To illustrate the size difference, I have tatted up the same butterfly pattern in every size of Lizbeth thread (from left to right is 80, 40, 20, 10, and 3)
I find size 3 too large, but good for small motifs and to teach on initially. Size 3 makes seeing the stitches very easy but its very bulky and cumbersome to keep advancing your thread. Once a student can do a couple stitches on size 3, I then immediately move them to size 10 thread. Size 10 is then what I would send them home with to practice on. Size 10 is my favorite but only available online where I am. Most of my tatting is done in size 10 (occasionally I will use size 20 or size 3, but this is highly project specific).
Size 20 is very common and easily available in limited colors at Hobby Lobby. I don't go beyond size 20 because it is too small for me, but many tatters do. Traditionally, tatting was done in super fine thread so going beyond size 20 is common.
Handy Hands (the maker of Lizbeth threads) will usually provide catalog upon request and mine came with a small sample threads. Test them out and find your own preference!
Lizbeth thread can be found for sale at:
Tatting Corner
Handy Hands
Amazon sometimes has select colors and sizes, often at higher than list price
Hobby Lobby sells limited colors in size 3 and 20
Size chart with yardage on the ball (price current as of 2019):
- Size 3 = 50 grams, approx. 120 yds - $6.25 each
- Size 10 = 25 grams, approx. 122 yds - $4.25 each
- Size 20 = 25 grams, approx. 210 yds - $4.25 each
- Size 40 = 25 grams, approx 300 yds - $4.50 each
- Size 80 = 10 grams, approx. 184 yds - $3.10 each
100% Egyptian Cotton Exceptional High Quality cordonnet thread with a large assortment of colors! Handy Hands, Inc., U.S. seller of tatting supplies and books, combined forces with an international thread manufacturer to develop this exceptional imported line of cotton thread, designed especially for tatters, crocheters, knitters and hand-crafters of all persuasions.
Choose from over 201 colors in size 10, 20, 40 and 80. In size 3 there are 100 colors to choose from. Lizbeth thread is a 6-cord cordonnet, shiny, has rich and vibrant color. The thread is super-combed and gas-singed for outstanding body, mercerized and color fast. Color is uniform throughout. Made to Handy Hands' high standard of quality.
Please note that I use the cotton Lizbeth thread. There is a metallic version, but this tats up differently and is not 100% cotton.
I have one ball of the Lizbeth Twirlz but I haven't used it yet. I have been warned it is harder to see your stitches in this thread, so I would not give it to a new student.
I have also tatted with silk thread, pearl cotton, silk yarn, among others. Lizbeth thread is by far my favorite.
