Thread Gift Sets NZ: Beautiful Gifts for Sewing Friends

Direct Sewing thread gift guide with a Gütermann nostalgic tin, colourful sewing thread reels and Madeira embroidery thread chest

October 30, 2026

Direct Sewing thread gift guide with a Gütermann nostalgic tin, colourful sewing thread reels and Madeira embroidery thread chest
Gift inspiration featuring separate thread sets. See the product photographs and contents below.

The Direct Sewing gift edit · New Zealand

A tin of useful colours. A drawer of shimmering possibilities. A gift they will reach for every time they sit down to sew.

Thread sets make thoughtful gifts for sewing and craft friends when you match the thread to what they make. Choose Gütermann Sew-All or Madeira Aerofil for everyday sewing, cotton sets for a quilter’s preferred method, and Madeira or Brother embroidery sets for a machine embroiderer. For a bigger gift, explore the Gütermann 180-reel black-and-white tin and Madeira’s drawer-style thread chests.

This guide brings together the thread sets and gift boxes in our range, from small thank-you presents to generous sewing-room gifts. Start with our shortlist, compare the standouts, or open a brand section to browse the complete selection. It works for Christmas, birthdays, a sewing-group gift exchange or a well-earned treat for yourself.

By Direct Sewing · Published · Range and prices reviewed . Prices are in NZD including GST. Product cards refresh where possible; the product page confirms the current price, contents and availability.

Six thread gifts worth starting with

These are our editorial picks for different makers and budgets. Each has a clear job, so you can choose a useful present without needing to understand every thread in the shop.

Madeira Aerofil Thread Heart Tin : 3 x 100m
A little thank-you

Madeira Heart Tin

NZ$24.99
Available to order

Three 100m Aerofil sewing threads in black, white and grey, presented in a reusable heart-shaped tin. A neat stocking filler or sewing-club gift.

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Gutermann (1925) Nostalgic Box Sew-All Thread : 8 Reels
A classic sewing gift

Gütermann Nostalgic Tin

NZ$34.50
Available to order

Eight 100m Sew-All reels with vintage-style storage. Choose the brights or pastels edition when you know their favourite palette.

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Gütermann Nostalgic Sew-All Thread Box : 48 × 100m
For the colour collector

Gütermann 48-Colour Box

NZ$139.90
Available to order

A generous everyday sewing gift with 48 × 100m Sew-All reels. The reusable nostalgic box keeps the palette together. Choose this for colour variety.

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Gütermann Cotton Thread Box Set : 30 × 100m Spools
For the machine quilter

Gütermann Cotton Box

NZ$134.90
Available to order

Thirty 100m Cotton C Ne 50 reels in a patchwork-design tin. A natural choice when you know your friend likes cotton for piecing and quilting.

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Madeira Polyneon 40 Clear Box Thread Set : 18 × 400m
For machine embroidery

Madeira Polyneon 40 Box

NZ$64.90
Available to order

Eighteen solid colours, 400m each, in a clear case. A practical polyester embroidery palette for names, motifs and appliqué details.

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Brother ETS22N Embroidery Thread | 22 Colour Set
For a Brother embroiderer

Brother ETS22N

NZ$99.90
Available to order

Twenty-two colours of high-sheen polyester embroidery thread, 300m per spool. Pair with the bobbin thread and stabiliser their machine and project require.

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Two very different kinds of generous

The big gifts: Gütermann’s 180-reel tin and Madeira’s thread chests

For a milestone birthday, a Christmas present from the family or a group gift for a sewing teacher, these sets have a real sense of occasion. The best choice depends on whether the recipient needs a working supply of basics or wants to explore decorative embroidery.

Gütermann Nostalgic Sew-All Thread Tin : 180 × 100m Black & White
The generous workroom gift

Gütermann 180-Reel Tin

NZ$599
Available to order

One complete nostalgic metal tin containing 90 black and 90 white Sew-All reels, each 100m. That is 18,000m of polyester sewing thread for a committed maker, sewing room or teaching space. These are small reels, not industrial cones or 180 different colours.

