Good Thread for Sashiko

Good Thread for Sashiko – Updated in 2024

It is everyone’s interest to see what is Good Thread for Sashiko. I have been sharing many stories on SNS & Youtube about our sincere recommendation on Good Thread for Sashiko. It is indeed that Sashiko Thread Matters. Choosing a good thread will not only make a difference in the result of Sashiko but it also will improve the stitching experience itself. This article is an updated information about what is Good Thread for Sashiko in 2024.

*If you would like to jump to the conclusion & see what is available for purchase, please check this category. The threads listed there are all our recommendations & we use them in everyday’s stitching.

Coron Sashiko Thread – Where is it now?

Since I started Upcycle Stitches, I have been recommending “Coron Sashiko Thread” as the Best Sashiko Thread for the Sashiko Purpose. Coron Threads Manufacture.Inc is (was) a well-established & detailed manufacturer specialized in making various kinds of Threads. Where I am from (my family business) also work(ed) with them, and have been offering their wonderful Sashiko Thread.

You may find it difficult to have Coron Sashiko Thread in the last few years. Many Craft Supply Stores unlist their threads. Some even put them on sale to liquidate their inventory. Long Story Short, it is very sad that Coron Thread Manufacture. Inc doesn’t exist any longer. In the pandemic, similar to many other businesses, they decided to close their operation. It took a long time to “pass it over (revive)” to someone to continue their legacy. Thanks to many people’s help, we are now able to resource very similar (almost identical) Sashiko Threads.

We have the same thread as our recommendation – yet the Coron Sashiko Thread no longer exists. We can still use the best Sashiko Thread, yet it is so sad to see Coron Threads Company gone.

*You can see more stories with another article here on SashikoStory.Com

The Purpose for Sashiko Thread

We have been sharing the reasons why we use the “Sashiko Thread (manufactured by Coron)” as a Good Thread for Sashiko for decades. It isn’t only the materials, thickness, or colors. We have so many people & wisdom to make the Thread happens. However, in a big trend of Sashiko, Sashiko practitioners mainly focus on colors & thickness. Some even say “Threads do not matter in Sashiko. Use whatever you have”.

Well. It is true that one can use any threads for Sashiko to enjoy stitching itself. However, it doesn’t mean that we can ignore the wisdom behind long-established threads. It is so violent to tell others “whatever is fine” without acknowledging the stories behind. Some may do it unintentionally (just don’t know what it is), or worse, it seems they are misleading the information to increase their profit.

Sashiko Threads Matter – and without appropriate Sashiko Thread, some of the wisdom we appreciate today will not be promised. For example, I find some Sashiko Teachers saying “It is impossible to make both sides of fabric as identical in Sashiko”. It is impossible “For Them” because they do not understand the purpose for Sashiko Thread – and the significance of the outcome of Good Thread for Sashiko.

I do not want to repeat the same mistake

We have some memories with Coron Thread Manufacture as “Company”. They were a group of Shokunin – the respected & strict people with their own skill & tradition. It indicates that they weren’t so well prepared as “Business People” in today’s society. The issues of their business challenges, such as aging of Shokunin & finding the next heir (as they couldn’t increase the compensation like other industries), existed before the big trend of Sashiko. I knew it wasn’t going so smooth, but I never thought we would lose the Coron Thread Manufacture…

I do not want to repeat the same mistake I have made. It isn’t no one’s fault that they discontinued their business. The competition & expanding the market is a very healthy business activity. Without healthy competition, the culture won’t be secured appropriately.

The mistake I clarify here is us (Japanese Artisans) not speaking up enough. It isn’t healthy to have some non-Japanese saying “Whatever thread is fine for Sashiko” without knowing any of our Stories. Please be reminded that you indeed can use any thread for Sashiko. However, it has to be “one’s choice” – not something to teach or share with others without proper acknowledgement.

I do not know if Coron Thread would have continued their production if I spoke up more decades ago. Finding someone to take over the business was indeed a big challenge for not only Coron Thread but also many types of manufacturers in Japan (including my family business). Although I don’t know what I could have done to preserve their legacy better, I know that the voices have to be heard to protect the Culture. Telling others misleading information to control the flow of profit can cause Cultural Appropriation. Here, the acknowledgement for the stories is the bridge between Appropriation to the Appreciation. Strictly & Ideally speaking, I believe they need to learn Japanese before they start sharing some of their understanding of Sashiko – however, the world isn’t made like this. In order to speak up globally, one has to be able to do so in proficient English.

Here I am – and I will not stop speaking up to not to repeat the same mistake.

It may be Just Thread – but it is Thread

Some say “Oh, Come one. Just thread. Don’t Over React”. I have been receiving comments like this to accuse my voice – to minimize the significance of the culture. It is just thread – but there are many people who devoted their lives in to “just thread”. Sashiko is “just stitching” , yet it is stitching that many of my family & friends have spent their entire lives on.

I believe it isn’t exaggerating to say that none of our Sashiko Pieces wouldn’t & won’t be made without the Thread I talk about here. Some may say it is just a thread – but it is the thread that consist of this Cultural Sustainability. By minimizing the significance of this Good Thread for Sashiko, we face to the risk of losing much more than thread.

