Expert: Bea Harrell - 3/30/2008

Question
I love crocheting dolies and doilies, but want to try a bedspread or tablecloth.  The newer patterns are boring, but the best old ones call for "PURITAN" MERCERIZED CROCHET COTTON or Mercerized Crochet and Knitting Cotton. Sometimes the patterns give an alternate thread with a size, but no size is ever given for the above terms.  I guess they were pretty standard.  Any idea of their sizes, so I can substitute?

examples - http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/onepietab.html
          http://www.angelfire.com/folk/celtwich/Design7520.html
           http://www.angelfire.com/folk/celtwich/NowILay.html

Answer
Hey, Georgia! I love the old patterns, too! Mercerized cotton thread is softer and more lustrous than unmercerized thread, but for bedspreads and tablecloths, the size is always #10. I use it for most everything I crochet, just because I'm not a fan of smaller threads (#20, 30 50,60) And also because that's the only size walmart, michaels, and hobby lobby, carry! Good luck with your ambitious project!

Best,  Bea