Some threads are made to blend in. Nishikiito is made to catch the light.
COSMO® Nishikiito® is a Japanese-made metallic thread inspired by the gold-thread (kinshi) traditions long associated with Kyoto's kimono craft. That spirit carries into a thread built for modern hand embroidery—one that adds shimmer, depth, and a little sense of occasion to whatever you stitch.
What Is Nishikiito?
What makes it special
Nishikiito (にしきいと) takes its name from nishiki, the luxurious brocade woven with gold and silver threads in traditional Japanese dress. COSMO reimagined that centuries-old sparkle as an easy-to-use embroidery thread, made in Japan and neatly wound on compact spools.
It's a specialty accent thread rather than an everyday floss—often just a few stitches are all it takes to lift a whole design.
- Metallic shine inspired by Kyoto's traditional gold-thread craft
- Five distinct finishes, each catching the light in its own way
- 48 colors across the finishes—from soft pastels to bold neons and rich jewel tones
- Wound on tidy spools (about 20 m each) that are easy to store and unspool
- Made in Japan
Five Finishes, Five Kinds of Shine
The heart of Nishikiito is its five finishes. Each one is twisted and blended differently, so they reflect light in their own way—from a quiet, refined glow to a bright, mirror-like flash.
- Nishiki (round twist) — a calm, refined luster with a bit of body; often used for tatting lace and tassels. 18 colors.
- Kagami — a strong, mirror-bright brilliance that really stands out; great for cross-stitch and free-form stitching. 6 colors.
- Opali — a film-like, opal-esque shimmer that shifts through many colors, with a hint of translucency. 12 colors.
- Champagni — a fine, champagne-bubble sparkle scattered over soft pastels; smooth and gentle in the hand. 6 colors.
- Neoni — vivid, fluorescent shades with real impact even in small doses; extra-fine, so you can combine strands to taste. 6 colors.
A Little Sparkle Goes a Long Way
Try it for
Because Nishikiito shines so readily, you rarely need much of it. Use it as an accent—the twinkle in a star, the frost on a snowflake, the shimmer of a party dress, or the flourish on decorative lettering and holiday motifs.
It plays beautifully with cross-stitch and surface (free) embroidery, layered alongside your cotton floss wherever you want a highlight. And because several finishes are very fine, you can separate the ply and combine just the number of strands you need.
COSMO's own Sparkling Japanese Seasons cross-stitch kits show it off beautifully—Nishikiito adds the shimmer to snow, water, gold, and festive details.
- Highlights and accents in cross-stitch and freestyle embroidery
- Seasonal and festive motifs—stars, snow, ornaments, holiday designs
- Decorative lettering, monograms, and borders
- Tatting lace and tassels (the Nishiki finish is a good match)
Product Specifications
| Product | COSMO® Nishikiito® Metallic Thread |
| Item No. | No. 77 |
| Finishes | Nishiki, Kagami, Opali, Champagni, Neoni (5 types) |
| Colors | 48 colors across the five finishes |
| Length | Approx. 20 m per spool |
| Material | Nylon and polyester (varies by finish) |
| Made in | Japan |
Add a Little Light
Whether you're finishing a keepsake, dressing up a holiday ornament, or simply love the way light moves across a stitch, Nishikiito is a small luxury that makes a big difference.
Add a thread or two, hold your work up to the light, and watch it come alive.