This chart is based on assessing threads by wrapping the thread around a solid object, like a pencil, between two marks 1cm (10mm) apart, and counting how many wraps it takes (Wraps Per Centimetre). All the threads below can be found in Brenda Paternoster’s book, “Threads for Lace”.
| Thread | WPC | Footside
pins mm |
Grid
Mm |
| DMC Perle 3 | 8 | 12 | 6 |
| DMC Perle 5 | 12 | 10 | 5 |
| DMC Cordonnet 10 | 16 | 8 | 4 |
| DMC Cordonnet 20 | 17 | 7 | 3.5 |
| DMC Perle 8 | 17 | 8 | 4 |
| Finca 20 | 19 | 6 | 3 |
| DMC Cordonnet 30 | 20 | 6 | 3 |
| DMC Perle 12 | 21 | 6 | 3 |
| DMC Cordonnet 40 | 22 | 6 | 3 |
| DMC Cordonnet 60 | 24 | 5 | 2.5 |
| Finca 30 | 27 | 4 | 2 |
| Gutermann Quilting thread | 28 | 4 | 2 |
| Finca 40 | 29 | 4 | 2 |
| Tanne 30 | 29 | 4 | 2 |
| DMC Cordonnet 80 | 30 | 4 | 2 |
| Brok 36/3 | 30 | 4 | 2 |
| Gutermann Sulky CA02776 | 30 | 4 | 2 |
| DMC Cordonnet 100 | 32 | 4 | 2 |
| DMC Broder Machine 30 | 32 | 4 | 2 |
| Finca 50 | 34 | 3.5 | 1.75 |
| Brok 60 or 60/2 | 36 | 3.5 | 1.7 |
| Finca 60 | 38 | 3 | 1.5 |
| Tanne 50 | 39 | 3 | 1.5 |
| Gutermann 100% cotton | 40 | 3 | 1.5 |
| DMC Broder Machine 50 | 42 | 2.8 | 1.4 |
| Finca 80 | 43 | 2.8 | 1.4 |
| Tanne 80 | 50 | 2.4 | 1.2 |
| Finca 100 | 54 | 2 | 1 |
All threads above are cottons. Brenda’s book covers every type of thread imaginable.
“Finca” is Presencia Finca Bolilos thread, my favourite.
“Tanne” is Madeira Tanne cotton, no longer easily available.
“DMC Cordonnet” is crochet thread. (DMC “Cebelia” is too soft for bobbin lace)
“DMC Broder Machine” is no longer easily available, but often quoted in older books.