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Madeira Ultimate Treasure Chest : Metallic Embroidery Master Set (42 Threads + Accessories)
The statement embroidery gift

Madeira Metallic Treasure Chest

NZ$399
Available to order

A two-drawer chest with 42 metallic thread spools, plus two bobbin-fill threads, embroidery needles and a printed colour card. Best for someone who already enjoys machine embroidery and wants to experiment with metallic detail.

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Who will love the 180-reel Gütermann tin?

Think of the friend who is always hemming, mending, teaching or sewing another garment. Black and white are repeat-use essentials, and a large reserve can be more useful to that person than a box of colours they rarely reach for. The nostalgic metal tin gives the practical supply a gift-worthy presentation and can be reused for storage.

If your friend’s pleasure is choosing a perfect shade, give the 30-colour Nostalgic box or 48-colour Nostalgic box instead. Both contain 100m Sew-All reels in assorted colours. The number on the box tells you how many reels it contains, not that every set serves the same purpose.

Which Madeira chest should you choose?

The Metallic Treasure Chest suits someone who likes luminous borders, festive motifs and decorative highlights. Metallic thread benefits from suitable needles, thread handling and designs, so this is a more considered gift than a general sewing pack.

The Mini Rayon Treasure Chest holds 48 × 200m rayon embroidery threads and is the colour-focused alternative. It is currently unavailable online at the time of our range check, so confirm availability before planning a time-sensitive gift. For a smaller rayon palette available to order now, see the 18 × 200m Rayon 40 Clear Box.

A good group-gift rule: check what thread they already enjoy using. A favourite thread family in beautiful storage is often a more thoughtful upgrade than the largest box. Each set is sold separately; the banner shows gift inspiration rather than one combined bundle.

Which thread set should I buy for my sewing friend?

Start with their projects, not the brand name or the number of spools. Thread for joining a garment, adding a stitched motif and quilting by hand can have different requirements.

They enjoy A useful starting point What to check
Dressmaking, repairs and everyday sewing Gütermann Sew-All colour boxes or Madeira Aerofil 120 Useful colours, spool length and whether they would enjoy included tools.
Patchwork and machine quilting Gütermann Cotton Box or Cotton set with Omnigrid ruler Their preferred fibre and thread weight. A hand-quilting set is a separate choice.
Machine embroidery Madeira Polyneon 40, Madeira Rayon 40 or Brother ETS22N Their usual thread family, design requirements, bobbin thread and stabiliser.
Metallic or textured embroidery Madeira Metallic Chest, Glamour 12 or Lana 12 Their experience with effect threads and whether their designs suit that weight.
Denim and jeans projects Gütermann Denim with needles or Madeira Aerofil 35 Suitable fabric, machine and needle setup for the chosen thread.
Stretch garments Gütermann Maraflex Brights Follow the thread’s straight-stitch setup, including its needle and bobbin use.
Overlocking Madeira Aerolock kit Four matching spools per colour for a four-thread setup; confirm their machine’s requirements.
Hand quilting Gütermann Hand Quilting set This pack is intended for hand work. Check current availability.
Knitting, crochet or cross stitch Ask about their sewing or mending interests first. These sets are not knitting yarn or stranded cross-stitch floss. Choose a gift that matches their craft.

Shopping without sewing knowledge? Ask, “What do you most enjoy making?” and “Which thread do you usually buy?” A photo of a favourite spool or their machine model makes it easier for us to help. Ask Direct Sewing for help →

Thread gift ideas by budget

Use these price bands as a starting point, with prices checked on 8 November 2026. Offers and availability can change, so follow the product link for the latest total.

