I was hooked immediately when I first learned about sashiko needlework and its common partner, boro mending. Images of fashion wear and home decor enhanced with sashiko and antique kimonos repaired with boro patches started showing up on my Pinterest feeds in 2016. First they came in trickles and then, of course, they were everywhere as the algorithms perfected my feeds.

Sashiko needlework has been around for hundreds of years. It’s actually very simple in concept using a basic running stitch. Boro stitching involves attaching layers of fabric patches using the sashiko stitching style with sturdy thread. Using these stitches, you can transform your favorite aging denim jeans and other wearables into high fashion or funky fun-to-wear favorites. Or use it to create stylish home decor pillows and throws.The needlework’s popularity doen’t seem to let up.

I’m especially fond of using these two stitching practices to craft a look of minimalism. Their essence speaks simplicity to me. I’ve tried my hand at a number of projects in this vein, including kitchen towels and wall art. I love how they turn out and they make terrific gifts.

Sashiko is a super stitch for beginners to learn. It’s also very meditative to use this repetitive stitch. In fact, another entire creative stitchwork movement is “slow stitch”. Many artists find using the stitch in creative ways fosters a natural way to “journal” their thoughts and feelings visually.

While many creators prefer applying meticulously measured sashiko stitches on fabric with marked patterns, I’m not one of them. I like the freedom of keeping to somewhat evenly spaced stitches in somewhat parallel rows that fill somewhat geometric and swirling shapes. What can I say!

An excellent resource on the history of Sashiko and boro needlework, modern usages and stitching supplies is on upcyclestitch.com.

Start an easy sashiko project

If you want an easy project, start with kitchen towels and add parallel stitched rows. Try loosely filling in geometric shapes in repeating patterns or create an overlapping design. When I did this, I was particularly interested in repurposing linen clothing for the towels. To make the towels, I cut along the seams of pant legs or shirt back to separate the elements of the wearable item, then cut fabric sections, ironed the pieces, and machine-stitched the towel’s edges before adding the sashiko stitching.

Embroidery hoops are not used in sashiko generally. You just have to learn how to hold the fabric and sew your lines or curves. The long stitch length makes it easy to complete one row after the next. My simple designs were added to the towels in no time, but that wasn’t a requirement. I spent a couple of hours on each towel.

Recommended sashiko supplies

The supplies recommended for sashiko stitching projects start with sashiko needles, which are longer and stronger than regular or quilting needles and have a relatively large eye. They are usually at least 2 to 2.5 inches long. This is long enough that you can typically add at least 3-4 stitches on the needle before pulling it through the fabric. Many sewing supply stores carry them or you can order them online.

While other needle types can be used they may warp more easily as you pull the needle through multiple fabric layers.

Sashiko thread is the gold standard to use. Of course, don’t let it crimp your style if you prefer to use other types of thread such as embroidery floss or pearl cotton. The key is to use threat that’s easy to work with and creates a visual contrast with the backing fabric. I’ve been sticking with embroidery floss, only because I’m trying to repurpose all the floss I’ve acquired over the years, including a stash from a friend.

Sashiko Gifting

Knowing that most of my friends and family love homemade gifts makes it easy to gift to them something I’ve just created. I’ve spotted my sashiko-adorned towels in several kitchens of friends and family, which makes me feel good.

Another sashiko story for another day

In one year-long project, I tackled a 4.5′ by 3.5′ wall hanging using a combination of sashiko needlework and the application of fabric patches à la boro mending style. But, that’s a story for another day, another post.