If you've been wanting to try sashiko, you don't need a huge collection of supplies to get started. This traditional Japanese stitching technique uses simple running stitches to create beautiful geometric patterns, and it's also a wonderful technique for visible mending and adding decorative stitching to clothing.
I've pulled together some of my favorite beginner-friendly sashiko supplies and kits to make getting started easy.
Want Everything in One Kit?
If you're brand new to sashiko, a starter kit is probably the easiest option.
52-Piece Sashiko Embroidery Kit for Beginners
This larger kit includes a variety of supplies, making it a good choice if you want to experiment without buying everything separately.
→ [Shop the 52-Piece Sashiko Kit on Amazon]
CANTOINU Japanese Sashiko Embroidery Starter Kit
Another simple all-in-one option for learning the basics.
→ [Shop the CANTOINU Sashiko Starter Kit]
Yokota Sashiko Kit with Thread, Needles & Template
If you'd rather start with a smaller collection of traditional supplies, this kit combines Yokota sashiko thread with needles and a stitching template.
→ [Shop the Yokota Sashiko Kit]
Sashiko Thread
Regular embroidery floss works differently from traditional sashiko thread, so this is one supply I recommend buying specifically for sashiko. Yokota/Daruma thread is 100% cotton and designed for sashiko and other hand stitching.
Yokota Sashiko Thread – Unbleached
A classic neutral option that's especially beautiful against indigo or dark fabric.
→ [Shop Yokota Sashiko Thread]
Daruma Yokota 5-Skein Essential Color Set
If you want more color options, a multi-color set gives you plenty of room to experiment with traditional sashiko, visible mending and decorative stitching.
→ [Shop the Daruma 5-Skein Thread Set]
A Few Helpful Extras
You can absolutely stitch freehand, but a few inexpensive tools make learning much easier.
Sashiko Stencil Set
Reusable geometric stencils make it much easier to transfer repeating sashiko patterns onto your fabric.
→ [Shop the 30-Piece Sashiko Stencil Set]
Water-Erasable Fabric Markers
Use these to transfer your design to fabric before stitching, then remove the marks when you're finished.
→ [Shop Water-Erasable Fabric Markers]
Big-Eye Hand-Sewing Needles
The larger eye makes threading heavier sashiko thread easier.
→ [Shop Big-Eye Hand-Sewing Needles]
Gingher Stork Embroidery Scissors
Definitely not essential for your first sashiko project, but these small precision scissors are a beautiful upgrade for anyone who does a lot of hand stitching.
→ [Shop Gingher Stork Embroidery Scissors]
Want to Try a Project First?
A small project can be an easier introduction than immediately tackling a pair of jeans or a large visible-mending project.
FREEBLOSS Sashiko Coaster Kit
A set of small projects lets you practice the basic stitch and repeating patterns before moving on to clothing.
→ [Shop the Sashiko Coaster Kit]
My Sashiko Starter List
You really only need fabric, sashiko thread, a needle and a way to mark your design to begin. Start small, don't worry about perfectly even stitches, and let the handmade quality be part of the finished piece.
I've collected all of these supplies—and a few more favorites—in one place:
→ [Shop My Sashiko & Visible Mending Amazon List]
Once you're comfortable with the basic stitch, try sashiko on jeans, jackets, bags or other well-loved clothing. That's where this technique gets especially fun.
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