Sashiko: The Japanese Stitch That Makes Mending an Art

Sashiko (刺し子), meaning “little stabs,” is a traditional Japanese hand-stitching method that began as a way to repair, reinforce, and insulate clothing. It emerged during the Edo Period (1603–1867), when strict social rules dictated what textiles commoners could wear. Fabric was time-consuming to produce and highly valued, so every scrap was saved. Silk and cotton, both costly and labor-intensive, were reserved for the upper classes. Hemp, which wore out more quickly, was the everyday cloth of farmers and laborers. Instead of discarding worn garments, people mended them with sashiko. Women often stitched simple white running lines across indigo-dyed hemp, strengthening the cloth while also adding beauty.

Sashiko artisan Atsushi Futatsuya

Sashiko thread is different from regular embroidery or sewing thread. Its purpose is not only to join or patch fabric but to make the cloth stronger overall. Traditionally, the aim was for the thread to blend into the fibers and become part of the fabric’s structure. To achieve this, sashiko thread is spun with a soft, loose twist that helps it sink into the weave over time, reinforcing the material even before the stitching is complete. In the past, it was sometimes made by unraveling old cloth soaked in rice water, separating the fibers, and hand-spinning them into strong yarn. Sashiko also uses a needle with a large eye to fit the thicker thread, slightly longer than a standard needle so the stitcher can load several stitches at once.

Meiji era (1868-1912) fisherman's coat at Shibori Dragon quilt store in University Place, WA by Sherrie Spangler

Today, with growing awareness around sustainability, sashiko is being embraced again. It reflects the spirit of mottainai, a Japanese philosophy that values making the most of what you have and avoiding waste.

Beyond its practical purpose, sashiko encourages a slower, more mindful way of being. The steady rhythm of the needle, the attention to each small stitch, and the quiet act of repairing instead of discarding create space for calm and presence. Many people find the process meditative, an opportunity to breathe, clear the mind, and return to the moment. It brings a sense of satisfaction that supports overall well-being.

The patterns also carry centuries of meaning, turning each piece into a kind of visual prayer. Waves (seigaiha) are stitched for resilience and safe passage, hemp leaves (asanoha) for growth and strength, and linked circles (shippo) for harmony and connection. Choosing and sewing these motifs can be an intentional act that fills the mending process with personal wishes and symbolic blessings.

On September 6th, I’ll be at the flea market hosted by The Mindset Apothecary, ready to put sashiko in your hands. My goal is to honor its heritage and original purpose of mending and strengthening clothing while making it easy for anyone to learn and enjoy in daily life. In my mini workshop, you can see how a few simple stitches can rescue worn garments, spark new ideas, and inspire more sustainable choices. I’ll also have sashiko mending kits with my own patterns so you can keep stitching at home. Just as sashiko thread reinforces fabric, 5% of each kit sold will go toward supporting cultural preservation on Vashon Island through Mukai Farm & Garden, which honors Japanese immigrant history.