SUKUMO indigo special set - NONA Thread & NONA Fine Thread

 Indigo Dreams — Sukumo Dyeing

For many years, we dreamed of dyeing with sukumo indigo — the traditional Japanese dye created by fermenting the leaves of the indigo plant. This year, that dream came true.

At NONA, we work with artisans in Tokushima, the historic home of indigo, where every step — from cultivating the plants to fermenting the leaves into sukumo, to preparing the dye and finally coloring the threads — is carried out with care, using only natural materials.

Sukumo indigo is alive. Each vat has its own character: youthful vats yield strong, vivid blues, while older vats create soft, gentle shades. Layering these colors, we find depth, subtlety, and beauty unique to natural dyeing.

This is more than just color. It is heritage — a sustainable craft rooted in the land, shaped by generations, and carried forward by those who love it.
With every skein, we hope to share the timeless beauty of nihon no iro — the colors of Japan.

Perfect for temari, sashiko, embroidery, darning, and more, these naturally dyed threads bring a gentle brilliance to your handmade work.


A Story in Every Thread

Sukumo Indigo

Sukumo indigo is a traditional Japanese dye made by naturally fermenting the leaves of the indigo plant.

The fermentation and aging process takes great time and care, creating a dye rich in pigment that produces a vivid, deep blue. At NONA’s atelier in Nishi-Ogikubo, we dye using the natural lye fermentation method, prepared only with natural ingredients such as wood ash lye and sugar. The result is color with excellent fastness and a soft, natural texture.

Sukumo indigo is gentle on both the environment and the dyer, representing a sustainable, loc

A Box That Protects and Delights

The threads are stored in a Japanese kiri (paulownia) box, chosen for its natural humidity control and soft, lightweight protection.
This year, the wrapping features delicate botanical illustrations of auspicious trees and branches, symbolizing blessings and good fortune.

Included is a small pink tubu temari (tiny temari charm), tied like an amulet to wish happiness and protection. A thoughtful and beautiful gift for yourself or someone special.


Note: Tubu temari color is random and cannot be selected.



Contents:
・9 NONA Card Threads
・4 NONA Fine Threads
・Instruction card

Product Details:

NONA Card Thread
- Material: 100% cotton
- Length: Approx. 40m each
- Thickness: Equivalent to 3 strands of DMC No.25 embroidery thread

NONA Fine Thread
- Material: 100% cotton
- Length: Approx. 140m each
- Thickness: Equivalent to 1 strand of DMC No.25 embroidery thread

Box Dimensions: Approx. W152 × D100 × H75mm


About Natural Dyed Threads:

- All threads are hand-dyed using natural materials and may include color irregularities, shifts, or seasonal differences—each one is unique.
- Uneven colors and dye variations are part of the charm of botanical dye.
- Color may fade when exposed to light—please store in a cool, dry, dark place.
- Wash gently with neutral detergent and dry in the shade.


Note:

Paulownia is a soft wood and can dent easily. Keep in a dry place to avoid mold.