Sashiko Swatches Collection Preview

Sashiko Swatches Collection Third | #007 ~ #014

We have been adding the Sashiko Swatches to the Etsy Store. I feel like I am making a Sashiko Swatches Collection there.

Every Sashiko swatches have its original uniqueness and beauty. Every fabric is hand-stitched, and of course, one-of-a-kind piece. They are a bit expensive (luxury for fabric), but I hope the fabrics will find home or project to be applied.

 

*A series of introducing Sashiko swatches is consist of many articles on this blog. The previous article is here.

 

Sashiko Swatches Collection | Third

1. #007 Beautiful Small Sashiko Stitches

*Click the title to purchase and for more detail.

 

 

Sashiko Swatch Collection 007

The beauty of Sashiko stitches is based on how even the stitches are. As long as the stitches are even, the size of the stitch is the matter of preference. However, this small stitch is art-masterpiece. Enjoy the small beautiful Sashiko stitches.

 

2. #008 Asano-Ha Sashiko Fabric

*Click the title to purchase and for more detail.

Asano-Ha (Hemp / 麻の葉) Pattern is one of the most popular Sashiko patterns. With beautiful white fabric with brown Sashiko thread, this is a good Sashiko fabric to apply to your project.

 

3.#009 Popular Sashiko Fabric

*Click the title to purchase and for more detail.

Sashiko Swatch Collection

 

The back side of these Sashiko swatches is cleaned up (the threads are clipped). They are well-prepared for your Sashiko project or even use them as the placemat by themselves.

 

4.#011 Hitomezashi Sashiko Fabric

*Click the title to purchase and for more detail.

 

Hitomezashi (一目刺し)are very popular because of its rich stitchings and beautiful patterns. We use Hitomezashi Sashiko fabric to make Sashiko Jackets and Bags with patch-working. They are pieces left in stock. A good opportunity to have one of these beautiful Hitomezashi fabrics in your project.

 

5.#012 Vintage Silk with Hitomezashi

*Click the title to purchase and for more detail.

 

The Oshima-Tsumugi with Dorozome (Mud-Dye) is one of the most beautiful silk fabric I have ever know. When it gets ages, the vintage Oshima-Tsumugi, have the special appearance. Some people say it is insane to stitch on Oshima, but we challenged to do so. The vintage Oshima Tsumugi could be weak by aging, so we reinforce the fabric by performing the Sashiko stitching with back fabric. Enjoy the supreme beauty that Sashiko can create.

 

6.#013 Placemat Quality Sashiko Fabric

*Click the title to purchase and for more detail.

 

The fabric has one of the traditional stitching so-called “Tuzuki Yamagata”. The back of fabric is cleaned through, and the edge is trimmed by machine stitching. They are the finished products quality and be used as placemats. Include the beautiful Sashiko stitching to your table.

 

7.#014 Asanoha Vintage

*Click the title to purchase and for more detail.

 

Indigo Dye Vintage fabric with Asano-Ha pattern with a hint of designing. The very beautiful piece of fabric to enjoy the traditional Sashiko stitchings.

 

 

Keep updated to our Sashiko Swatches Collection

 

We keep updating our Sashiko Swatches Collection from our inventory. We are a group of Sashiko artists and practice Sashiko every day. However, we sometimes decide to Not to use the fabric we stitched. I hope people can enjoy the Sashiko culture, (even without actually stitching), by adding the fabric to their project and/or home.

 

HandsOn Sashiko Workshops

HandsOn Sashiko Workshops | Meet Atsushi and Learn

Upcycle Stitches offer a variety of online tutorials and information regarding Sashiko as well as the other Japanese hand-crafting. One of the significant activities of Upcycle Stitches is the HandsOn Sashiko Workshops, where you would meet me and learn Sashiko directly. I will put my hands on your hands to teach how we use Sashiko needle and thimble.

Since we do not have a studio yet, the location of workshop varies. As of 2017, we offer Sashiko workshops in NYC / Brooklyn area a few times per year.

