Sashiko stitching

How do I make sashiko embroidery? The sashiko technique is quite simple, since it's based on the front stitch. To achieve the effect, you need to make the stitches the size of a grain of rice perfectly regular, and at the crossing of the lines, the threads must not cut each other, i.e. they must not touch. You don't need to use an embroidery drum to make sashiko.

What supplies are needed for sashiko?

1. Embroidery thread. There' s an embroidery thread that's only used for sashiko, because it's thicker than traditional embroidery thread and gives a more matte finish. Our sashiko embroidery threads come from Japan and are of the highest quality.
2. sashiko needles are long enough to make a large number of stitches in a single pass, and have a wide eye for easy passage of the thick cotton thread.
3. A piece of canvas or sashiko fabric. Sashiko used to be made with white thread on indigo-blue fabric. Nowadays, they come in a variety of colors.

Traditional sashiko patterns are geometric or nature-related. But anything's possible - just let your imagination run wild!


Are you a beginner? We've put together a technical sheet showing the different hand embroidery stitches. You'll love discovering this art of thread, so get started!