The complete Cosmo palette—all 501 solid colors plus 140 Seasons variegated and 48 Nishikiito metallic threads. Search by code or name, find DMC equivalents, and mark the threads you own.
Cosmo is manufactured by Lecien Corporation in Japan, a company that has been producing embroidery thread since 1950. What started as a 195-color palette has grown into one of the most comprehensive thread ranges available—501 solid colors that rival DMC's 489-color offering.
Every skein is made from 100% extra-long staple Egyptian cotton, double-mercerized for strength and a beautiful lustrous sheen. The result is thread that's noticeably softer and silkier than most competitors—a quality that stitchers consistently praise once they try it.
Cosmo floss is colorfast and fade-resistant, with colors matched to exact specifications for batch-to-batch consistency. While less common than DMC in US craft stores, Cosmo has developed a devoted following among quilters, embroiderers, and stitchers who appreciate its premium feel and rich color saturation.
Cosmo's texture sets it apart. The thread stays twisted longer without fuzzing, tangles less than other brands, and can be worked in longer lengths—22 inches or more—without degrading. The slightly thinner individual strands and firmer twist make it especially good for line stitches, satin stitch, and thread painting where smooth coverage matters.
The color palette offers exceptional depth and saturation. Cosmo's dye process creates rich, vibrant colors with beautiful gradations within each color family. Where DMC might offer four shades of a particular blue, Cosmo often provides six or seven, giving stitchers more nuance for shading and blending.
Cosmo's numbering system is more organized than DMC's—colors are grouped by family and progress logically from lightest to darkest within each hue.
Base numbers (100–999): The original palette, organized by color family. Lower numbers within a family are lighter shades; higher numbers are darker.
Prefix numbers (2xxx, 3xxx, 4xxx): When Cosmo adds colors between existing ones, they use prefix numbers to maintain the logical sequence. For example, 2307 was added between 307 and 308, filling a gap in that color gradient.
"A" suffix colors: Some numbers have an "A" suffix (like 152A) indicating an adjusted version of the original color, typically refined for better gradient transitions within the color family.
Recent additions (2001–2040): The newest 40 colors, expanding the palette with contemporary shades that complement the existing range.
Discontinued colors: Over 37 colors have been retired over the years. Cosmo doesn't reassign discontinued numbers, so gaps in the sequence indicate colors no longer in production.
Cosmo Seasons is a collection of 140 variegated threads—floss that gradually changes color along its length. Unlike some variegated threads that feel gimmicky, Seasons colors are sophisticated and subtle, designed for stitchers who want interesting color variation without overwhelming their projects.
The 140 colors divide into three distinct series, each with a different color-change pattern:
Consistent, predictable color changes every 8cm (about 3 inches). Each color section is roughly the same length, creating even transitions. Ideal for projects where you want controlled, rhythmic color changes—borders, bands, or geometric designs where uniform variation matters.
Gentle, gradual transitions within a single color family. These threads shift through related tones—light blue to medium blue to deep blue, for example—creating depth and dimension without jumping between unrelated colors. The largest series, and the most versatile for general embroidery.
Random-length sections with dramatic multi-color changes. These are the bold, statement variegateds—vivid color combinations that create unpredictable, eye-catching effects. Best for projects where you want the thread to be a design feature rather than a supporting player.
Nishikiito is Cosmo's premium metallic thread line—48 colors across five distinct styles, all designed to be softer and more stitch-friendly than typical metallic threads. The name means "brocade thread" in Japanese, reflecting the line's origins in traditional textile arts.
Subtle, sophisticated metallics with a soft hand. Originally developed for use in traditional Japanese kimono obi belts, these threads are friction-resistant and designed for fine detail work. The metallic effect is refined rather than flashy.
Sparkly threads with abundant glitter that catches the light. Despite the sparkle, they maintain a surprisingly soft touch. "Kagami" means "mirror" in Japanese—appropriate for threads that reflect light beautifully.
Opalescent threads with multi-color shimmer, like light through a prism. Semi-transparent with a pearlescent quality, these create subtle, ethereal effects that change depending on viewing angle and lighting.
Pastel sparkles reminiscent of champagne bubbles—soft colors with gentle effervescence. Perfect for projects that need a hint of celebration without overwhelming the design.
Bright neon colors with extra-fine strands. These come on 50-meter spools (versus 20 meters for other Nishikiito styles) and deliver bold, vibrant metallic effects for contemporary designs.
Cosmo and DMC are the two largest embroidery floss ranges, with similar color counts (501 vs 489) but different strengths. Conversion charts exist, but they're approximations—not exact matches.
Tap any color in the chart above to see its closest DMC equivalent.
Important: Each manufacturer uses different dye formulations, so "Cosmo 600" and its DMC equivalent aren't identical colors—they're visually similar. The color distributions also differ: Cosmo offers 17 yellows where DMC has 13, while DMC has 12 navy blues compared to Cosmo's 9.
Unique colors: Both brands have colors the other doesn't offer. If a conversion chart says "no equivalent," it means that specific shade is unique to one brand. This is actually a reason some stitchers maintain collections of both.
Don't mix brands mid-project: Even "equivalent" colors have subtle differences in sheen, texture, and exact hue. For consistent results, choose one brand per project and stick with it.
Both are excellent threads. Your choice depends on what matters most to you:
Choose Cosmo if: You value silky texture and sheen. You do thread painting, satin stitch, or techniques where thread lay matters. You prefer longer working lengths. You want more color gradation options within each hue. You're already in the quilting community where Cosmo is popular.
Choose DMC if: You need easy local availability. You want to follow patterns written in DMC (the industry standard). You prefer a firmer, more matte finish. You're building a starter collection and want the widest pattern compatibility.
Or use both: Many experienced stitchers maintain collections of both brands, choosing based on project requirements. Just don't mix them within a single piece.
Cosmo isn't stocked at major US craft chains like Michaels, Joann, or Hobby Lobby. You'll need to shop at specialty retailers:
Online specialists: Snuggly Monkey, Red Rock Threads, Vaune, Anita Little Stitches, and Seed Stitch Studio all carry extensive Cosmo inventories. Many offer color-family bundles and complete palette sets.
Quilting shops: Cosmo is especially popular in the quilting community, so local quilt shops often stock it even when needlework stores don't.
Japanese craft stores: If you have access to Japanese retailers (online or in person), Cosmo is widely available at competitive prices.
Use the inventory tracker in the chart above to keep track of what you own—and what you still need to order.
Because Cosmo requires planning ahead (no last-minute craft store runs), keeping track of your collection is even more important than with DMC.
Use the "I own this" toggle in the chart above to track your inventory. Your selections save automatically in your browser—no account required. Filter to "Not in inventory" when placing your next online order.
Start with a sampler: Many retailers sell curated Cosmo sets—starter palettes, color family bundles, or seasonal collections. These are a good way to experience the thread quality before committing to a large order.
Order extras: Since you can't easily replace a single skein, order one or two extras of key colors. The 8-meter skeins go further than you might expect, but running short mid-project is frustrating when restocking takes days.
Try the Seasons: The variegated Seasons threads are excellent for borders, lettering, and decorative elements. The 8000 series in particular offers sophisticated color variation that elevates simple designs.
Found colors you love? Tap them to add to your palette, then open them in the editor to start your next pattern.
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