 

Quick Schedule for HandsOn Sashiko Workshops

 

The schedule above is linked to my partner’s website in NYC. Please register yourself first to participate the HandsOn Sashiko Workshops. The Partner is Curious Corners LLC.

 

 

Asano-ha Sashiko Stitching Workshop

Hands-on Sashiko Workshop Asanoha

 

Asano-ha Sashiko Stitching Workshop is the basic but fundamental class Upcycle Stitches LLC offers. Besides the Sashiko mending workshop, every workshop we offer requires participants to take this fundamental workshop. Sashiko stitching is different from a regular hand-sewing. Please find out how it is different. I will sit next to you, I will teach you until you get comfortable (or give up) the way we do Sashiko stitching. Therefore, the maximum seats are 6 in most of the workshops with 3 hours duration.

In this class, you will learn to stitch “asano-ha” (hemp leaf) patterns with running stitch and go home with a fabric large enough to make a tote bag, placemat, patchworking, or your own project after the workshop. This will open up your eyes to Sashiko world we traditionally follow. 

*Please contact Atsushi if you believe you know the basic techniques to use Sashiko thimble and needle. I will confirm it over the Internet and may void the prerequisites.

The workshop comes with:

  • Sashiko needles
  • Sashiko thimble
  • – Skein of white sashiko thread (approx. 145 meters)
  • – Sashiko Thread Bobbin Paper
  • – Indigo fabric with asano-ha patterns printed on
  • – Interfacing and Cotton Poplin fabric for tailoring the project at home
  • – PDF data of extra Japanese Traditional Sashiko Patterns
  • – Access to Atsushi by e-mail with questions regarding the workshop and follow-up

*You do not require previous stitching or embroidery experience to take this class. All tools are provided. You are welcome to bring you own sewing tools, but not necessary.

 

Sashiko Mending Workshop

HandsOn Sashiko Workshops Mending

 

Mending is very fun. I realized how fun Sashiko is by keep enjoying mending to my jeans. So here is a HandsOn Sashiko Workshops for making your garment to one-of-a-kind piece.

I believe that the Sashiko is not only the result as the fabric with stitches but also a process of mending, repairing, and reinforcing the fabric. In order to enjoy mending process more, we developed the Sashiko Mending Workshop. I do not spend a lot of time on teaching you how to use the Sashiko needle and thimble. Of course, I will show you how, but will not sit next to you and hold your hands to teach you the way. Instead, I will share how to enjoy Sashiko mending by working together for 3 hours with hands on. Our goal in this workshop is to share all the basic information you need to enjoy Sashiko mending by yourself after you go back to home.

 

Bring your favorite old clothing in soft denim, cotton or linen. You will learn basic techniques to mend holes, tears and reinforce parts with sashiko embroidery.

This workshop comes with:

  • – Indigo fabric patch
  • – 3 kinds of denim fabric patches
  • – Extra patches of vintage fabrics and sashiko fabrics from Japan
  • – Tools to learn how to transfer pattern to the fabric
  • – Sashiko needles
  • – Sashiko thimble
  • – Skein of sashiko thread
  • – PDF data of extra Japanese traditional sashiko patterns
  • – Access to Atsushi by e-mail with questions regarding the workshop and follow-up

 

  • We highly recommenbringingng soft cotton fabric or worn-out denim. It is difficult to work with thick, hard cotton and linen, or brand-new raw denim. Please do not bring wool or silk fabric. 
  • We recommend this class for those who have basic stitching or hand sewing experience. In case you are the absolute beginner, please watch a YouTube video of basic sewing before the class.
  • All tools are provided in the class. Feel free to bring your own sewing tools but not necessary. 

 

Hitomezashi Sashiko Workshop

*prerequisites: Asano-ha Sashiko Stitching Workshop

We develop the Hitomezashi Sashiko workshops for those who enjoyed the Asano-ha Sashiko Stitching Workshop. More information is coming soon.

