Hook sizes are not set in stone, and you are encouraged to use any size of steel crochet hook you like, or that works, in order for your crocheted item to meet the measurements that you will have taken before beginning to crochet.
For best results I suggest using #10 cotton crochet thread, however it should be possible to use other types of thread, or even yarn. The amount of thread will depend entirely on the finished size, thus the only assistance that I can provide is the amount of thread used in making each pattern's example seen in the pictures. (Each ball of thread weighed about 50 grams, and measured approximately 260 yards.)