The Threaddatabase

Why the thread diameter

The many different ways of labelling thread sizes on the market call for a clear, comparable solution. I have offered this solution since 2013 with a measuring method I developed for the purpose, which focuses on the actual diameter of the threads. Different threads and brands can be compared simply and directly.

The dD system – average thread diameter in units of 10 micrometres – has a unique advantage: a thread of dD 30 is twice as thick as one of dD 15. If the pin spacing is to be 10 % larger than the original, we need a thread 10 % thicker – and when the dD value rises by 10 %, the thread really is 10 % thicker. No other numbering system offers this simple conversion.

In classic bobbin lace techniques such as Flanders, Valenciennes, Paris lace or Torchon, the pattern depends directly on the thread size. The method applies to all raw materials and to all threads with a round cross-section; floss threads can be laid wider, so their minimum dD value is given.

How the database is organised

• By manufacturer: all threads in alphabetical order of their manufacturers.
• By thread size: all measured threads ordered by size – so you can easily find threads of the same thickness.

The measurements are updated regularly. Many threads link to their manufacturer, so you can order directly there.

Material codes, twist directions and put-ups are explained in the legend – no login needed.

How the database came about

The Threaddatabase grew out of the measurements in my final thesis at the Kantcentrum in Bruges, titled “Draad en Patroon; een Zamenspel”. Details on this and other numbering systems are in the German translation, the book Faden & Brief: Ein Zusammenspiel.

For converting your patterns there is also my free dD calculator on wolter-kampmann.de.

– Martina Wolter-Kampmann