HandsOn Sashiko Workshops Hitomezashi

*The image is the Final version of Hitomezashi Sashiko with Japanese vintage fabric. They can be the equivalent of graduating art-piece after taking Hitomezashi Workshops.  

Sashiko Workshop Graduate Makes A beautiful Jacket

A Sashiko Workshop Graduate makes Beautiful Jacket

I enjoy hearing from Sashiko Workshop participants after they finish their project at home. A Sashiko Workshop Graduate makes very beautiful Sashiko pieces. Today, let me introduce a beautiful Sashiko patched Jacket from a student who overcame the challenge of learning how to do Sashiko stitching.

Sashiko Workshop Graduate Makes

Beautiful Patches by Sashiko Workshop Graduate makes

A workshop graduate patched a vintage Jacket with Japanese vintage fabric with Sashiko stitching. The patching and stitching make it “one-of-a-kind” jacket. It is so unique and exclusive. This jacket could be displayed on the shelf of fashion store, I believe. I am so proud of her continuing her stitching experience.

I do not teach how to make patches in the workshop, but the basic Sashiko stitching technique can be very useful in your stitching project.

 

Our Sashiko Workshop will give you more possibility

In 3 hours basic Sashiko workshop, I focus on sharing how to use the Sashiko Thimble and long Sashiko needles. By learning the method, you will experience the “speed” of Sashiko stitching. The faster your stitching goes, the more project you can make. It is the first step to makes “more” to have “better” result. Only practice makes it perfect.

Learning the new method can be challenging to many people, especially those who have previous stitching experience. However, I will not give up teaching you unless you decide not to follow the technique we use.

*Please be advised that the method we use it NOT the universally “right” method. We established the stitching techniques and follow it since we believe this is the most productive and efficient. There is no need to follow it. It is up to you. Our goal is to share the Sashiko stitching to the world. 

 

I hope you can join our team to enjoy Sashiko more by stitching more!

 

Sashiko Workshop in NYC on 6/24&25 is now ready to register.

Learn more about Sashiko Workshops (Notes from Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya)

 

 

 

Beautiful Sashiko Jacket from Workshop Graduate | Sashiko Workshop Graduate Makes 001

 

Original White Bright White

Sashiko Thread Color | Original White Bright White

Among a selection of many colors for Coron Sashiko Thread, the two colors of Original White Bright White are the most popular colors. We, as a group of Sashiko artists, also use a lot of both original white (#10 / unbleached white / ecru ) and bright white (#12 / bleached white). The white color thread and Indigo Dyed Fabric is the most popular and traditional Sashiko combination. When you research on Sashiko, you would see the dark blue fabric with white Sashiko stitching on.

 

Which is the better choice? | Original White Bright White

Both color, #10 and #12 are great for Sashiko stitching: the same quality cotton thread with a twisting for the Sashiko purpose. The #10 has the original color of cotton, which is a bit more creamy ecru color. The #12 has the bleached color, so it is bright white as you would imagine for bleached white. The comparison of light color may be a good example. #10 is more like the warm white, and #12 is more like the cold white. I personally like the #10 ecru color, but at the same time, I enclosed the #12 color on the workshop materials so participants can ask questions about color transferring from fabric to thread.

 

Here, I took a photo of the comparison on Indigo Dye Fabric.

Original White Bright White 2

 

In the photo, without stitching, the #12 looks much more white like. #12 is bleached so it looks really white, but after making stitches on the Indigo Fabric, both #10 and #12 looks “white.” I will make a sample fabric later on.

Which thread did the Japanese use in their tradition?

I am still in the process of researching, but some people in the northern region had a shame of using the white thread because it means a lack of effort of dyeing the thread with natural dyes (Natural Dye Sashiko Thread.) At the same time, some people who lived close to the castle town thought of using the original white to enjoy the pattern and its Indigo and white contrast. The Japanese had a technique to bleach the cotton thread by using nature such as snow, rain, and sunlight.

