The embroidery thread of a 10th-century relic pouch was examined by different scientific methods. The aim of the investigations was to establish an optimal sequence of methods for obtaining the maximum information on manufacturing technique of the metal thread using as small a sample as possible. Optical microscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray analysis were used for the morphological and material tests of the two samples of about 3 mm of common length. Data show that a gilt silver strip was wound around a silk core for making the thread. Thickness and width of the metal strip, the composition and width of the silver and gold layer and the possible ways of gilding are also given.