Budget Gift ideas Why choose them
Under NZ$35 Madeira Heart Tin Gütermann black-and-white pack 8-reel Nostalgic tins Small thank-you gifts, sewing-group exchanges and stocking fillers.
NZ$35 to NZ$70 Sew-All with pins and needles Cotton with Omnigrid ruler Polyneon 18-colour box Useful gifts with a defined purpose and room to build a colour palette.
Over NZ$70 to NZ$150 Gütermann Fashion Box 30-reel box 48-reel box Brother ETS22N A more generous colour collection or a practical set with extras.
Over NZ$150 Madeira Lana Smartbox Glamour Smartbox Metallic Chest 180-reel Gütermann tin Considered gifts for a known interest, a shared present or a busy sewing room.

Gütermann thread sets: everyday favourites with gift appeal

Gütermann is an easy place to begin when buying for a dressmaker or everyday sewist. Sew-All polyester is the general sewing family here; cotton, denim, hand-quilting and Maraflex sets each serve a more specific purpose. The range includes useful packs with tools as well as nostalgic boxes that feel special to unwrap.

Choose colour, practical extras or a favourite technique

The 8-reel Nostalgic tins make compact gifts. Move to the 30- or 48-reel boxes when a broad colour selection is the attraction. For a newer sewist, a pack with needles, a seam ripper, gauge or tape measure can be especially useful. For a quilter, choose the cotton range rather than assuming every Gütermann tin contains the same thread.

Nostalgic tins, colour boxes and everyday essentials 10 sets
Gütermann Nostalgic Sew-All Thread Tin : 180 × 100m Black & White

Nostalgic 180-Reel Tin

180 × 100m Sew-All reels: 90 black and 90 white. A substantial workroom supply in a reusable metal tin, with 18,000m in total.

NZ$599 Available to order

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Gutermann "Fashion Set" Sew-All Thread

Sew-All Fashion Set

8 × 100m Sew-All reels in a fashion colour assortment. For a maker who likes adding fresh colours to their sewing kit.

NZ$39.90 Available to order

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Gütermann Limited Edition Cute and Pink Thread Set

Cute and Pink Tin

Seven 100m Sew-All reels and one 50m Metallic Effect W 331 spool. For a pink-loving sewist; reserve the metallic spool for decorative work.

NZ$31.90 Currently unavailable online

Check availability →
Sew-All sets with useful sewing accessories 9 sets
Gütermann Sew-All Thread Set with Ripper & Gauge

Sew-All with Ripper & Gauge

11 × 100m Sew-All reels, a Seam-fix mini seam ripper and measuring gauge. Useful tools alongside thread for a beginner or sewing-class kit.

NZ$64.90 Available to order

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Gutermann "Fashion Box" Sew-All Thread Sewing Kit

Sew-All Fashion Box

20 × 100m reels with Prym pins, Schmetz universal needles and a measuring tape. A rounded sewing gift with thread, storage and everyday tools.

NZ$89.90 Available to order

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Gütermann Sewing Friends Set : 15 Reels & Sewing Accessories

Sewing Friends 15-Reel Set

15 × 100m Sew-All reels, Prym children’s scissors, panda tape measure and three appliqués. For supervised young makers or someone who enjoys playful sewing accessories.

NZ$124.90 Available to order

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Cotton and quilting gifts 6 sets
Gütermann Cotton Thread Box Set : 30 × 100m Spools

Cotton 30-Reel Box

30 × 100m Cotton C Ne 50 reels in a patchwork-design tin. For a quilter who loves a coordinated cotton-thread collection.

NZ$134.90 Available to order

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Gütermann Hand Quilting Thread Set : 10 x 80m

Hand Quilting Set

10 × 80m cotton threads intended for hand quilting. Choose specifically for a hand quilter. For machine work, select a machine-use cotton set.

NZ$79.90 Currently unavailable online

Check availability →
Denim and stretch-sewing sets 4 sets
Gütermann Maraflex Brights Thread Set : 4 x 150m

Maraflex Brights Set

4 × 150m elastic thread reels. For stretch sewing on a suitable domestic machine. Follow Maraflex’s needle-and-bobbin setup instructions.