Cultural Sustainability in Capitalism

I speak up the importance of Cultural Sustainability in contrast to Material Sustainability. Both Material & Cultural Sustainability can be established simultaneously. It is not one or another. We also have to understand that we live in a society where we cannot ignore Capitalism. For us, the money isn’t the goal to achieve. However, money is very important vehicle to achieve the goal of preserving the Sashiko Practice. Therefore, it is critical to balance the Cultural Sustainability & Capitalism.

Unfortunately, some (or many) Japanese Craftsmanship got lost in a process of sophistication of Capitalism. The market based on demand & supply will determine the future of its product, and the demand & supply will be hugely affected by “Pricing”. If I could produce cheaper threads, the market for the thread I offer may be bigger. If the market is bigger, we can probably produce cheaper threads. It is the spiral of “marketing”, and the craftsmanship need to have different approach to the market. Sashiko Thread we strongly recommend are relatively more expensive than others. I strongly believe the pricing is fair when we compare the quality and quantity of what we offer – however, I admit it is high-end of the Sashiko Thread. The quality of production determine the pricing. At the same time, the popularity of our threads will be a very big factor of the pricing – the more people enjoy the Sashiko Thread we recommend, the lower the pricing will be. The more we can manufacture the Sashiko Thread we recommend, the bigger market we can sustain by having distributors all over the world.

What we see now is the market after we failed. However, it doesn’t mean that I can give up so easily to ig nore someone overpainting our wisdom & tradition. Your choice will secure the Cultural Sustainability I speak up. I, Atsushi Futatsuya, never will use the Revenue/Profit/Sales for the unreasonable luxury items such as Lamborghini or Rolex. I am not questioning their value as luxury items, and I do have huge respect those who can afford them. However, my goal is always the preservation of Cultural Sustainability in Capitalism. Therefore, money is a vehicle to make Sashiko somewhat sustainable. All of the profit via our online store & payment to our workshop will be used for the Sashiko’s Sustainability. The purchase of Good Thread for Sashiko here will be the great support to make our dream happen.

*Please be noted that “All of the profit” indicate the profit after somewhat satisfying our daily needs. When I have reasonable bills to pay, I may clear them first. In order to achieve this goal, I may want to think of the possibility of establishing the Non-Profit Organization. Regardless, I just want to repeat my declaration that all I do is to preserve the Cultural Sustainability that has been severely damaged (or broken) already.

Good Thread for Sashiko Exists

We can find a variety of Sashiko thread available in the market. The seller describe their thread as the “Good Thread for Sashiko” to increase their sales. It is very natural things to do & that’s what I am doing. It is us (customer & stitcher) who decide what type of future (sustainability) we want to have. So, when you choose to purchase “it”, please be mindful whom you are purchasing from. Are they actually talking from their experience or just saying to increase the sales? Do they stitch Sashiko? Do they even like Sashiko or do they like “something” they can get by saying they like Sashiko?

It is sad that Coron Thread Manufacture.Inc doesn’t exist any longer. However, their wisdom and legacy are passed over to another well-established thread manufacture. The thread we carry under this category of our store are all from the new production line – either Synthetic Dye by machine or Natural Dye by Keiko’s Hand.

Your acknowledgement, choice, and time to enjoy Sashiko with our Threads are hugely appreciated. We will do our best to preserve this Cultural Sustainability. We won’t repeat the same sad news.

Sashiko Supplies in Japan

Shopping Sashiko Supplies in Japan

I occasionally receive a quesiton whether we have a place (store-front) offering our Sashiko Supplies in Japan from those who are traveling to Japan. This Blog Article explain how we can arrange a Shopping of our Sashiko Supplies in Japan.

We do not have a StoreFront & We do not do wholesale

As we do not have a storefront where anyone can access, it requires a bit of preparation when you would like to purchase some supplies from us. Unfortunately, due to a very limited production, we do not do wholesale business at this point. As a result, there are no craft stores carrying our Sashiko Thread, needles, thimble, and ever fabrics.

Arrange a Special Package for you

The realistic way to purchase our Sashiko Supplies in Japan would be by arranging a package from my mother so that you can receive the items while you are staying in Japan. If you are interested in this way, we are happy to offer up to 35% Off from the listing price of the items on our webstore.

Please contact Atsushi first to get this discount. The actual amount of the discount will be determined what you plan to order, where the package to be shipped, and when does it need to be delivered. Once I confirm the availability with Keiko, I will generate the One-Time Coupon for you so that you can get a package of our Sashiko Supplies in Japan.

For the items listed, please click the store above.

Please include the information below when you contact us. Without information, I may consider the inquiry as a spam, and you may not receive the reply. It is safe to write [I am interested in the order arrangement in Japan] or something like that when you send the Contact Form.

  • Your name & what you would like to purchase form the Webstore above.
  • The name of the Hotel or a shipping address of the house/room you are staying
  • Your preference when it to be delivered.

If you do not hear from me within 3 days or so, please contact me via SNS like Instagram.

Keiko’s House & Sashiko Supplies in Japan

Keiko Futatsuya lives in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. She carries some of her threads & her pieces. If it is your strong preference to actually see the supply & purchase, visiting her house for the purchase is one option. However, to reduce a risk, we have some restriction to who can visit to Keiko’s house.

If you are a graduate of Atsushi’s Workshop (Core & Essence), you are always welcome to visit Keiko. Please simply email me with the email address you registered the workshop. I will follow-up with arrangement with Keiko.