 

As the answer to the question, I would reply that the Japanese used both white colors as well as the Natural Dye Thread.

Each Sashiko project requires the appropriate thread color, I believe. I hope you can find the best matching color to your project.

Coron Sashiko Thread Available in USA

Coron Sashiko Thread Available in USA

Upcycle Stitches LLC is an official distributors of Coron Sashiko Thread in the United States. Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya has a good partnership with Coron manufacture and Keiko obtain the permission to distribute their thread in the United States for us. As of Spring 2021, we are not looking for the wholesale option with distributors due to the limited amount of production. However, some bulk discount may be available when you would like to purchase more than 20 skeins. Please contact Atsushi for the details.

We have in stock these colors.

  • 15 Solid Colors
  • 5 Variegated Colors
  • 2 Original Colors (Dyed Synthetic but looks natural)

*[Update in 2022] We are notified that there are similar Sashiko thread with similar name (Coron) available in the market. I have not confirmed if they are the identical thread to the one we use. In order to fully enjoy the purpose of Sashiko Thread, please purchase them from one of our web platforms. Thank you.

Purchase Our Coron Sashiko Thread

Featured Products

Store to purchase Coron Sashiko Thread

We have 3 online channel to sell Coron Sashiko Thread. Please choose the channel in your preference. We occasionally offer coupons and deals.

In our official store, the bulk discount and open-order may be available.

 

When they are out of stock

Because of our business size, we do not have a large inventory. Therefore, from time to time, the threads get sold out. Especially these colors of #10 and #15 are very popular, and they may be sold out. In a case of unavailability due to inventory, please contact us for open-order. We will make sure that you would get as soon as possible without extra fees. Waiting time will not exceed 2 weeks after receiving the open order.

Coron Sashiko Thread #10 Coron Sashiko Thread #15

Coron Sashiko Thread is one of the best Sashiko thread.

We have been so many years of relationship with Coron Thread Manufacture Company. We sincerely believe their thread is one of the best thread available in the market. They are made in Japan and made from Egyptian Cotton 100%. They aren’t the cheapest option, but the price is reasonable considering the length of thread (145-meters) and the quality. In fact, it is the best option to get the better Sashiko result. I always use Coron Sashiko Thread and merely use the other brand thread.

I hope you find these thread appropriate (the best) to your Sashiko project.

Keiko Futatsuya Sashiko Designer

Keiko Futatsuya | Genius Sashiko Designer

Keiko Futatsuya is a founder of Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya and a Sashiko artist herself. What makes her so special is her Sashiko designing sense. She always surprises me with her new Sashiko design. I believe she is a type of genius in Sashiko designing.

 

30+ years of Sashiko experience

Keiko studied a dressmaking in vocational school after she had graduated high-school. When she was in early 20’s, she married to Yuichi Futatsuya, who was the second generation of Sashiko business. First, she wasn’t allowed to make Sashiko art pieces for sale since she was an outsider and didn’t share the traditions. However, regardless of strict restriction, she learned how to stitch from other Sashiko artisans and enjoyed the beauty of Sashiko. Even when her products didn’t line up on the store shelve, she kept making Sashiko art. It is simply because she liked Sashiko.

After so many years of Sashiko experience, Yuichi and I decided to shift the Sashiko business from “making many small products as craft” to “making one-of-a-kind art.” In the process of making one of a kind art, Keiko’s sense of Sashiko designing finally got a spotlight.

 

Keiko Futatsuya Designing Sashiko Jacket

 

It isn’t easy to anticipate the result in Sashiko

In terms of Sashiko stitching, she doesn’t have the best skill. Although her Sashiko technique is sufficient to call her artist, her significance is to anticipate the result in Sashiko and Vintage Fabric combination. For example, a woman in her 70’s, who is also a part of Keiko’s Sashi.Co team, has the supreme Sashiko technique. Her hands move like a machine and Keiko strongly depends on her skill. However, the supreme Sashiko technique doesn’t connect to the ability to make a beautiful Jacket.

*Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya is a group of Sashiko artisans. Not all the Sashiko stitchings are done by Keiko, but everything is supervised by Keiko.

 

 

Sashiko Jackets Collection Keiko Futatsuya

 

Keiko’s basic knowledge of dressmaking, her 30 years of observing and enjoying Sashiko, and her design sense make this completely exclusive collection possible.

It isn’t easy to anticipate the result of Sashiko product. It may look on a paper, on a computer screen, or even on a process of matching the fabric and thread. However, the result can be very different from what we imagined after stitching Sashiko on the actual fabric. It is the beauty of hand-making art.

 

Things Only Keiko Futatsuya can do

In addition to her Sashiko designing sense, she has a great technique to repair the BORO.

The 2 photos below is the Boro of before and after. In order to complete this challenging repair project, the artist has to have an understanding of the vintage fabric, good Sashiko techniques, and the sense of matching all the vintage fabrics. By looking at these results, I cannot change my mind that she is the genius in Sashiko stitching and Boro repairing.

Boro Artist Keiko Futatsuya -1 Boro Artist Keiko Futatsuya -2

 

 

Keiko Futatsuya is a supervisor of Upcycle Stitches LLC operation regarding Sashiko such as workshops, tutorials, and articles. If you have any questions about her, please contact us. She doesn’t speak English, but I am happy to translate your question and ask her on behalf of you. Please be advised that the question and answer may be shared on this website after getting the permision.

 

 

Atsushi Futatsuya

Atsushi Futatsuya | Sashiko Artisan & Story-Teller

Hello. My name is Atsushi Futatsuya. In the USA, I often introduce myself “Azu” as my nickname. It is an honor to share what Sashiko is based on my life-long experience.

Meet Atsushi Futatsuya on Youtube

It is much easier to know who I am by watching me talking. Please check what I would like to share about Sashiko on the Youtube Channel.

The Workshop Schedule for 2022

Atsushi Futatsuya offered Sashiko Workshop mainly in East Coast of the USA,  NYC and Brooklyn Aream before Covid. (Atsushi lives in Central PA – Zip 17837, 4 hours driving from NYC). In order to learn Sashiko from him, attending a in-person workshop is the best way. Alternatively, the Online Sashiko Class is available for those who wish to learn without traveling.

Sashiko Workshop Update in Covid-19

Under the pandemic of Covid-19, in order to secure everyone’s safety, all of the In-person Sashiko Workshop has been cancelled for 2020. Instead, I had spend as much effort as possible for developing the better Online Sashiko Class. After sharing the Online Sashiko Class with more than 50 students (who are now my friends), I believe I can deliver the same contents via Online. Please check our Online Sashiko Class.


Let me please introduce myself to share why I am running this website to share what Japanese Sashiko is.

I was born in Sashiko Family

Did you have a “planned future” in your childhood, that your family kept mentioning?

I was born in a surviving Sashiko Family in Gifu prefecture, Japan. In my childhood, my friends were Sashiko artisans who worked in our family business. There was a pile of fabric, scary numbers of needles and thimbles, and so many colored threads. I strongly remember many people told me that I will take over the business when I get older. It was the Japanese tradition for the first-born child to take over the family business, especially in the traditional crafting family.

And, of course, I hated my fate.

Regardless of my Sashiko techniques I naturally learned, I purely didn’t want to be in the Sashiko business in my adolescence. It wasn’t easy to get out of the rails many people prepared, so I decided to get out from the country. I decided to go to the university in the States. 

Atsushi Futatsuya in Collage

 

 

Sashiko Business to Sashiko life-style

After I had graduated from the university, I started working in Tokyo. I still didn’t want to take over Sashiko business. My parents were still 50’s, and I thought I could avoid a serious conversation about who would be responsible to the family business later on.