NZ$29.90 Available to order

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The Sewing Friends 15-reel set includes children’s scissors. Match that gift to the recipient, and supervise young makers using sewing tools and irons. Included machine needles must still suit the machine and fabric.

Madeira thread sets: sewing basics, embroidery colour and something extraordinary

Madeira’s gift range spans several different thread families. Aerofil is the everyday sewing route; Polyneon and Rayon are machine-embroidery choices; Cotona is cotton; Aerolock is for overlocking. Metallic, Spectra, Lana and Glamour sets add specialist decorative effects. Choose the family first, then the size of the box.

Clear Box or Smartbox?

Look at the exact product number and metres on each spool. The Polyneon 8045 Clear Box contains 18 × 400m solid colours. The 8046 Multicolour Clear Box contains 18 × 200m colour-changing threads. The 8047 Smartbox contains 18 × 1000m solid colours, with a different assortment from the 400m box. Similar-looking packaging does not mean identical contents.

For a regular dressmaker, the Aerofil 120 Smartbox offers 18 × 1000m sewing threads. For a friend exploring decorative effects, a smaller metallic box can introduce a finish they have not tried. The chest makes more sense when you know metallic embroidery is already something they enjoy.

Everyday sewing and overlocker sets 6 sets
Madeira Aerofil Thread Heart Tin : 3 x 100m

Aerofil Heart Tin

3 × 100m sewing threads in black, white and grey. A small, useful thank-you gift or sewing stocking filler in a reusable tin.

NZ$24.99 Available to order

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Madeira Aerofil No. 120 Smartbox : 18 × 1000m

Aerofil 120 Smartbox

18 × 1000m sewing threads, colour card and universal machine needles. For a busy dressmaker who regularly uses a range of solid colours.

NZ$143.59 Available to order

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Madeira Aerolock 125 Overlocker Thread Kit : 12 × 1200m

Aerolock 125 Overlocker Kit

12 × 1200m spools: four black, four white and four pearl grey. For an overlocker owner who wants four matching spools in each useful neutral.

NZ$119 Available to order

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Polyneon and Rayon embroidery sets 7 sets
Madeira Polyneon 40 Clear Box Thread Set : 18 × 400m

Polyneon 40 Clear Box

18 × 400m solid-colour polyester embroidery threads. A useful starting palette for machine embroidery, with 7,200m across the box.

NZ$64.90 Available to order

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Madeira Polyneon 40 Smartbox Thread Set : 18 × 1000m

Polyneon 40 Smartbox

18 × 1000m embroidery threads, colour card and embroidery needles. For frequent embroiderers who use longer lengths; the palette differs from the 400m Clear Box.

NZ$119.90 Currently unavailable online

Check availability →
Madeira Rayon Embroidery Thread Gift Box

Rayon 40 Gift Box

40 × 1000m Rayon 40 threads, two 1500m Bobbinfil spools and embroidery needles. A large-spool colour library for regular machine embroidery; see the listing for the full pack contents.

NZ$522.43 Currently unavailable online

Check availability →
Cotona cotton gifts for quilting 2 sets
Madeira Cotona Organic Quilting & Sewing Thread Gift Set

Cotona Organic Gift Set

42 × 1000m Cotona 50 threads, two bobbin-fill spools and needles in a storage case. A substantial cotton-thread gift for a dedicated machine quilter.

NZ$455.08 Currently unavailable online

Check availability →
Metallic, holographic and textured embroidery gifts 9 sets
Madeira Ultimate Treasure Chest : Metallic Embroidery Master Set (42 Threads + Accessories)

Metallic Treasure Chest

42 metallic thread spools, two bobbin-fill threads, embroidery needles and a colour card. A statement gift for a maker who already enjoys metallic machine embroidery.

NZ$399 Available to order

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Madeira Spectra Holographic Embroidery Foil Gift Box : 8 × 100m

Spectra Holographic Foil

8 × 100m flat holographic foils across six colour codes. For open decorative stitching. Includes two gold and two silver spools, rather than eight unique colours.

