Question about thread size

[advanceguard]

Friends,

Ok, I am a bit confused by the myriad of linen thread size. Some sites list sizes from 18/3 to 100/3! I am primarily looking for linen thread for a shirt. The particular shirt I am making I want a visible stitch in a contrasting color around cuffs, pockets, buttonholes, etc. so I am thinking that the exposed thread should be a tad larger. Could someone enlighten me on the right sizes? My apologies in advance if this is a repetitive issue, I did preliminarily search the forum and did not turn up an answer.

Thanks in Advance!

Sorry for the misspelled title! I don't know how to fix it now that I posted it!

[advanceguard]

Re: Question about tread size

bump for a new day

[Canton Zouave]

Re: Question about tread size

Here is a handy yet lengthy explanation of threads and sizes. Though a modern explanation, your 19th Century values and measures will vary slightly.

http://designer-entrepreneurs.com/blog/illustrations/Thread_Sizes.htm