Japanese Thread (K4 or T71)

Use for couching

Priced per metre

Japanese thread is a goldwork thread made of a cotton core wrapped with a strip of metal plate.  This means that is is quite soft and easy to manipulate while stitching and has a lovely shine.

The gold version is known as K4 or "No.8 Imitation Japanese Thread" - it is a good medium-width Japanese thread for most projects.  The equivalent silver and copper coloured versions are called T71 thread.  For other colours, choose 371 thread, which is thinner and more like smooth passing thread, but used in the same way.

‘Japanese thread’ is used widely in goldwork all over the world, notably China, India and Britain as well as Japan.  Like all our metal threads, it is made here in the UK.

Use Japanese thread by couching over it (usually in pairs for a smooth line, but singly if you prefer).  Use either a matching or contrasting sewing thread with a coating of beeswax.