NZ$64.90 Available to order

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Madeira Heavy Metal 30 Gift Box : 8 × 200m

Heavy Metal 30 Gift Box

8 × 200m Heavy Metal No. 30 metallic threads. For bold decorative metallic detail; match the needle and design to this thread weight.

NZ$62.91 Available to order

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Madeira Smartbox Lana Wool Embroidery Thread Collection (18 x 200m)

Lana No. 12 Smartbox

18 × 200m textured embroidery threads with suitable needles and inspiration material. For artistic, textured embroidery using designs suited to thicker Lana thread.

NZ$219.90 Available to order

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Madeira Glamour No. 12 Metallic Thread Smartbox : 18 × 200m

Glamour No. 12 Smartbox

18 × 200m heavyweight metallic-effect threads, Glamour needles and colour card. For raised, expressive stitching with open designs suited to heavyweight thread.

NZ$249 Available to order

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For effect-thread gifts: heavier or flat threads are not a drop-in replacement for standard embroidery thread. The recipient may need a different needle, reduced speed, altered tension or a more open design. Follow the specific thread directions and test on the intended fabric and stabiliser. See our Madeira Polyneon guide for more on that everyday embroidery range.

Brother thread sets for the machine-embroidery friend

Brother’s named assortments make a helpful gift when the recipient already uses Brother embroidery threads. The ETS22N offers 22 high-sheen colours; CYT21 Country offers a softer country-style palette. Both list 300m per spool. Brother gives the two families different weight labels; compare the stated thread family and design requirements instead of treating numbers across brands as directly interchangeable. Choose the set that suits their preferred look and designs.

Brother ETS22N Embroidery Thread | 22 Colour Set
22 colours · high sheen

Brother ETS22N

NZ$99.90
Available to order

A 300m-per-colour polyester embroidery set for a bright, polished stitched finish. Brother NZ specifies #50 weight for this embroidery-thread family.

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Brother CYT21 Country Embroidery Thread | 21 Colour Set
21 colours · country palette

Brother CYT21 Country

NZ$99.90
Available to order

A 300m-per-colour polyester embroidery set for a softer colour palette. Brother NZ specifies #60 weight for the Country family.

View options →
Compare all Brother thread sets 3 sets
Brother ETS22N Embroidery Thread | 22 Colour Set

Brother ETS22N

22 colours, 300m each; high-sheen polyester embroidery thread, #50. A colourful machine-embroidery palette for motifs, lettering and decorative projects.

NZ$99.90 Available to order

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Brother CYT21 Country Embroidery Thread | 21 Colour Set

Brother CYT21 Country

21 colours, 300m each; polyester Country embroidery thread, #60. For a softer country-style colour palette. This is embroidery thread, not knitting yarn.

NZ$99.90 Available to order

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Brother ETS12N Embroidery Thread | 12 Colour Set

Brother ETS12N

Twelve-colour embroidery-thread set. A compact embroidery palette. Compare ETS22N if this pack is unavailable.

NZ$49.90 Currently unavailable online

Check availability →

Brother’s ETS12N 12-colour set is the smaller option and is currently unavailable online at our range check. Use the live product cards above to compare availability for the larger sets. For any embroidery gift, check the recipient’s machine manual for suitable needle and bobbin-thread specifications. A box of upper thread does not automatically include bobbin thread, stabiliser, designs or a hoop.

Turn a thread set into a thoughtful sewing gift

A small, well-matched addition makes a set feel personal. These are pairing ideas, with items bought separately. Check what is already in the pack before adding a tool twice.

Gift theme Start with Add a thoughtful extra
The beginner’s useful kit Gütermann Sew-All with pins and needles Fabric scissors if they do not already own a pair. Keep thread, pins and needles together for their next class.
The patchwork afternoon Cotton set with Omnigrid ruler A coordinated fat-quarter selection. Choose fabric colours that work with the thread assortment.
The embroidery experiment Polyneon Clear Box Stabiliser suited to their fabric, plus the machine’s required bobbin thread if needed.
The practical mending gift Black-and-white Sew-All pack A seam ripper and a note offering an afternoon of sewing together.
The sewing-room upgrade 48-reel Nostalgic box Thread and bobbin storage if they need additional organisation. The box itself is already reusable.

