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Sashiko Embroidery: What It Is and How to Do It

Give this Japanese embroidery technique a try in your next DIY project.

Last Updated on September 30, 2019 by Seleste - Durham University
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
Sashiko embroidery tutorial

Sashiko embroidery tutorial

Sashiko embroidery (刺し子) is a Japanese style of embroidery. Literally meaning ‘little stabs’, sashiko is characterized by even lines of running stitches. What I love about this art is that infinite designs can be formed with only one stitch, although more complicated variations and perfectly sized stitches can take years to master.

Today, I’ll give you a little intro to sashiko embroidery with a sashiko embroidery tutorial!

The basic designs that I will be showing below can be easily done by a beginner, with only a needle and thread. Also, I’ll be showing traditional patterns below but you should feel free to branch out from these ideas and make your own designs.

Running stitch

The foundation of sashiko embroidery is the running stitch, one I’m sure that many of you are familiar with if you’ve tried sewing.

Basically, push the needle in and out of the fabric at regular intervals so a dotted line appears. It’s tricky to get it to look straight, but I’ve found that using a long needle and doing a few at a time helps. See how varying the length of the stitches completely changes the look? Even a few lines of running stitch looks very chic.

Sashiko Embroidery Tutorial: Zig Zag

Make horizontal dashes first when doing the zig zig pattern.

First, make horizontal stitches with the same amount of empty space between them, alternating the columns. Then fill in the vertical stitches to form the zig zag pattern. I think this looks very graphic and would be very bold if you used thread with a contrasting color to the fabric.

Little Crosses

Sashiko embroidery tutorial

Vertical dashes to make the crosses.

Finished little crosses.

Finished little crosses.

This one leads into the next style that I’m going to show you as it is basically intersecting vertical and horizontal dashes. I find it useful to draw out a grid with some disappearing fabric ink or chalk just to keep things even. I also like to do all the vertical stitches first before doing the horizontal ones because I feel that looks neater.

Juuji Hanazashi (cross and flowers)

Sashiko embroidery tutorial - Begin with the crosses from the above tutorial.

Begin with the crosses from the above tutorial.

Fill in the diagonal areas on alternate lines.

Fill in the diagonal areas on alternate lines.

Sashiko tutorial for cross and flowers

Fill in the diagonal lines in the other direction.

This is a design that looks super complicated but is actually quite simple. First make little crosses, from the tutorial above. Then use diagonal lines to connect the alternate rows of crosses.

Uses for Sashiko

Traditionally sashiko embroidery is done with white thread on indigo fabric which makes it particularly suited for denim embroidery. Here are some examples that I’ve collected from around the web.

A post shared by salt + still (@salt_and_still) on Apr 27, 2016 at 11:10am PDT

Here running stitches have been used to create the clamshell and houndstooth shapes. The simple shapes really highlight the precision of the stitching.

A post shared by tsuhima (@tsuhima9511) on Jul 22, 2018 at 3:44am PDT

The white on white on this patched tote bag makes the stitch work subtle and sophisticated.

❄ W A R R I O R ❄ Finally done! Another custom shoes for Bro A Warrior Sparta Classic ? We use some new acquired fabrics from local taylor’s & new Batik fabric! We were sorry to Bro A bcz it’s past deadline for finishing it ? If you’re interested check out our work on Highlight Story DM us for services or Whatsapp 085766462302 In frame : Warrior Sparta Classic Shoot ? : @riraaag

A post shared by Sashiko – – Denim – – Repair (@siashiko) on May 28, 2018 at 8:47am PDT

I hadn’t even thought about using this technique to decorate shoes but this pair of converse looks amazing! I also love that different hues of denim have been patched on.

Sashiko embroidery tutorial finished product

I think sashiko embroidery is absolutely beautiful and hope that some of you will give it a try. If you do try our sashiko embroidery tutorial, remember to tag us @collegefashion or #collegefashiondiy!

Tags : DIY

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Originally published on July 25, 2018
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