I have several thread counters. I bought one from Hobby Lobby but it's very hard to read fabric threads with it. I have the R.O.S.E. (Roxanne Optimal Strand Estimator) It's much easier to use. ($15) At work I had access to an industrial one, I sure miss the perks of a good job. At home I put a piece of fabric under a little red microscope (the ones all kids had) It makes it super simple to count the threads and see the weave. I use that microscope for thread too. I was shocked at the slubs and thin spots on most all the different brands of thread. I can see how much fuzz is on a strand of thread too. Go to a yardsale and get one of the microscopes!