Make the card personal: “For all the lovely things you have yet to make.” A note about their quilting, costume making or thoughtful handmade gifts can mean as much as the set itself.

A few details to check before Christmas

Standard NZ delivery is NZ$4.99 for orders under NZ$80, and free for orders of NZ$80 or more, including rural addresses. Our shipping policy gives an estimated standard delivery time of 1 to 3 business days after payment, with timing dependent on availability and courier conditions. This is an estimate, not a Christmas-arrival guarantee. For a firm gift deadline, contact us with the product and delivery location before ordering.

Keep the original packaging and proof of purchase. For eligible unused standard-stock gifts, contact us within 30 days of receipt or collection about a change-of-mind return or exchange; see the returns policy for conditions and exclusions. If you want gift wrapping, a gift note or an invoice-free parcel, ask us what can be arranged before placing the order.

For gifts beyond thread, explore our complete sewing, knitting and quilting gift guide and Christmas gift collection.

Thread gift questions, answered

Are thread sets a good gift for someone who already sews?

Yes, when the thread suits their projects. A favourite thread family in useful colours can replenish supplies, while a reusable tin or chest adds storage. If they already own lots of thread, ask which colours or types they use most.

What is a good thread gift for a beginner?

A general sewing set such as Gütermann Sew-All or Madeira Aerofil is a useful starting point for everyday sewing. A pack with needles or a measuring tool adds practical value. Match any included machine needles to the machine and fabric.

What exactly is in the Gütermann 180-reel tin?

The Gütermann 180-reel Nostalgic Tin contains 180 × 100m Sew-All polyester reels: 90 black and 90 white, giving 18,000m in total. It is a reserve of everyday basics, not a 180-colour assortment or a box of industrial cones.

Is the Madeira chest for sewing or embroidery?

The Metallic Treasure Chest featured here is a machine-embroidery gift containing metallic threads and supporting accessories. The Mini Rayon Chest contains rayon embroidery thread. For ordinary seam construction, compare the Madeira Aerofil sewing sets instead.

Can I buy embroidery thread for a friend who only has a sewing machine?

Some sewing machines can use embroidery or effect thread for suitable decorative stitches, but that does not make the machine able to stitch computerised embroidery designs. For everyday garment sewing, a general sewing-thread set is usually the clearer match. Check the machine manual and the recipient’s projects.

Which set suits a quilter?

Choose by quilting method and preference. Gütermann Cotton C Ne 50 sets suit machine-use cotton projects; Cotton 30 adds more visible decorative definition. The dedicated hand-quilting set is for hand work. Ask what thread the quilter already enjoys using.

Are Brother Country threads knitting yarn?

No. The CYT21 Country set contains polyester embroidery thread. Despite the Country Yarn naming used by Brother, it is not yarn for knitting or crochet.

Do the gift sets include bobbin thread and needles?

Only some do. The Metallic Treasure Chest lists bobbin-fill threads and needles, while many smaller sets contain upper threads alone. Read the exact contents on the product page and use the bobbin thread and needle type required by the recipient’s machine.

Can I choose the colours inside a set?

The featured sets are supplied in their stated assortments. Choose between palettes or product versions where offered; do not assume individual colours can be swapped. Product photographs and colour numbers are the best starting point, and screens can alter colour appearance.

Where can I buy thread gift sets in New Zealand?

Shop Gütermann, Madeira and Brother thread sets online at Direct Sewing. Compare the current range in our Thread Sets & Gift Boxes collection, or contact us with the recipient’s projects and your budget for help choosing.

Find their next favourite thread set

Choose a useful little tin, a fresh palette or a generous sewing-room gift. Start with how they make, then choose the colours and presentation that will feel like them.