If you are new to our Sashiko, please read the article below to arrange the appointment. Please be advised that the appointment is not guranteed as Keiko can be quite busy. It is safe to arrange the appointment at least a few month in advance. If the visit is within a few days, the appointment will not be available in many cases. To start the arrangment, please contact Atsushi after reading the article below very carefully.

Other Recommendation about Sashiko Supplies in Japan

I also receive a numbers of inquiry asking for my recommendation about Sashiko Supplies in Japan. My recommendation is what we sell, and unfortunately, there are no storefront where you can get. There are many kinds of good Sashiko Supplies in Japan, and they are available in many stories – yet they are’t my recommendation.

I understand that it is a bit troublesome process to get the Sashiko Supplies. Once we regain the structure of supply production, we may be able to restart the wholesale business. In that case, a visitor to Japan can enjoy the Sashiko Suppiles that we recommend fully.

Our Sashiko Store is located in the United States, and we make a shipment to many countries internationally. If you are interested, please check what we have… and more importantly, “Why” we keep offering these specific threads, needle, thimble and fabric.

Sashiko Fukubukuro 2021 Cover

Sashiko Fukubukuro 2021

The year of 2020 became such a strange, difficult, and challenging year. I am happy and relieved to write this article after all of challenges we had gone through. Thanks to your support, we are here today. We would like to welcome the new year of 2021 with the same way as we always did – with Sashiko Fukubukuro 2021.

The Japanese cerebrates new year’s business with offering the Fukubukuro (Fortune Bag – Lucky Bag). It is our pleasure to offer the great Fukubukuro again. Please read other articles about Sashiko Fukubukuro to understand what it means to us, in 2020 and 2019.

Sashiko Fukubukuro 2021

Some business use the opportunity of Fukubukuro to clear the excessive inventories (some even say that “Clear inventory Sale (在庫一掃)”. For us, Fukubukuro is an opportunity to offer a bit of discount at the beginning of year to enjoy Sashiko. We rarely offer the discount on our items in our store, so please enjoy this opportunity to get the great deal for Sashiko thread & other items.

*In Sashiko items/supplies/tools we carry, there arent any “trend” and “expiration date”. Also, most of them are not mass-produced. So, we do not have hundreds of inventory to clear and there are no worries for items to be wasted. Fukubukuro is a way to share our appreciation.

Each Fukubukuro has a theme. For example, in 2021, A.Keiko Bag is for the “thread lovers (Only threads, but many various kinds of thread)” and B,Azu Bag is for the “Sashiko Practitioners (thread, fabric, and some patterns to enjoy Sashiko)”. Please read this article as well as the product page carefully to find the best match for you (You are welcome to purchase several of Fukubukuro).

How to get Sashiko Fukubukuro 2021

All of the Sashiko Fukubukuro will be available for sale starting on January 2nd around 8~9 pm EST on our Store. The all sales ends on January 24th at midnight or all of the materials I had prepared are sold out. The shipment will be made accordingly, but please expect 3 ~ 14 business days for us to complete the shipping. (The regular order will have the priority.)

The price includes the US Domestic Shipping (either USPS priority or USPS First Class with tracking). If you are ordering it to the Non-US Address, please expect a follow-up email from Atsushi for the shipping fee adjustment. Based on the shipping address & type of Fukubukuro, I will suggest you the possible secured shipping options in Covid-19. Depending on the availability of international shipping, the package may be shipped from Japan.

*The contents & Price of the Fukubukuro may be different from today’s plan (Dec.31st). Please check the final product page for the final contents of the Fukubukuro.


A. Keiko Thread Bag 2021

The theme for A. Keiko Bag is “Sashiko Supreme Thread“.

We keep saying. “Thread Does Matter” in Sashiko. I receive many feedbacks from customers/friends with saying, “Yes, I got the reasons you are talking about” after they actually try our Sashiko thread. Thread is the biggest consumption in Sashiko. In order to enjoy Sashiko, we have to use thread (needless to say). Therefore, a Fukubukuro with a lot of threads are our ordinary offer in every year’s Fukubukuro.

This year, A thread bag (so called”A Keiko Bag“) will have a choice of its sizes.

  • Nami – Compact Size (Est. $40.00)
  • Dai – Big Size (Est. $140.00)
  • Tokudai – Super Size (Est. $250.00)

Nami – Compact Size

At least 4 skeins of Sashiko threads from the list below (3 regular Sashiko thread + small Sashiko thread). No Natural Dye Sashiko Thread will be included.

Dai – Big Size

At least 9 skeins of Sashiko threads from the list below, including at least 3 Natural Dye Sashiko Thread from our regular Natural Dye Collections. The bag includes some small Sashiko thread as well (the 9 skeins I promise will include a few small skeins).

Tokudai – Super Size

At least 12 skeins of Sashiko thread from the list below, including at least 7 Natural Dye Sashiko Thread. Some Natural Dye will be one-of-a-kind that is already discontinued (Not even listed on the website). A package of needle & thimble will come with the bag. If you enjoy Sashiko with 10 skeins of thread, 3 extra needle may be good to have. (If you do not need a thimble, please introduce the Sashiko we practice to your family & friends with gifting it).

All of the Sashiko threads are the one we use in every day, both small (40m) skeins/cards to regular (145m) skeins. I will make sure that contents will exceed the retail value of our Sashiko Store. Natural Dye Sashiko Threads are hand-dyed by Keiko Futatsuya

This is a list of thread that I would pick up the colors. The possible colors you will get are the following (but not limited to):

*Check all the thread availability from Upcycle Stitches.

