First Indigo Dyed Sashiko Thread 1

The First Indigo Dyed Sashiko Thread

Ever since we started creating colors with Natural Vegetable/Herbs for Sashiko Thread, we have been longing for achieving two big goals, dyeing with Indigo and Kakishibu (Persimmon Tannin). We finally took one step to make it happen. Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya now prepares to offer the First Indigo Dyed Sashiko Thread. Although Kakishibu Dyed thread would need more trials and research, Indigo Dyed Sashiko Thread turned out good colors to enough to start selling for the first time, after so many challenges.

 

First Indigo Dyed Sashiko Thread 2

 

Deep Blue. Never ending challenges. Just beautiful regardless.

Dyeing with Indigo requires extra attentions in the process. Indigo is very strong that it affect the other Natural Dye. Ideally, the dyeing artist should have a separate room for Indigo Dyeing. Even more, the dyeing studio may be better of if the place is designed exclusively for Indigo Dyeing. We couldn’t afford for the space like this, so it was a challenge to even try. However, after many mistakes, we could finally put color on our Sashiko thread, for the first time.

It has deep, very beautiful blue. We believe the combination of Indigo Dye Fabric and this Indigo Dyed thread would be so wonderful. We are working on it as well.

 

The First Indigo Dyed Sashiko Thread

Our First Indigo Dyed Sashiko Thread is now in preparation to introduce in the market. In the USA, I would list them on Amazon as well as our online stores. I am so happy to be able to add Indigo Dyed Sashiko Thread to our Natural Dye Sashiko Thread Collection. Every color has a limited number of skeins in stock. Enjoy the beautiful Natural color in your project!

Check the Natural Dye Sashiko Thread on Amazon

 

Sashiko Workshops in NYC. I want to meet whoever loves Sashiko.

On top of this beautiful news, we would like to re-announce that Atsushi is hosting hands-on Sashiko workshops in NYC on 6/24 & 6/25. If you are around, come and meeet Atsushi!

June 2017 Sashiko Workshop in NYC

June 2017 Sashiko Workshop in NYC

Check our Hands-On Sashiko Workshop out coming up on June 24th and 25th. We have been longing for the Sashiko Workshop Opportunities, and this June 2017 Sashiko Workshop in NYC is our most pleasure to welcome whoever is interested in Sashiko technique and history. Please check the other article about “what you can expect out of our Sashiko Workshops” and come join us to fun 3 hours with Sashiko.

 

Atsushi as the instructor lives a little bit far from NYC, so don’t miss this great opportunity!

 

Check the available workshops here.

Register your seat of;

 

Summer with Sashiko. June 2017 Sashiko Workshop.

 

June 2017 Sashiko Workshop in NYC 2

 

We, as Upcycle Stitches LLC and Atsushi Futatsuya, started hosting Sashiko workshops from September 2016 curated by Curious Corners LLC. This is our 4th opportunity to meet New Yorkers who are interested in Sashiko and its concepts. The participants are from many difference backgrounds, and we are very excited to meet new people and reunion the people who graduated the past workshop. We have received all good reviews and we are building our confidence that we are offering the satisfying workshop. Our goal is to provide the perfect satisfaction.

 

Summer is a great time to travel for vacation. Sashiko may not suit your plan. Sashiko stitching is in fact developed in a snowy town over the winter.

However, it is also nice to enjoy the summer warmth while stitching the beautiful Sashiko project. Come join us!

 

Meet me at the Opening Reception as well

I also plan to join the KOFU & Friends Pop-Up reception on Friday evening. I hope I can show you our Sashiko Arts and introduce Sashiko.

 

*Please be noted. Since Atsushi travel to the workshops from far, in case we do not get the minimum numbers of participants of 8 registers, we may need to cancel the trip and not being able to shop-up the reception.

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.  

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.

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.

Sashiko patterns with Kamon and tradition

Sashiko Pattern | Explore the Tradition

Among various reasons for Sashiko’s popularity, I believe that the beauty of geometric Sashiko pattern is a significant reason why people felt in love with it. Including the traditional Sashiko Pattern, we have uncountable numbers of patterns to enjoy. In fact, the pattern can be anything you would like to try.

Here is a brief directory of Sashiko Pattern we often use.

1. Traditional Geometric Pattern

Needless to say. Many traditional patterns became like a representation of Sashiko. Some people refer Asano-ha patterns as Sashiko even without stitching. Among many geometric patterns, these four patterns would be the most well-known patterns.

  1. Asano-ha (麻の葉)/ Hemp Leave
  2. Higaki (檜垣)/ Japanese wooden fence
  3. Seikai-ha (青海波)/ Ocean Wave
  4. Shippou (七宝)/ Seven Treasure (Lights) (of Budda)

Sashiko Pattern Traditional

Not only they are beautiful, but the patterns are well thought to practice Sashiko stitching. I always recommend starting Sashiko practice with one of these traditional geometric patterns.

*A set of these patterns is available in our online store / Etsy store for PDF download.

2. Modified Geometric Pattern

The Japanese kept satisfying their artistic desire by modifying the traditional pattern without damaging the beauty in geometry. We can find many advanced and complicated yet simple and geometric patterns used on Sashiko and other Japanese art forms. Usually, these modified geometric patterns have the base. For example, the pattern in the photo is based on Asano-ha pattern and adding a sense of arrows.

Sashiko Pattern Modified

These patterns may require more advanced skill to get a good Sashiko result. However, the basic of stitching is the same. We do not change how we use our basic tools like a thimble and needles, we just think how we can stitch efficiently.

 

*A set of these patterns is available in our online store / Etsy store for PDF download.

3. Grid Pattern

We often use a grid (pattern) on the fabric to make Sashiko stitching. In order to make Hitomezashi stitching, the grid must be on the fabric. For the patterns with using a grid, the number of the possible results is infinite. We enjoy the process of making these Hitomezashi stitching. The most famous Hitomezashi would be “Kakino-ha (柿の葉)” pattern.

Sashiko Pattern with hitome Sample

4. Kamon Family Pattern

Kamons are emblems used to decorate and identify an individual or family. Its symmetrical pattern in a circle amazes me a lot. It is my goal to use more Kamon patterns on my projects. They are just stunning.

Sashiko Pattern with Kamon Sample

5. Create your own Sashiko Pattern

Sashiko Patterns Create by your own

Sashiko pattern can be anything you would like to work on. It can be just a series of simple lines or your own drawing. No limitation and no regulation. Enjoy Sashiko!