However, in 2008, my father called me if I could help him to run the business. The business went into a bad debt, and they could use some help from financial aspects.  After deep consideration, I decided to go back to the family business mentioning that I am only doing so to  “help,” not “take over.”

Sashiko as Business is very difficult to operate

After I spend some weeks checking the financial sheets, I realize that the Sashiko as a business could be very difficult to operate. In Sashiko, almost everything is hand-made. The keywords for business models of ordinary manufacture industry such as productivity, cost reduction planning, just-in-time system, and a lot more didn’t apply. I tried to understand the reason of debt. After all, recalculating all the possible cost, even if they are all done by hand and unique by one, helped to figure the “right” price. After two years of looking Sashiko with numbers, the company could avoid the bankruptcy. However, I couldn’t see the future. I didn’t find the possibility of growth.

Share what we are proud of

In 2010, I changed my mindset. Instead of focusing on growth, I started planning on “soft landing” of the business. It is almost impossible to make a fortune of money. However, I thought, it may be possible to “soft-land” the business so everyone can avoid the miserable bankruptcy. At that point, my mind shifted from numbers to what Sashiko actually is. I realize the beauty of Sashiko. It is the time I start trying to repair my denim jeans.

Around this time, I started introducing Sashiko in English. Then, I had opportunities to perform workshops in the Netherlands.

Atsushi Futatsuya Workshop in Netherlands

Why am I doing this?

As much as I enjoyed introducing Sashiko, the beautiful culture we were proud of, I started to wonder if why I was doing this besides the fact I was born in the family. I couldn’t find the purpose of sharing Sashiko, especially after I realize that Sashiko as a business may discontinue after elderly artisans stopped working for us. I coulnd’t reason myself to continue Sashiko business with sacrifice my days in 20’s.

Then, the Tohoku Earthquake occurred in 2011.

By supporting Tohoku throughout Sashiko, I realize the meaning of continuing Sashiko culture, to pass down the culture to the next generation.

After my father had passed away

In 2013, on October, my father had passed away unexpectedly.

Although my mind wasn’t ready to take over the business without my father, I had a determination that I was the one to take over his will to the company. I didn’t hate the fate I had as Sashiko Business Manager.

Long story short, life is full of dramas, my mother and I were fired by the new stakeholders who found out that the company had some cash. We knew the reason for this inhuman action. My mother and I were troublesome to deal with. We didn’t care about the short-term profit. We focused on how to continue the culture in form of a business entity. In 2013, I lost the identity as Atsushi Futatsuya as Sashiko business manager.

Upcycle & Sashiko Culture as Atsushi Futatsuya

After the unbelievable moment that our life changed, I decided to move to the United States. It was just too painful to stay in Japan. I told my mother that she could come with me, but she decided to stay in Japan. She had many friends, her precious dog, and my brother who just jumped into the society. She couldn’t just leave things behind. As much as I worried about her, we decided to start our new life without Sashiko.

 

Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya started in 2015

About June in 2014, my mother called me with a serious voice, saying “I would like to do Sashiko…”

She loves Sashiko. She couldn’t live without it. She could enjoy just stitching, but she also wanted to make big pieces and entertain people who love Sashiko. She asked me if I could help her to make her Sashiko as a business again. Although I was expecting to be a stay at home dad in the coming year, I agreed to help her to be Sashiko business owner. Then, she started the project called, Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya ~ Designing a life with Sashiko ~ with many helps around her.

What can I do as Atsushi Futatsuya?

Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya is getting bigger, and my mother enjoys her projects more and more. She provides beautiful Sashiko fabric to a fashion brand, she repairs the most beautiful vintage fabrics for a fashion designer as “To-Be-Boro”, and she makes great Sashiko pieces with her friends. Her income itself isn’t enough to support her days yet, but her enjoyment is what I value the most.

In 2017, I established a company called Upcycle Stitches LLC. This website is the company’s website.