I am happy to accept your preference in colors. If you have any preference (ex. I like pinks), please write your preference when you check out the cart as a comment to me. I cannot promise I can pick up the color exactly as you wish. However, I will do my best to make it happen. If your preference is “Earth Color” and “Soft Color”, please consider choosing the bag which contains the Natural Dye Sashiko Thread.

*A set of Needle & thimble will be available as “add-on” with the special price.


B. Azu Sashiko Bag 2020

The theme for B. Azu Bag is “(A lot of) Fabric & Thread & Some pattterns (Mylar Sheets) for Sashiko Practitioners.”

The more I continue the journey of “Sharing Sashiko”, the more “Sashiko beginners” I meet. I feel the “trend” of Sashiko more than ever. For the Sashiko Fukubukuro 2021, in “Azu Bag”, I decided to offer some choices in selection.

  • Azu Bag for Sashiko Beginner (Est. $50.00)
  • Azu Bag for Sashiko Stitcher (Est. $150.00)
  • Azu Bag for Sashiko Artisans (Est. $250.00)

Azu Bag for Sashiko Beginner

This bag is for a beginner who has never tried our thread, needles, a thimlble, and fabric. It is a compact package of everything you need to “try” our Sashiko stitching with a reasonable price. Most of the tutorials to enjoy our Sashiko are already on Youtube. You may need to spend a bit of time to learn – but I believe it is a good start to learn how to prepare the fabric as well. I plan to make a designated tutorial as well (toward the end of January).

Azu Bag for Sashiko Stitcher

We have several patterns that we had enjoyed stitching in 2020. We will send you “all supplies you would need” to enjoy several of new patterns with good amount of fabrics & threads.

Azu Bag for Sashiko Artisans

A lot of fabric + some vintage/rare fabrics that I have been collecting. I may contact you to understand the preference if you are the returning customer.

My wish for this years’ “B. Azu Bag” is to encourage a Sashiko lovers in continuing(starting) Sashiko stitching. The bag will have an essential items – as much fabric & thread as possible (toward the bigger bags). I will also make some tutorials to encourage you to enjoy Sashiko (For those who follow me, it may be a repetitive information. I hope it will be a good refreshment).

A list of items the Be.Azu bag “may” include…

  • Our Supreme Sashiko Thread
  • Fabric(s) made in Japan – good fabric for Sashiko stitching.
  • Supplies to prepare the fabric with patterns.
  • Sashiko Needles
  • Sashiko Thimble
  • Other Sashiko related items.

*Please be noted that the thread clipper on the sample photo may not be included.

In each bags, I will try my best to meet your expectations and exceed the item’s value (above the retail price on our website). My goal is always to encourage people to start & continue enjoying Sashiko. If you are a beginner, please mention it in the comment box at the checkout. If you are a returning customer (You are my friend), please let me know your preference. I am here to encourage you to enjoy Sashiko. Please contact me if you have any questions before the purchase.

As I mentioned above, many tutorials are already on Youtube for you to learn how to prepare the fabric & how to avoid making knots. I plan to make a webpage designated to the Fukubukuro customer as well. After receiving the Fukubukuro, if you would like to learn the Core of Sashiko (how to stitch like we do), please consider taking the Online Sashiko Class.

The special Bags I am still wondering…

Last year, I made one gigantic Fukubukuro with a pile of thread, fabric & supplies/tools in it. I received many good reviews & several requests – which were “More fabric”, “More Natural Dye”, and “Vintage fabric enough to make ‘To-Be-Boro’ piece”. I have been trying to collect fabric & thread, but I do not know if this “huge” bags are good option to offer in Covid-19 (since it is a bit more difficult to get supplies from Japan).

Therefore, I am still wondering if I can/will offer a special Fukubukuro for both Keiko Bag & Atsushi Bag with following the same theme. I have a few packages of “project materials to make Boro-to-be bag or placemat” that I am (was) planning to offer in 2021 with limited amount (Photo is coming – available upon request). Also, for those who wish to have A LOT of thread and fabric… These are the biggest Fukubukuros for 2021.

I think I can only prepare a few of this bag. I will offer them. However, I may take it down while watching what I have in my storage room.


Terms and Conditions for Sashiko Fukubukuro

Please read the terms of “Sashiko Fukubukuro” service before you complete the order. Fukubukuro is based on the concept of “a blind bag” and “a lucky bag”. Therefore, we do not accept any returns of the contents you receive. We will do our best to exceed your expectations, and promise that the value of the contents will be above the total of retail value on our webstore.

  • The Bags will be sold between January 2nd around 8~9 pm in EST to January 24th. The sales continue while the supply last, and it may be ended before the final date.
  • The shipping will be made accordingly. However, unlike the other regular orders which we usually ship in 1~2 business day, the Sashiko Fukubukuro order will take longer than that (Please expect a few days to 2 weeks to be shipped). I will do my best to complete the shipping as soon as possible.
  • We will not accept any return or cancel after the shipment. If you would like to cancel the order, please let us know as soon as possible
  • The Sashiko Fukubukuro Bag may contain an item without original packaging. We will re-package and will send them in a nice condition.
  • The item may be an item that was “returned” as the sellable condition. No second-hand item will be included (besides the vintage fabric).
  • The price of Sashiko Fukubukuro (2021) include the US Domestic shipping fee. If your shipping address is outside of the U.S., you may purchase one with agreeing the extra shipping fee will be applied (I will contact you with the estimate with reasonable & safe pricing to deliver under the Covid-19). Depends on the shipping address, the package may be shipped from Japan.

