Types of COSMO Embroidery Thread

COSMO Threads Can Be Chosen Not Only by Color, but by the Expression You Want

When choosing embroidery thread, the beauty of the colors may be what catches your eye first. But as you grow more comfortable making pieces, you notice that differences in “thread thickness,” “sheen,” “texture,” and “intended use” greatly change how the finished work feels.

COSMO® offers many kinds of thread—starting with the classic No.25 embroidery thread, thicker No.5 embroidery thread, Seasons® for enjoying seasonal colors, nishikiito® for adding brilliant shimmer, and hidamari® suited to sashiko. This is not simply about having more materials; it means you can choose thread to match “what kind of expression you want in your work.”

Easy to Use as a Classic: COSMO® No.25 Embroidery Thread

COSMO’s signature thread is No.25 embroidery thread. It is easy to use for a wide range of techniques—including surface embroidery and cross-stitch—and is enjoyed by beginners through advanced stitchers.

Its greatest appeal is the richness of its color range. From about 500 color variations including delicate gradients, you can choose colors to match the world you want to create. Even with the same design, changing the colors alone can make a piece feel soft, vivid, or classic.

When You Want Dimension and Presence: COSMO® No.5 Embroidery Thread

No.5 embroidery thread is thicker than No.25. That extra thickness makes it easier to give the stitches themselves presence, and it suits work where you want a plump look or the strength of a bold line. It is also easy to use for techniques that make the most of thread thickness and texture, such as Hardanger, smocking, and coach needlework.

Use No.25 for fine expression, and No.5 when you want the stitches to take center stage. Simply changing the thread thickness can dramatically change the impression of a piece.

Enjoy Seasonal Colors with Seasons® No.25 Embroidery Thread

Seasons is a BOX (set) of No.25 embroidery thread curated in colors that evoke spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Even when you are unsure which colors to pick, choosing a set of seasonal colors makes it easier to unify the overall mood of a piece.

It is easy to use for surface embroidery and cross-stitch, and works well for flowers, landscapes, seasonal motifs, and embroidery meant as gifts.

Add Sparkle to Your Work with nishikiito® and Mylar Lame Thread

When you want a special touch in a piece, metallic thread shines. COSMO’s nishikiito and Mylar lame threads are threads for shimmering embroidery. nishikiito comes in colors and textures with different kinds of sparkle—such as “Nishiki,” “Tamamushi,” and “Hotaru”—and when used in cross-stitch or surface embroidery, they catch the light and glitter.

Adding just a little to areas where you want a sense of light—stars, snow, dresses, decorative lettering, Christmas motifs, and more—changes the impression. One of the charms of metallic thread is that it works not only for all-over use, but also as an accent.

Alongside Traditional Japanese Embroidery: hidamari® Sashiko Thread

Sashiko is a traditional Japanese technique of sewing patterns stitch by stitch onto fabric. Unlike typical embroidery thread, it uses thicker, more loosely twisted thread with a sashiko-like character.

hidamari is designed to be easy to use for sashiko, with a rich color range centered on solids, plus soft gradients, mottled looks, and multicolors. It is easy to incorporate into both traditional geometric patterns and contemporary color combinations.

Because There Are Many Types of Thread, Making Becomes Freer

When you want delicate color expression. When you want to show plump stitches. When you want to unify a piece with seasonal colors. When you want to add light for a glamorous finish. When you want to enjoy the simple, rustic character of sashiko.

Threads that differ in color, thickness, texture, and use are available so you can choose what fits each piece.

If you are just starting, begin with classic No.25; choose No.5 when you want stitches with presence; Seasons for seasonal work; nishikiito when you want to add sparkle; and hidamari if you want to enjoy sashiko. The time spent choosing thread is itself one of the joys of handmade. From COSMO’s rich variety of threads, find the one that is perfect for your work.