Getting started with sashiko – needles, thread and your first stitches 🇯🇵

When you want to get started with sashiko, you really only need three things: fabric, thread, and a good needle. The beauty of the technique is that it's simple – but the right tools make a big difference in how easy and enjoyable it is to sew.

Here we go over the basics.

Sashiko thread – the heart of the technique

The most typical thread for sashiko is a heavy cotton thread that is clearly visible against the fabric.

Sashiko thread from Olympus is a classic in Japanese embroidery. The thread is made in Japan and consists of 100% cotton, which gives a matte surface and a clear, beautiful stitch.

It is often used for:

• sashiko embroidery

• decorative stitches

• visible mending

• reinforcement of worn garments

The thread is a little thicker than regular sewing thread, which makes the stitches really stand out in the fabric.

Sashiko needles – longer and smoother

Sashiko uses special needles that are longer than regular sewing needles . They allow you to “load” multiple stitches onto the needle before pulling the thread through.

Olympus sashiko needles are designed specifically for this technique and are often available in different lengths. The longer needle is good for straight rows of stitches, while a shorter one can be handy for more detailed work.

This makes work both faster and more ergonomic.

Fabrics that fit well

Sashiko looks best on slightly heavier fabrics. Some good examples are:

• denim

• canvas

• heavy cotton

• linen

Traditionally, dark blue fabric (often indigo dyed) is used together with white thread, but today many different colors are used.

The classic sashiko stitch

The stitch itself is actually just a cover stitch .

You sew small straight stitches along a line:

• Stitch: approximately 3–5 mm

• spacing: approximately the same length as the stitch

When sewing sashiko, you try to keep the stitches even, but perfection is not the goal. The most important thing is the rhythm and feel of the work.

A simple first project

A good first project is to mend a pair of jeans.

1. Place a piece of cloth behind the hole

2. Sew rows of sashiko stitches across the area

3. Continue until the fabric feels stable.

The result is both a reinforcement and a decorative detail – something that is typical of sashiko.