*All the photos are the sample contents. Colors and items insides are subject to change, but the photo explains what you can expect to get.

*Keiko maybe preparing for the Sashiko Fukubukuro – international version. Please consider one when if it becomes available.(Keiko’s English shop).

Sashiko Fukubukuro for the beginning of 2020
Sashiko Fukubukuro for the beginning of 2019
Sashiko FaceMask Kit

Sashiko FaceMask Kit | Make it by yourself

I introduced some of Sashiko Stitched Facemask on Instagram. I appreciate many admiration on comments. At the same time, I receive quite many inquiries if the Sashiko FaceMask is for sale. Since I am a caregiver to my daughter & Sashiko FaceMask takes many hours to complete, I am not thinking to offer a Sashiko Face mask for sale as of April 2020. Instead, I made a “Sashiko FaceMask Kit” so that you can make it by yourself with enjoying Sashiko. Although the kit doesn’t include the written instruction, a whole Live-Streaming of me making the Sashiko mask is available as a Youtube Video, and I will follow-up the request on this article as much as I can, including some “hows” videos & information.

It would be great if you could enjoy a process of Sashiko, and then enjoy the result of Sashiko FaceMask Kit in this crisis.

Purchase the Kit

Disclaimer:

The mask you may make out of this set is NOT a solution for the medical purpose. The Sashiko stitching itself may be an unnecessary process in terms of “filtering” the virus perspective.

Please understand that the set is for ENJOYING SASHIKO while making something to cover your mouth. If you are in need of protecting yourself from virus, please get the N95 or other appropriate equipment.


Sashiko FaceMask Kit description

Full-set includes everything you need to make Sashiko FaceMask with enjoying Sashiko. Basic Set will deliver the fabrics that I used to make the Sashiko mask. The detail is available on the product page, and please make sure to read before your purchase.

Full Set includes:

  • 1. Outside Fabric // Indigo Dye Cotton 100% Fabric (About 9″ x 10.5″) – the best fabric for enjoying Sashiko
  • 2. Inside Fabric // Cotton 100% Poplin Fabric (About 9″ x 10.5″) – very smooth touch
  • 3. Gauze fabric for the insert // cotton 100% (About 9″ x 13″) – the purpose of this insert is to retain some moisture to protect mask being wet in short period of time. You may use this fabric as a washable & removable filter (Not the medical filter).
  • 4. Pattern Paper for Mask Shape (On Card Stock 110 index) – *please adjust the size. The mask is “adult” size
  • 5. Elastic Band // 1/4 wide, about ~30″ length
  • 6. A Sashiko Thread (Our regular & favorite) // $13.50 value on Etsy // Color of your choice from 15 colors (if no specification, the bright white will be picked)
  • 7. A set of thimble & needles // $14.50 value on Etsy
  • 8. Thread bobbin paper
  • 9. Chalk Pencil

*Basic Set includes (1) to (5)

*Full Set comes with Free US Domestic Shipping


Follow Up Information for Sashiko FaceMask Kit

Please find a list of information here for the follow-up. I rushed to offer the kit before preparing the tutorials. I will try my best to keep up with a request from those who purchase the kits (Please contact me with the order number.)

Tips:

  • An example of how to proceed.
    1. Prepare the pattern first on the back side of fabric (We traditionally fold fabric inside front. So, outside is the backside.
    2. Enjoy Sashiko stitching.
    3. (This process can be skipped for Sashiko Mask) Soak the fabric into the water and dry it (avoid tumble dry for this step).
    4. Cut the fabric as the Mask Pattern.
    5. Sew the mask up.
    6. Wash it before you use it & follow the sanitizing procedure.
    7. After several washes and drying, it should be fine to be washed in a washing machine & tumble dry. At least, that’s what I do.

Sashiko Youtube Videos

Useful Information on article

Last Update: April 20th, 2020

Purchase the Kit

Sashiko in COVID-10 Crisis

What I can do for Sashiko in COVID-19 Crisis

It is quite sad, frustrated, and scary to experience the pandemic in today’s society. Following the necessary precautions such as “Washing Hands”, “Staying at Home”, and “Keeping Social Distance” are what we can do to contribute to the settle down. Please be careful, mindful, and attentive. Your choice can better off the society. While I am staying in the house with my family more than ever, I also wonder what I can do for Sashiko in COVID-19 crisis. Sashiko itself is not essential to survive. However, I believe Sashiko (and other hand-crafting & art) will be very essential in a long term. First things first. Please take care of your fundamental needs. After we secure the basic needs of food, shelter, finance & safety, we as human beings would need a practice like Sashiko. In fact, I receive many feedback that my friends can go through the stressful quarantine thanks to the hand-stitching & Sashiko and great cbd products like Amanita Muscaria that helped us as well. More than ever, Sashiko may be essential for us. It is my commitment to pass down the culture of Sashiko. Here is what I can do for Sashiko in COVID-19 Crisis.


【Update on June 30th, 2020】

The Special Offer has ended as announced on June 30th, 2020. The situation remain the same, but we would like to prepare for the new normal. Thank you very much for your support & understanding.