I host Sashiko workshops. I provide Sashiko supplies and materials with sharing Sashiko techniques and skills. Based on my experience, it is my time to think what I can do as Atsushi Futatsuya, not as the 3rd generation of Sashiko business family.

It is our new journey to embrace Sashiko. My mission is to share what Sashiko is, to the world. Again, Hello world. This is Atsushi Futatsuya. I am a Sashiko Artisan and Curator of Sashiko Story.

Support Atsushi & Keiko’s Activity

In 2019, I learned that there is a platform to support the artisans/story-teller. It is called “Patreon”. We made a platform mainly to support Keiko, and I share many Sashiko stories on there (As of November 2020, I have about 100 stories to read). Those stories are not about “How-to do Sashiko”, but more like “What is Sashiko in the Japanese culture”. I have many more stories to share to the world. Your suppport is very much appreciate for us to continue our activity.

Sashiko Stitched Fabric

Sashiko Stitched Fabric from our acheivement

We have been practicing Sashiko stitching for more than 30 years. The founder of Sashi.Co, Keiko Futatsuya, has 33 years of Sashiko experience and some of her friends (Sashi.Co member) have even more years of experience. I have about 8 years of experience. Well, I was born in Sashiko family, so I started holding a needle when I was a child to “practice” Sashiko. In these years, we accomplished many Sashiko projects and created many Sashiko Stitched Fabric.

 

A size of  big enough to keep Sashiko stitched fabric

Let’s say, in order to make a jacket, we first trim the fabric and stitch Sashiko. Then, we cut the fabric based on the dress pattern (jacket pattern) to tailor them. In the process of tailoring, we have some leftovers. Leftovers are as valuable as the fabric we used for the project, so we do not throw them away. We keep it for the next project. The Japanese in past used to say, “if we have a size of fabric, large enough to wrap three soybeans, we would keep it.” In current society, the small fabric (or fragment) may not be as useful as before. Well, however, we kind of keep them anyway. We are proud of following the tradition and respecting the concept of ancestors although we may be just a type of hoarders.

 

We kept a pile of good Sashiko stitched fabric. Most of them are the type of vintage fabrics.

When we started to share the Sashiko technique, culture and mindset, we decided to provide this valuable fabric to someone who can share and appreciate the same concepts. Finally, I got enough time to introduce one by one, arranging a small pile of Sashiko stitched fabric.

 

Here is a list of articles about Sashiko stitched fabric available online.

Since most of the items is one of a kind product, we listed them on Etsy store. You can view them on our Etsy store, too.

Boro Inspired Cover

Sashiko Swatches Collection 5th | #50 Boro Inspired

Here is our 5th Collection of Sashiko Swatches for sale. Memorable #50 are so-called "Boro Inspired" Sashiko stitched Fabric. They ...
Sashiko Swatches Collection 4th

Sashiko Swatches Collection 4th | #015 ~ #019

One of our Sashiko Stitched Swatches is sold out. We are so happy to share these beautiful all-hand-made pieces of ...
Sashiko Swatches Collection Preview

Sashiko Swatches Collection Third | #007 ~ #014

We have been adding the Sashiko Swatches to the Etsy Store. I feel like I am making a Sashiko Swatches ...
Sashiko Swatches second

Sashiko Swatches Second | #004 ~ #006

By arranging the Sashiko Swatches inventory, I come to learn how Sashiko is/was. The combination of Japanese vintage fabric and Sashiko ...

Sashiko Swatches | #001 ~ #003

Upcycle Stitches / Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya are a group of Sashiko artisans and craftspersons. Usually, we have a plan ...

 

 

Ideas of enjoying the piece of Sashiko fabric

I love these Sashiko stitched fabrics since they are the best material for mending project. The vintage fabric with strengthing by Sashiko is always a good idea to repair my garment beautifully. I hope you would be able to find your favorite fabric for your favorite fashion item.

