Iki - Hand Embroidery Silk | ITO Yarns
If you’ve ever searched for a silk embroidery thread with both shine and sensitivity to your hand, ITO Iki answers beautifully. Made from fine filament mulberry silk, it glides smoothly, layers delicately, and lets you shape your work with softness and control, whether you’re outlining or blending intricate colour transitions.
It’s easy to feel limited by standard embroidery threads—too thick for subtle detail, too matte for light play, or simply too rough to glide through finer fabrics. You want something more refined—something that lets you express delicacy and dimension without fighting your materials.
ITO Iki is designed for that kind of control. Spun from fine mulberry silk filaments, it has a natural lustre that reflects light gently, and a supple structure that responds to your hand. You can use it as a single strand for ultra-fine detail or blend and twist multiple threads to add volume, variation, or rich colour transitions. Whether you’re stitching silk shading or textural linework, it gives you the flexibility to express exactly what you see in your mind.
As you work, the thread seems to respond to your rhythm. There's a quiet joy in the way it layers, blends, and settles into fabric—an ease that helps you focus on expression rather than technique. The result is elegant, intentional, and deeply personal—something that feels as satisfying to make as it is to behold.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Fine filament silk: Ideal for delicate detail, colour blending, and silk shading
- Unmatched lustre: Natural sheen adds depth and elegance to every stitch
- Flexible use: Stitch with 1–8 strands, depending on your desired weight
- Easy to layer: Perfect for both outline work and subtle, painterly transitions
- Soft and supple: Glides smoothly without snagging fine fabric
Available in 32 colours: Designed for thoughtful tonal blending
1 x Iki Hand Embroidery Silk Thread spool (80m)
- Fibre Content: 100% Mulberry Silk
- Yarn Count: Approx. NM 71/1 (≈ Tram 21/6)
- Yardage: 80m / 87yds per spool
- Use: Hand embroidery, silk shading, fine embellishment
- Care Instructions: Hand wash only
- Origin: Japan
ITO Iki is made from 100% mulberry silk, the highest-grade silk fiber. Mulberry silk is prized for its incredible sheen, strength, and smooth texture, making it perfect for fine embroidery and embellishments.
Filament silk refers to the long, continuous fibres reeled directly from the silkworm cocoon, known for its sheen and strength. Spun silk, on the other hand, is made by gathering and twisting together short silk fibres, often from waste silk like broken cocoons or floss, resulting in a softer, matte finish and a slightly weaker thread.
Yes, ITO Iki can be used as a carry-along thread in knitting projects to add a subtle sheen and luxurious texture. It works well when combined with wool or cotton yarns for lightweight garments and accessories.
ITO Iki has a thickness of 1/71 NM or 21/6 Tram, meaning it is a very fine embroidery thread composed of six loosely plied filaments. This construction gives it a smooth and slightly textured finish, ideal for delicate embroidery work. Multiple threads are used for stronger lines and filling areas (usually 2-8 strands).
Hand wash embroidered items in cool water using a mild detergent. Avoid excessive rubbing or wringing to prevent fiber damage. Lay flat to dry and store away from direct sunlight to preserve the silk’s vibrant color and sheen.
Filament silk can be slippery and delicate, making it slightly challenging for beginners. However, with practice and proper handling techniques, beginners can achieve stunning results. Using short lengths of thread and gentle tension helps prevent fraying.
ITO Iki silk is available in 32 pre-dyed shades. While it can be dyed, blending different colored strands while stitching is a more effective way to create subtle color variations without the need for additional dyeing.
A fine embroidery needle, such as size 10 or 12, is recommended to accommodate the delicate nature of the silk thread. A needle with a sharp tip allows for precise stitching without damaging the silk fibers.
ITO Iki silk offers a significantly higher sheen and smoother texture compared to cotton floss. It provides a more elegant and luxurious finish, ideal for detailed embroidery, embellishments, and heirloom-quality work.
ITO Iki is primarily designed for hand embroidery. While it may be used in machine embroidery, adjustments in tension and stitch settings are necessary to accommodate its delicate and slippery nature. Testing on scrap fabric is recommended.