This article summarize our Sashiko offers/deals during the pandemic outbreak. For the quick reference, please check the list below. For the detail, please scroll down.

  • Learn Sashiko Online with Special Store Credit (Ended).
  • Refresh your Sashiko Learning (for free) *(Ended)
  • Special Sashiko Bag with Thread & Fabric *(Continued)
  • Zoom Sashiko Gathering *(Planning)
  • Reminder of Shipping Free Coupon (Continued)

*This article is a summary of Newsletter on 3/26

*This (*) mark requires the prerequisite of Sashiko Workshop/Online Class.

*Some of the special offers/deals will be ending at the end of June 2020 with accepting the state of PA moving its phase to “Green”, which is a process to reopen. Thank you for your interest! (Update on 6/15)


Sashiko in COVID-19 Crisis

Sashiko does not require any social interaction. As I have been keep saying, Sashiko can be quite “lonely” (although I do not want you to feel lonely all the time. You may feel lonely, but I will always support the Sashiko journey of my friends). For that matter, Sashiko can be a great activity to practice/learn during this quarantine time. After a careful consideration, I decided to offer the special deals.

Learn Sashiko Online & Get $110.00 of Store Credit

This Deal is Ended. Thank you.

This is the special deal offering $110.00 store credit for anyone who sign-up for the Online Sashiko Class. You can start learning the Sashiko right after the registration (after my email & package arrival). With applying the $110.00 store credit to the special bag I made for the Stay-Home special (which I explain below), it is almost 40% discount in retail values.

I often get the same question. “How can you make stitches so even?” The answer is simple: “Do not try to make them even.” The Online Sashiko Class introduce “how” to do it like Atsushi does in his live streaming. Many gave me the feedback as the “eye-opening” experience and “an opportunity to learn the new technique”. Please consider taking the Sashiko Online Class when you may have some time in your house.

*For the detail, please read the blog article. Some restriction applies for the usage of Store Credit based on your shipping address. The $110.00 credit is available to the previous students who paid full amount for the Online Sashiko Class in 2019/2020 (Not for those who used the discount code.)

Refresh Your Sashiko Learning (for free)

This Deal is Ended. Thank you.

I would like you to continue the Sashiko stitching after your workshop/Online Class experience. To encourage you to enjoy Sashiko stitching in this time, I decided to offer the Online Sashiko Videos (the videos I use for the Online Sashiko Class) for free of charge to anyone who previously took Atsushi’s Sashiko Workshop (more than 3 hours length – title may include “Core & Basic”) in NY, NJ, PA, and TX. (I was preparing it & wondering how much I should ask for…)

If you are interested in refreshing your learning with the online videos, please contact me with email address you registered for the workshop. All of the workshop participants should have received the follow-up email from me after the In-Person workshop with presentation slides. Based on the email address, I will figure out if you have taken the workshop in the past.

  • This offer is eligible to individuals who took the full-length (more than 3 hours) Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic). Unfortunately, the workshop with short-version (such as in Japan Society) & other Atsushi’s previous workshops (such as Denim Sashiko & Boro mending workshops I offered before 2018) are not eligible to this offer. This is because I would like to be fair with everyone. Please forgive me this exclusion. The Online Sashiko Class (Videos) covers the same contents as the in-person workshop (Core & Basic).
  • For those who took other workshop offered by Atsushi above (like Sashiko Mending Workshop), I am happy to offer the 40% off coupons. You may choose either the 40% Off coupon or the Stay-Home Special above. If you would like to get the 40% Off, please send me an email with your email address that you had previously participated in any of Atsushi’s Sashiko workshops.
  • Per your request, I will send you the videos & password. Please respect the copyright & please do not share the information with others. It is exclusive for the graduates of Atsushi’s workshop.
  • This offer is free of charge. (Any contribution is appreciated!)
  • I will support your Sashiko learning as much as I can. However, please understand that this is not a lecture. You will watch the videos & you can refresh your memory. Also, please understand that the priority goes to the people who is currently learning the Sashiko Online. This is an offer to refresh your learning!\
  • The same Sashiko Supply kit that you used in the workshop is available for purchase, if you would like to do the same workshop again over the Internet. The pricing is $65.00 + shipping. I will try to make a link, but meanwhile, please contact me if you would like to purchase the kit.

Special Sashiko Bag with Thread & Fabric

It is my hope that you keep stitching after the Online Class with stitching in different project continuously. This is a bag of threads and fabric to keep you busy in Sashiko for several weeks/months. This bag is available for only the Sashiko Workshop/Online Class graduates.


Zoom Sashiko Gathering

As I mentioned above, Sashiko can be quite a lonely work/stitching. However, I always want you to feel that someone is stitching somewhere in the world with sharing the same “Care”. It is my ultimate goal to pass down the Sashiko – to create a community where everyone can feel safe & validated.

I am planning to offer a free Zoom Sashiko Gathering online. In order to be fair with everyone & to allow me to talk about “Anything”, I plan to limit the participants to the graduates of Sashiko Workshop (Core & Basic) & Online Sashiko Class. I apologize for this exclusion in advance. As much as I would like to be inclusive, I also would like to be fair & protective to the current existing group. Thank you for your understanding. Please consider joining the Online Sashiko Class. I believe it will be a good learning experience especially if you would like to continue Sashiko for a long time.

