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Everything You Need to Start Sashiko
20
items Getting started with sashiko is much easier - and more enjoyable - when you have the right tools from the beginning. I put together this list of beginner friendly sashiko supplies including traditional needles, thread, fabric, thimbles, marking tools...
Sections
4
Kits
Thread
Needles & Thimbles
Books
Kits
A beautiful traditional asanoha (hemp leaf) sashiko pattern pre-printed onto deep navy fabric. Perfect for beginners who want to focus on stitching rhythm and technique without worrying about drawing patterns themselves.
DARUMA Sashiko Sampler Cloth Navy Hemp Leaf
A beginner-friendly sashiko kit that turns practice stitching into something genuinely useful. The smaller coaster size makes these feel approachable and satisfying to finish, even if it’s your first project.
Olympus Sashiko Embroidery Coasters - 5 Navy
High-quality Japanese sashiko cloth with pre-printed patterns that make learning much less intimidating. Great for practicing even stitches and traditional geometric designs.
Yokota Daruma Sashiko Cloth - Pre-Printed Sampler
An easy all-in-one starter set with everything you need to begin sashiko right away. Ideal if you don’t want the overwhelm of sourcing tools separately.
Sashiko Kit: Thread, Needles, Fabric, Pencil, Thimble
A traditional hitomezashi-style sashiko kit featuring the beautiful dotted-grid stitching style that creates intricate geometric patterns. Relaxing, meditative, and incredibly satisfying once the pattern starts appearing.
Daruma Hitomezashi Sashiko Kit - Japanese Needle & Thread Set
A warmer, more modern-looking version of the classic sashiko coaster kit. The red fabric makes white stitching stand out beautifully and adds a slightly contemporary feel to traditional sashiko patterns.
Olympus Sashiko Embroidery Coasters - 5pc
A fun beginner project that lets you create practical drawstring bags while learning sashiko techniques. Great if you want a finished piece you can actually use daily.
INFUNLY 3 Set Sashiko Drawstring Bag Kit
This kit includes everything you need to start visible mending, hand embroidery, and slow stitching - with reclaimed denim, eco tools, and a beautifully illustrated guide.
Sashiko Mending Kit – Japanese Visible Mending Starter Kit with Thread, Needle & Pattern | Learn Sashiko Stitching for Repairing Clothes
Sashiko Stitch Sampler featuring 28 unique designs. This physical fabric kit is expertly crafted to help you practice and perfect your hand-stitching skills while creating a beautiful piece of textile art.
Sashiko Embroidery Sampler – 28 Japanese Pattern Fabric Panel
Thread
A classic Japanese sashiko thread with the perfect thickness and texture for visible decorative stitching. Great color selection too.
Olympus Sashiko Thread
Slightly softer and more matte-looking than some sashiko threads, which gives finished stitching a really beautiful traditional feel.
DARUMA Sashiko Thread 100% Cotton Card
Perfect if you want more modern-looking sashiko projects with subtle color shifts and extra visual texture.
Olympus Sashiko Thread - Variegated Orange Pink
Needles & Thimbles
Traditional Japanese sashiko needles designed specifically for long running stitches and smooth fabric glide. Strong, sharp, and much easier to use for sashiko than regular sewing needles.
Sashiko Needles - by Lecien Japan
A really useful beginner combo because sashiko stitching feels much smoother once you start using a proper sashiko thimble. Helps make long running stitches easier and more comfortable.
Sashiko Combo Pack: Needle & Leather Thimble
Sashiko stitching uses a different motion than standard embroidery, and a sashiko thimble makes long running stitches MUCH easier and more comfortable.
Clover 611 Adjustable Ring Thimble with Plate, #22
One of the most commonly recommended sashiko needle brands. Strong, reliable, and available in different lengths depending on your stitching style.
Clover Sashico Needles, 134, Model:Q2007
Beautifully made Japanese needles that glide through fabric smoothly and are easier for beginners to use than standard sewing needles. A great first sashiko needle set.
Tulip Long Sashiko Needles Assorted Tube of 6
Books
More than just a craft book — this explores the cultural history, philosophy, and deeper meaning behind sashiko stitching. Perfect for anyone interested in the traditions and stories connected to the craft.
Sashiko: The Untold Story: The History, Technique and Philosophy Behind Japanese Hand-stitching
A more contemporary take on sashiko with creative projects that blend traditional stitching with modern color palettes and designs. Great inspiration if you want to go beyond classic indigo-and-white styles.
Modern Sashiko: 26 Mixed-Style Sashiko Projects
A refreshing modern interpretation of sashiko that uses playful color combinations and creative designs while still respecting traditional techniques. Perfect if you love visible mending, slow crafting, and colorful textile projects.
Colourful Sashiko: 47 Designs & Projects