What you need for sashiko
Sashiko thread, a sashiko needle, a thimble, fabric and a marker.
- Sashiko thread: tightly twisted cotton, used whole. Do not split it like embroidery floss.
- A sashiko needle: long and stiff with a big eye. Crewel (size 5+) or milliner's needles work if you are just trying it.
- A thimble, worn on the palm or middle finger, to push the needle.
- Fabric: plain weave, slightly stiff; a looser weave is easier for beginners.
- A fabric marker and ruler for the grid.
Watch
Sashiko for Beginners: Tools You Need + How to Stitch a Pattern | da-Mira (17:55)
By da Mira · Open on YouTube
Chosen from its title and channel: a 17-minute video from da Mira on the same topic as this guide. Embedded from YouTube with credit; we don't host it. It only loads when you press play.
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Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.