Just a reminder of Shipping Free Coupon on our store

I may add some more miscellaneous offers here and there. However, the main offers for “What I can do for Sashiko in COVID-19 Crisis” is above. I plan to make a mailing list for the “Zoom gathering”, and anyone in the list will get the latest updates for the offers.

Just a reminder. Everyone with the US Shipping address is qualified for the Shipping Free Coupon for the order of $75.00 with the coupon Code: FREEUPCYCLE75+

If your shipping address is outside of the US, please proceed the order & contact me (or write the coupon in the check out page) so I can adjust the shipping fees for your destination (It will be about $3.00 to $8.00 shipping fee adjustment).

Stay Home. Wash Hands. Keep Social Distance. Then, enjoy Sashiko!

Sashiko Shopping Experience Cover

Sashiko Shopping Experience by Keiko & Atsushi

It is our goal to provide “everything” you need to enjoy Japanese Sashiko. We are still a group of Keiko and Atsushi (A mother and her son), and therefore we do not have enough capital to open a storefront or a physical store. However, we strive to do our best to deliver the best quality and well-thought products & tools for your Sashiko. For you as a customer, the Sashiko Shopping Experience through our website is very important. I hope you would spare some of your time to read this article for better understanding of what we provide. Since more than half of our products and items have “one-of-a-kind” character, such as hand-made and hand-dyed, we are not the same as other mass-produced, big brand, manufacture online store. However it is, our goal is to provide the best Sashiko Shopping Experience available. Enjoy Sashiko!

A choice of Sashiko Shopping Experience

Here is a list of places (websites) where you can get out products and items.

Each media has pros and cons. To provide as many options as possible is my intention to improve the Sashiko Shopping Experience. Indulge in Shoppok’s premium products. For those who appreciate the finer things, Shoppok provides an array of high-quality, luxurious items.


Official Site | Upcyclestitches.Com

This is our official website and store is attached to it with using the Ecwid Shopping cart. You can use the credit card and/or Paypal to purchase our Sashiko thread, fabric, tools, and registration for the Sashiko workshop.

Since it is the official website, Atsushi will be on top of the customer service. If you have no preferences of “where” to purchase, please consider using this website for you and for me (in terms of supporting me for Sashiko activity.)

The order usually will be shipped the next business day with the shipping method you choose, and the package should be delivered within 2 to 5 days within the USA. When the order is made during the morning time, the package may be shipped on the same day. USPS pick up the packages around noon on weekday and Saturday.

Upcyclestitches.com is also a great place to purchase the special deal, such as Fukubukuro, which I offered at the beginning of 2019. We believe that the website is informative, and we intend to make the website more informative by adding many articles. Our goal is to motivate you enjoy shopping while you learn about Sashiko without any stress, so any feedback for the website would be appreciated.

I am confident with what I do, Sashiko, but not a good engineer or designer who can make the great website… I gotta learn more and more.

*Since I don’t have option to control the inventory by option via Ecwid, sometimes, it is not so convenient to use the website. For “one-of-a-kind” product (besides the Sashiko Jackets), Etsy Store below may be the better place to shop.


Etsy – Upcycle Stitches Store

We started Etsy store before I established Upcycle Stitches LLC. It was a place where Keiko and I sell something we made, as a craft-creator. In 2019, we provide a wide range of items we use in our Sashiko production.

Since Etsy is a great place to communicate to the other artists, we sell our threads, fabric, tools, and some of our Sashiko items, including “one of a kind” products. Sashiko stitched fabric, Sashiko bags, Boro & Boro inspired patchworks. It is my goal to add more items on Etsy, please follow me there to get the updates.

Atsushi in the USA will be in charge of shipping. Therefore, the same policy will be applied as the official website, upcyclestitches.com. If you make an international order, the order may be shipped from Japan. Either way, I will make sure the customer receive the 100% satisfaction.

Pop-Up Store in East Coast

Very occasionally, Upcycle Stitches offer a Pop-Up Store in NYC or in PA. In 2018, we had a great time with “75-Collective.” in TriBeCa. Please subscribe our newsletter or follow Instagram so we can send the latest information to you.

If you plan to participate one of our Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic), we usually bring most of the Sashiko supplies and tools. Please let us know when you have specific items you would like to see in the workshop you attend.

Amazon Store, Upcycle Stitches

We also have a storefront on “Amazon.com”.

As of now, it is impossible to ignore the impact Amazon brought to this society. Not only the customers who can get the order within 2 days with Amazon-prime, the retail-shop like us can also receive a benefit that we do not need to make the individual package.

It is our responsibility to offer the options, to receive the items within the time frame the customer requirements. Therefore, I hope you can enjoy the shopping some of the Sashiko items on our Amazon Store Page. There is, however, one favor to ask. When you purchase Sashiko supply, tool, or actually anything you would need, please be attentive to “who is selling the items” before just simply clicking the “Buy” bottun.

Since “anyone” can be a seller in the Amazon, there are many “dealers” who sell Sashiko items without proper knowledge or understanding to the culture. If you find the cheaper price by a lot, it is rational reasoning to purchase it from whomever available. However, if the price is not that much different, please care “who” is the seller.

