I learned to crochet with #10 thread and a very thin hook. 
My mother crocheted doilies and such out of the
“bedspread weight thread” so I did the same. 

 In the beginning.  Remember the old pattern of the Grape Doily using bottle caps? 
I am still looking for that old pattern. 
If you know where I might find this old pattern
please e mail me at patricia@crochetbest.com
 

The best thing to crochet is to crochet just what you want /  need. 
I have crocheted quite a few items and posted here on this
website for you to choose from
but you can e mail me to order what you have in mind.