The Complete COSMO® Beginner’s Guide to Embroidery
For Those Who Want to Start Embroidery—A First Tools Guide with COSMO®
“I’d like to try embroidery, but I don’t know where to begin”—we often hear that.
The tools you need for embroidery are just three: thread, needle, and fabric. Because it is so simple, choosing your first skein and first piece of fabric matters. On this page, we introduce one by one what you need for first-time embroidery from COSMO® products.
What You Can Make with Embroidery
First, try picturing what kinds of pieces you can create.
Small Pieces with Cross-Stitch
Cross-stitch—arranging × while counting the fabric weave—is a technique beginners can take on easily because you simply follow the chart. For example, with COSMO’s “Manmaru Frame” series, cute motifs such as sea otters, cats, and dogs can be finished as small pieces that display still in the hoop. There are also kits that become pocket tissue cases—a welcome point that you can use them in daily life right after finishing.
Repair Denim with Sashiko
When a favorite pair of jeans gets a hole, mending with sashiko instead of throwing them away is the style of “visible repair.” The sturdy cotton of hidamari® sashiko thread is also suited to reinforcement, and the stitched marks themselves become character. It is a popular use for those who want to upcycle used clothing.
Pouches and Drawstring Bags from Embroidery Kits
With kits that set design, thread, and fabric together, you get a finished item simply by following the instructions. Collaboration kits with popular designers such as Atelier de Nora, yula, and Kazuko Aoki are also available.
What to Gather to Start Embroidering
① First, Thread—COSMO No.25 Embroidery Thread
Embroidery thread comes in several thicknesses, but for beginners we recommend No.25 embroidery thread. It comes as a bundle of 6 fine strands; by adjusting how many you use from 1 to 6, you can express both fine and bold lines.
If you are unsure which colors to choose, start with one or two favorites. Gradually adding more to match the motifs you want to make is the key to enjoying embroidery for a long time. For those unsure about color selection, there is also Seasons®, with colors already set. Seasonally curated palettes let you start without worrying about combinations.
See COSMO No.25 Embroidery Thread →
② Next, Needles—COSMO Surface Embroidery Needles
Embroidery needles have larger eyes than sewing needles and are designed so embroidery thread passes through easily. For beginners, keeping sizes No.4 and No.5 on hand is convenient for switching (use No.5 when using fewer strands, No.4 when using more).
See COSMO Embroidery Needles →
③ Then, Fabric—Java Cross
Especially recommended for beginners is Java Cross. Because the weave is an even grid, where to pass the needle is clear and designs are easy to stitch. It comes as pre-cut cloth, so you can use it as-is.
To Gather Everything at Once—Embroidery Kits
With an embroidery kit that includes thread, needle, fabric, and design all together, you can start the day it arrives. The set’s color combinations are already complete, making it ideal for a first piece. For those who want to start in summer, summer-limited beginner kits are also available.
See Beginner Embroidery Kits →
Common Beginner Pitfalls—and How to Solve Them
Once your tools are ready, all that remains is to stitch. But at first you may hit walls like these.
“The Thread Tangled”
When pulling thread from the skein, trying to pull several strands at once causes tangling. The tip is to pull one strand at a time, slowly and vertically. Aim for about 50 cm (about shoulder width) of length for easier handling.
“The Fabric Buckles”
Using an embroidery hoop lets you stitch with the fabric held taut, preventing buckling and distortion. If the fabric makes a “pon-pon” sound when flicked with a finger, that is a sign of just the right tension.
“I Can’t Thread the Needle”
Flatten the tip of the thread with your fingertip and bring the needle eye to the thread—as if going to meet it—and it will go through smoothly. Note that wetting the tip actually makes threading harder.
“I Don’t Know Which Stitch to Learn First”
First learn two: outline stitch (for lines) and satin stitch (for filling areas)—and you will be able to stitch most designs. Kits include instructions, so following the steps naturally builds the skills.
Once Your Tools Are Ready, Make That First Stitch
With embroidery, once you make the first stitch, your hands move naturally after that. Don’t overthink it—start by choosing a single skein in a color you like.
Visit the COSMO® Official Online Store →
Explore related COSMO collections: embroidery and cross stitch kits.