 

Sashiko Stitched Fabric Jeans

 

Also, our customer shared a nice idea of its usage. 

After trimming the edge of the fabric, then put it in a frame. It would be a nice wall decoration. It could be a part of quilting or/and patchworking project.

 

If you have done any Sashiko project by using our Sashiko Stitched fabric, please share your idea with us. I would love to introduce it on this website. People would love your work and ideas!

Sashiko Swatches second

Sashiko Swatches Second | #004 ~ #006

By arranging the Sashiko Swatches inventory, I come to learn how Sashiko is/was. The combination of Japanese vintage fabric and Sashiko stitching always looks beautiful. As a mission statement of Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya, we keep saying to bring “old/unused” fabric to the main stage of fashion and arts. We realize we have a lot of dead stock in our inventory by keeping all the beautiful works in a pile. Here is Sashiko Swatches Second.

It is my responsibility to display and introduce these beautiful Sashiko Swatches one by one. This will be a series of episodes.

A series of introducing Sashiko swatches is consist of many articles on this blog. The previous article is here.

 

Sashiko Swatches Second

1. #004 Seikai Ha Plus

*Click the title to purchase.

 

Sashiko Swatches Second 1

 

This is a very interesting piece of Sashiko fabric. We aren’t sure who designed this and who made Sashiko stitching.I suppose this fabric may be left-over from a Sashiko-workmen-socks project. The sashiko stitching is done by hands. 

2. #005 Shima Stripe fabric Blue

*Click the title to purchase.

Sashiko Swatches Second 2

 

 

3.#006 Shima Stripe Fabric Green

*Click the title to purchase.

 

These two Sashiko Swatches with Shima Stripe vintage fabric are the great materials for the Sashiko mending projects. The vintage fabrics weren’t strong enough to have so much Sashiko stitching on, so we layered cotton poplin fabric to strengthen it. Sashiko is a form of stitching originated in repairing, reinforcing, and mending the torn fabric. The rich Sashiko stitching and beautiful colors (which is truly one-of-a-kind since the color is made by decades of time), will make your repair fashion product so unique and exclusive.

 

Sashiko Swatches Continue its journey.

 

The responsibility of Upcycle Stitches doesn’t end when we sell the fabric to the Sashiko & Upcycle lovers. We will upload and share the videos and articles how you would enjoy your Sashiko project. Thank you for your interest and continuous support.

 

Sashiko Thread Sale Deal

Sashiko Thread Sale Deal & Promotion

I established Upcycle Stitches LLC in February 2017. I am happy that I am building enough sales to expand our inventory. Unlike the early period of this year, we will try out best to keep our products in stocks all the time. Also, I will start some Sashiko Thread Sale Deal & Promotion as a sign of gratitude for finding us from millions of websites.

*Learn about our Sashiko thread here.

Enjoy Early Summer with Yellow Sashiko Thread

For the first sale deal, I chose yellow Sashiko Thread. (This Deal Ended at the enf of June, 2017. Thank you).

The Three colors are available with $1.00 OFF(7% OFF) until the end of June. The deal will end when the stock runs out. As of now, the sales deal is only available on our Amazon web store since I haven’t figure out how to apply these deals on our web store or Etsy store without changing the listing price. Check our Sashiko thread product page here.

Sashiko Thread Sale Deal for Summer

I love the early summer season. Sunflowers remind me of my father for some reasons, and then I came up with this sale deal idea. I hope you would enjoy Sashiko with beautiful yellow colors.

Future Sashiko Thread Sale Deal

White and Indigo Blue Sashiko threads are very popular in our store. Besides these colors, I am thinking of Sashiko Thread Sale Deal in future. The color is a key of art, and of course, the color makes a lot of difference in Sashiko projects. I hope you would have a chance to stock all the color of threads to expand the possibility of your Sashiko project. I hope the deal would help it even a little bit.

*Please refer the youtube channel how to store the Sashiko thread in a good shape after you purchase from us.