochet thread near me and crochet thread joann nearby consistently returned JOANN as the primary local option because of the full color range in Aunt Lydia size 10 that no other chain matched.

Today, searches for crochet thread near me often return Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and independent yarn or needlework stores as the primary in-store options. However, most locations carry only size 10 and a limited color range. For full size availability from size 3 to size 40 and beyond, most crocheters now rely on online stores where the complete product range is consistently in stock. Independent needlework shops locally carry the widest specialty thread selection particularly finer sizes like 20, 30, and 40 that general craft chains rarely stock. For current store options see the joann fabrics near me guide.

Where to Buy Crochet Thread Now

Amazon carries the complete Aunt Lydia Classic size 10 range in all available colors, Aunt Lydia Bamboo, DMC Cebelia, and Coats and Clark thread with year-round availability across all sizes from 3 to 80. Most thread crocheters now buy online because the full color range and multiple size options are in one place. Crochet thread joann sale pricing is still reflected online through seasonal discounts and bundle pricing, with size 10 cotton thread often available at lower prices when purchased in multi-packs.

Care and Storage of Crochet Thread

Store crochet thread balls in a sealed plastic bag or small box to protect from dust and humidity. Thread attracts dust more than yarn because the tight, smooth surface has no pile to trap it. Dusty thread becomes visible in white and ecru finished pieces.

Keep thread away from direct sunlight. Mercerized cotton thread holds color well but can yellow over time with prolonged UV exposure particularly white and ecru. Sealed storage in a drawer or box prevents this.

Do not store thread with yarn. Yarn pills and sheds fibers. Thread stored adjacent to fuzzy yarn picks up lint that becomes embedded in the tight thread twist and is very difficult to remove.

Wash finished thread crochet pieces in cool water with gentle detergent. Lay flat to dry or block to shape while damp. Do not put thread crochet items in the dryer heat weakens cotton fibers over time and may shrink the finished piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is crochet thread?

Crochet thread is fine, tightly twisted cotton or cotton-blend material used for detailed crochet work like lace, doilies, edging, and jewelry. It is much thinner than standard crochet yarn and requires small steel hooks.

What is crochet thread used for?

Crochet thread is used for doilies, lace edging, crochet jewelry, ornaments, granny square motifs, bookmarks, and fine decorative lacework. It is not used for blankets, scarves, or garments those use yarn.

What is the difference between crochet thread and yarn?

Yarn is thick and used with large hooks for items like blankets and hats. Crochet thread is fine and used with tiny steel hooks for lace and detailed work. Thread produces much smaller, more detailed stitches than yarn.

What size crochet thread should a beginner start with?

Size 10. It is the standard size for most published patterns, the most widely available, and thick enough to work with comfortably. Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread size 10 is the recommended starting product.

What hook size do I use for size 10 crochet thread?

A 1.5mm steel hook (US size 7 steel) is the standard hook for size 10 thread. Steel hooks are smaller and labeled differently from standard crochet hooks always buy a steel hook for thread work.

Does higher thread size number mean thicker or thinner?

Thinner. Higher numbers mean finer thread. Size 3 is thick for thread. Size 80 is extremely fine. Size 10 is the standard middle-ground size.

What is Aunt Lydia crochet thread?

Aunt Lydia is the most widely available crochet thread brand in the US. Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread in size 10 is the default product for most beginners and the most commonly stocked thread at craft stores. It is 100% mercerized cotton available in 50+ colors.

Did JOANN sell crochet thread?

Yes. JOANN stocked Aunt Lydia Classic in the full color range across size 3 and size 10, plus Aunt Lydia Bamboo, DMC Cebelia, and Coats and Clark thread in the dedicated thread section.

What is crochet cotton size 10?

Crochet cotton size 10 is the standard weight cotton thread used for most doily, lace, and edging patterns. Size 10 sits at the middle of the thread size range finer than size 3 but thicker than size 20 or finer. It is the most beginner-friendly thread size.