A Beginner’s Guide to DIY Sashiko
At Stitch & Salvage, I believe in honouring the past while stitching toward a more sustainable future. One of the most beautiful ways to extend the life of well-loved denim is through sashiko, a traditional Japanese mending technique that blends function with artistry. Whether you're repairing a tear, reinforcing weak fabric, or simply adding a touch of handcrafted beauty, sashiko stitches tell a story of care and craftsmanship. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through the basics of sashiko mending so you can give your denim a second life.
What You’ll Need:
- A piece of worn or torn denim
- A scrap of fabric for reinforcement (preferably cotton or more denim)
- Sashiko thread (or embroidery thread)
- Sashiko needle (or a long embroidery needle)
- Fabric scissor
- Pins or fabric clips
- Fabric chalk or a washable fabric marker
- A thimble (optional but helpful!)
Step 1: Prepare Your Denim
Before stitching, prepare your denim by trimming any loose threads around the damaged area. If the fabric is torn, cut a patch slightly larger than the hole. Position the patch behind the denim, securing it with pins or basting stitches to keep it in place while you sew.
Step 2: Mark Your Stitching Guide
Using fabric chalk or a washable marker, draw a dot grid or parallel lines on your denim to guide your stitching. Traditional sashiko often follows geometric patterns like waves, diamonds, or simple crosses. If you’re new to sashiko, start with evenly spaced horizontal and vertical stitches for a classic look.
Step 3: Begin Stitching
Thread your sashiko needle with a length of sashiko thread (about 18 inches to avoid tangles). Knot the end and begin stitching with a simple running stitch, weaving your needle in and out along your marked lines. Aim for evenly spaced stitches, but don’t worry about perfection—sashiko celebrates the handmade touch!
Tip: Keep your stitches loose enough to allow the fabric to move naturally. If they’re too tight, the denim may pucker.
Step 4: Finishing Your Stitching
Once you’ve covered the patch with your stitches, tie off the thread on the back and trim any excess. If needed, press your work with an iron to set the stitches. Over time, your sashiko repair will soften and blend beautifully with the denim, creating a completely unique, hand-mended look.
Sashiko Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basics, experiment with different stitch patterns to make each mend unique! Try:
- Asanoha (Hemp Leaf): A geometric star-like pattern
- Kakinohana (Persimmon Flower): Interwoven diamond shapes
- Wave Patterns: Inspired by traditional Japanese seigaiha waves
Why Sashiko?
Sashiko is more than just mending, it’s a statement. Each stitch slows down fast fashion, reduces textile waste, and transforms damaged garments into wearable art. At Stitch & Salvage, we embrace the philosophy of intentional craftsmanship, where every repair is a meaningful act of sustainability
Ready to stitch your own story? Tag me on Instagram @stitchandsalvage to share your sashiko mending.