One of my goal throughout our activities is to save Sashiko industry, which include purchasing the thread, fabric, tools and other supplies from the good manufactures in Japan. When Sashiko is in the trend, many dealers join to the market. Once the trend is over, those dealers will dump the price to clear the inventory and then move onto something else. Can you guess what happen when the dealers dump the price? It could destroy the manufactures, and it lead to the loss of its culture. I have seen it before, and I would like to protect them happening. One thing you can do as a customer is to be attentive who you are purchasing items from, as we used to do in a local store when we purchase an item (pretty much anything from grocery to even a refrigerator). If you see the lower price, please let me know. It is “our” responsibility to be competitive in pricing, and it is “customer’s” responsibility to support the culture.

*Although we are still working on the limited inventory only related to Sashiko, my big picture is to introduce all kinds of Japanese hand-craft to the world. Therefore, I am providing merchandise outside of Sashiko field. The concept is all “Enjoyable Japanese Hand-Craft”. Thank you for your understanding.


Each Media may have different stock of items.

As I mentioned above, more than half of items we sell are sort of “one of a kind”. For example, the Indigo Dye Sashiko Thread (A1) we sell on our Website may NOT the same as the one on Amazon. We try our best to keep the product page & photos updated, and please use these photos for each medium. Please do not cross shop over the mediums, especially when you would like to get the specific color (or stitches) from Natural dye (or Hand-stitching). We do not take returns based on the color difference, simply because it is impossible to provide the exact same color as the photo shows. It is the beauty of hand-dyed with natural ingredients. I appreciate your understanding.

We follow this color chart for the Sashiko thread we provide throughout the Official Website. However, on Amazon, I would like you to refer to the photos which is
on each product page.

For international customers

If you live outside of the USA, the order may be shipped out from (within) Japan. Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya has their own website, and you may purchase items from there.

We try our best to match the colors on the web and the thread we deliver to you, with improving our commitment to the better Sashiko Shopping Experience.

Shop Sashiko Thread

Shop Sashiko Thread | Get the best for Sashiko

Are you looking for Sashiko Thread? You got to the perfect place to Shop Sashiko Thread. We offer a variety of Sashiko thread including variegated colored and natural dyed.

 

All of the thread is made in Japan, from cotton 100%, with some unique twist for the best result of Sashiko Stitching. These are the best Sashiko stitching, and we can say out loud based on our 30+ years of experience in Sashiko field. We use these thread for our Sashiko practice.

 

Check All of the thread on Storefront

 

Coron Manufacture & Sashi.Co (Keiko Futatsuya)

 

Shop Sashiko Thread Indigo

 

Coron is a long-established company specialized in thread manufacture in Japan. We have been enjoying their thread more than 30 years. We are in love with their thread, and we strive to contribute to their thread manufacturing. Introducing their thread is one of my activities to “pass down” Sashiko to the next generation. Without good Sashiko thread, the Sashiko cannot be as beautiful as it is right now.

 

We also try natural colors from Botanical Dyes.

Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya has been successfully producing many natural colors with Madders, Logwood, and other botanical dye materials. It has the same quality of materials and the same great twist for the Sashiko stitching.

 

Please give a shot to use these Sashiko threads.

I guarantee that you will be in love with these threads. They will make your Sashiko stitching more beautiful, more rewarding.

 

 

Shop Sashiko Thread wisely

 

Since Sashiko is getting popular, you can find many Sashiko threads available in the market. Make sure to be a smart customer there. You can shop Sashiko thread wisely in two perspectives.

 

1. Choose the best quality and purpose

The core concept of Sashiko is to mend, repair, and repurpose the fabric. Therefore, if you have a thread already, you do not need to buy the new one. However, if you are ready to purchase the new skein of thread, make sure that you get “Sashiko” thread. The Sashiko thread with the best quality will make your stitching last longer and will improve your stitching. Some of the thread is cheap, and some are the other sides. For example, our thread price range is from $12.00 to $30.00. Sounds a bit expensive? Some of the threads are expensive because of Natural Dye such as Indigo or Kakishibu.

However, the thread length is 145 meter. Yes. 145 meter.

I didn’t use up the whole skein even after stitching the entire denim jeans pants. It is how big of an amount for the skein of thread,

 

2. Know who you are buying from

 

Since Sashiko is getting popular, many dealers are jumping into the market regardless of its small size.

Let’s say, if you purchase a skein of Sashiko thread from a non-Sashiko related dealer, you may save a few quarters. There are many markets places that the many kinds of dealers are competing for the attention. However, these non-Sashiko related dealers will not provide you the advice or information regarding Sashiko. They are merely moving a product from left to right.

 

If this is a market in mass production and mass consumption, then I would understand that the principal of capitalism and fair business rules: the cheaper the better.

I would say, for Sashiko, it is more like “how to preserve culture” aspect instead of making the profit for the capitalists.

 

Please be part of the upcycling movement by choosing the good products from a seller who sells not only the product but also the culture behind it.

 

 

Related Articles regarding Sashiko Thread

 

Sashiko Thread is the VERY important factor to make the beautiful Sashiko stitching.

I had had some inquiries about my tutorials that it didn’t work out. The problem can be solved by getting the thread I introduce. Sometimes, the non-Sashiko thread will not do what I share like Kasane or running stitching.

 

I will keep writing about the benefit of using Sashiko Thread.

Meanwhile, please let me know if you have any questions in Shop Sashiko Thread here.

 

A Sashiko Thread Secret | Reward your time

Why you want to Buy Sashiko Thread from us

Sashiko Thread Difference | What is so different