I just did some for practice with some cookie icing, which of course is a little different than buttercream.

I used the #3 tip and it came out quite nice but the lines looked a little thick.

I tried a #2 tip and it was sooooo fine you could hardly see it.

I didn't think there would be such a big difference between #2 and #3? I have the wilton tips. Are Ateco tips 2 and 3 the same size as wilton?

Which one do you use for cornelli lace?

I don´t know that there is any difference between Ateco and Wilton tips. As regards to the number of tip, it depends on the effect you´re looking for. If you want something very fine use a 1, a 2 I would say is the normal size tip I use for cornelli but if you want something that will stand out more a 3 would be Ok too. It depends on what you like, I suppose.

Inma

I use 2 or 3 but thin the icing enough so it comes out smooth and you don't get cramps in your hand. In my photos there is a white and green cake I used a 2 on and there is a chocolate and pink scroll cake I used a 4 on. Good Luck!

I was thinking #2 would be the correct size. I guess I was just surprised at how thin it looked, I could hardly see it. It looked more like a 1 to me.

No bigger than #2, since the look is more delicate. On my heart cake, I used a #1 for the the cornelli lace and #2 for the beading around it. I know this cake doesn't have a lot of cornelli lace, but I never use bigger than #2 anyway.

I use the plastic icing bags and just cut a small piece at the bottom of the bag and it comes out just fine. If you use a parchment bag, just do the same.

I have only used tip #1. This gives a nice effect without jumping off the cake. Helen