Japanese Cotton Basting Thread 1 TVShow tabs. As silk basting thread becomes harder to find (especially in the weight you want), Im pleased to offer a wonderful alternative. I like this basting thread more and more its easy to use, easy to remove, and most of all, its thickness means that its nicely visible against just about any fabric. It is sold in a packet of 4 skeins, one of each color. (To use, untwist the skein, tie a scrap of fabric around it, cut it in half, and youll be able to pull out a pre cut thread of the perfect length).