Don’t know which thread to choose to make your Sashiko embroidery?
Rest assured, you are not alone! This is THE question we get asked the most, both in-store and during traditional Japanese embroidery initiation courses, the famous Sashiko: "But Eugénie, which thread should I use to embroider?!"
So today, I wanted to show you everything: all brands, all ranges, all the little subtleties of our Sashiko threads. And believe me, there are plenty!
We are really proud to have gathered such a collection here in Brussels. And good news: we ship all over Europe. Whether you are in France, the Netherlands, or Germany, you can order comfortably from home.
But before diving into the brands, I wanted to take a step back and explain what Sashiko really is, and especially why the choice of thread is so important. Because no, you don’t just take any thread to get started!
What is sashiko?
Sashiko (刺し子) is an ancient technique of Japanese embroidery that involves making small, regular stitches, often geometric, to create beautiful patterns. Originating in the Edo period, this art was originally used to repair, reinforce, and quilt worn work clothes. Today, it is highly valued for customizing or repairing our textiles in an eco-friendly way.
The name literally means "little stitches," as the method is based on using continuous running stitches. Traditionally, geometric patterns (like Seigaiha waves or Asanoha stars) are embroidered with white cotton thread on indigo-colored toile.
Why offer specific threads for sashiko in our stores?
Using sashiko thread rather than perlé cotton guarantees a more authentic and traditional result. Sashiko thread is matte, unmercerized, and slightly twisted, allowing it to flatten and blend into the fabric. Unlike perlé cotton, it is specially designed to withstand frequent washing and friction.
Visual appearance: Perlé cotton has a strong twist and a shiny finish that catches the light. Sashiko thread, on the other hand, is matte, offering a softer and more rustic look.
The thread structure: Sashiko thread is not twisted as tightly as perlé, giving it a puffier and softer look once sewn. Additionally, its strands slightly clump together when washed to better secure the stitches.
Durability: Sashiko was originally a mending and reinforcing technique. Sashiko thread is designed to be more robust and durable for everyday use.
The thread’s smoothness also greatly affects embroidery comfort: a thread that constantly rubs or tangles makes the task frustrating, whereas a well-designed Japanese thread glides effortlessly through the fabric, stitch after stitch.
Finally, there is the purely traditional aspect: using genuine Japanese threads, designed specifically for this technique over generations, is also a way to respect and perpetuate this know-how.
That’s why, with threads, we don’t do things halfway: we wanted to offer you a real choice, with several brands, thicknesses, and color ranges, so everyone can find THE thread that matches their project. Let’s start the tour!
What thread brands are offered
At C'est du Joly, we offer you 3 thread brands, all from Japan and specifically producing for sashiko. We are committed to providing the same materials you would find in Japan!
The selected brands are Olympus, Daruma, and Cosmo.
Olympus threads
Founded in 1908 in Nagoya, Japan, Olympus initially aimed to produce sewing threads and cotton threads. Year after year, Olympus has continuously developed its skills.
For example,
- in 1919 by building a finishing and dyeing factory,
- in 1955, the company began selling embroidery kits and embroidery threads Kogin
- in 1979, it started selling Sashiko embroidery threads and kits
- in 1986, it began selling Hana-Fukin.
Olympus is a century-old company that has based its expertise on the art of threads; it is no coincidence that today Olympus is the leader in sashiko product sales in Japan.
What threads can be found at Olympus?
The solids come in 20 m and 100 m skeins.The 20 m skeins are perfect for varying colors within the same project, while the 100 m skeins are ideal if you want to embroider an entire piece in a single color.
The pastels are a new favorite, especially for natural motifs like sakura flowers: lots of pinks and purples for soft gradients.
The blended/gradient threads change color as you embroider. They add a lot of depth, especially on geometric patterns, and look superb on a jean repair, for example.
The metallic range, with an integrated metallic thread, adds a very festive touch of light.
We use it a lot on our Christmas embroidery panels: perfect for the stars on the tree or the sparkling snow. ✨ (Yes, we know it's summer, but a Christmas panel is prepared in advance!)
Daruma threads
Founded in 1901, Daruma's mission was to create quality thread because at that time products were of poor quality and not easy for consumers to use.
And this approach has continued in the brand's development over the years. So much so that by 1951, Daruma was distributed throughout Japan and used in every Japanese household for both sewing and embroidery!
In 1955, as crochet and knitting became increasingly popular in Japan, Daruma started creating balls of wool, cotton... and continued to develop in the following years...
Today, Daruma remains a leading brand in Japan, and practically every Japanese household owns thread from this brand.
What threads are offered at Daruma?
At Daruma, two card sizes exist:
- The white cards: slightly thicker threads, for traditional "classic" embroidery, the kind you most often see on social media.
- The black cards: finer threads, perfect for Hitomezashi embroidery, those small repetitive and delicate patterns where a finer thread gives a much prettier result.
A little extra so Japanese: each card has a notch to secure the thread once you're done using it. As a result, there's no risk of it unraveling in your embroidery kit!
Cosmo
In 1933, Naozo Nomura founded a trading company in Kyoto specializing in the import and sale of everyday consumer products, then fabrics and embroidery lace; he also worked a lot with France 😊.
Around 1950, after the war, he launched his own production and marketing of embroidery.
Today, Cosmo continues its production of lace, embroidery threads, and of course sashiko threads.
Which threads do we offer from the Cosmo brand?
This is the brand we’re most proud to offer because even in Japan, it’s not so easy to find: it’s not a thread distributed in every haberdashery, so if you embroider with Cosmo, you’re already experts! 😉
You’ll find colors that perfectly complement our Olympus and Daruma ranges, including fluorescent colors you won’t find anywhere else. Threads with tiny colored dots, perfect for those who don’t want to embroider all in white but prefer a discreet touch. I tested and approved them on our Christmas panels! Very subtle gradients that gently change everything without you really noticing. “Sanded” threads, with a slight mix of shades that creates a very refined heathered effect.
Another practical difference: Cosmo threads are sold on small spools, unlike Olympus skeins.
Honestly, between Olympus, Daruma, and Cosmo, I think we have one of the best assortments of Sashiko threads in Belgium, if not Europe.
Do I have a recommendation regarding which threads to choose?
Am I really objective? I really like these 3 brands whose ranges are wonderfully enriched and complement each other for all my creations, but I’ll give you my opinion 😊
Beginners will find it easier to handle the spools from Cosmo and the cards from Daruma.
Those wanting a finer, more delicate finish will find their happiness with Daruma’s dark cards. On the other hand, those who prefer a more traditional matte and rounded finish will love Olympus threads!
Finally, those who love original colors, like me, will be delighted to play with threads from Cosmo.
In any case, I’m sure you’ll find something you love in our selection!
Want to try sashiko (or kogin) but don’t dare? Why not come and learn in our workshops? Find the program here.
And for those who already know how to embroider or want to start on their own, find all the necessary materials for sashiko here and for kogin here.
Get your needles ready!
