Natural Dye Sashiko Thread 2020

Natural Dye Sashiko Thread 2020 Update

We sincerely appreciate your understanding & interest in our Natural Dye Sashiko Thread. It has been a great pleasure to offer the Natural Color, hand-dyed by Keiko Futatsuya, in the Sashiko market in English. We have been offering the same numbering with very similar colors for almost 5 years since 2015 when Keiko first asked me to help her project. In Spring 2020, she decided to have a minor update on her Natural Dye Sashiko Thread. Here is the Natural Dye Sashiko Thread 2020 Update.

*Due to the characteristic of hand-dye & Natural Dye, each batch has a slight color difference even in the same numbering. Thank you for your continuous understanding for the hand-made items.


Natural Dye Sashiko Thread 2020

We still offer the same numbering (with the letter “m” after the numbers) with very similar color. This is not a major update/change. However, the new Natural Dye Sashiko Thread 2020 Collection will have more “matte” taste in comparison to the previous little “shinny” colors.

This change is due to several reasons. (1) is about the production change in the thread making procedure. (2) is to have better Natural Dye Sashiko thread for Keiko’s work with Japanese Vintage fabrics.

Both of the Natural Dye Sashiko thread is beautiful, either Matte or Shine. However, please be advised that we will start offering the new Matte Natural Dye Sashiko thread after June 2020, accordingly after finishing the current inventory in the U.S.

This change will apply to all of the Natural Dye Sashiko Thread, including Indigo, Kakishibu, Muban (no-numbers) and Murazome (Uneven/Variegated). Please contact me if you have any questions & requests.

*As of June 13th, the international shipping from Japan is suspended, so we do not know when we can start offering it. I will update the product page accordingly.


Color of Natural Dye Sashiko Thread 2020

Indigo Dye & Kakishibu (Persimmon Tannin)

Both of Indigo & Kakishibu are very popular & difficult to offer. Therefore, please check the update on our Instagram & other SNS for the availability.


About the Numbering & Dye Materials

We use the same numbering & the same Dye materials in very similar procedures. The different is the result with a bit of matte taste. Please refer the list of numbering, Dye materials & color for your convenience.

  • #002 – Japanese Nutgall – Gray
  • #003 – Tangara – Beige
  • #004 – tangara – Gray
  • #006 – Myrobalan – Gray (with a hint of Green)
  • #008 – Lac Dye – Purple
  • #010 – Lac Dye – Pink
  • #010D – Lac Dye – Dark Pink
  • #011 – Lac Dye – Dark Purple
  • #013 – Madder – Pink
  • #014 – Madder – Pink
  • #015 – Madder – Pink
  • #020 – Logwood – Blue *1
  • #022 – Mountain Peach – Gray
  • #024 – Mountain Peach – Yellow
  • #025 – Myrobalan – Yellow
  • #026 – Logwood – Gray *1
  • #027 – Logwood – Purple *1
  • #028 – Logwood – Blue *1

*Tangara = bark of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza

*1: Logwood is more challenging to produce the stable color. Therefore it may not be available on the web Shop (Before 2019, they were only available in the In-person workshop & Pop-up Store). We are working on the special page for the Logwood. Meanwhile, please contact me if you are interested in purchasing them.

The reason we have “missed numbering” is that there are several colors we decided to discontinue. Some colors, we couldn’t reproduce no matter how we try. Some colors, we decided that they are too identical to issue different numbering (for example, #019 and #006 are now integrated to #006). This is the beauty of hand-dye & Natural Dye. I hope you enjoy the beauty of the “moment”.

Sashiko Thread Update 2020

Sashiko Thread Update 2020 | The best for Sashiko

One of the most frequent question I receive is about the thread. “Do we have to use the specific thread for Sashiko?” and “What is the difference between Sashiko thread and other regular threads?” are 2 most popular questions that I encounter very often. I have already answered these questions on this website, and I will introduce the link at the end of this article. Long Story short, the Thread Does Matter. Using the appropriate Sashiko thread makes a significant difference. This is a Sashiko Thread Update 2020, the best thread for the Sashiko Stitching.


Sashiko Thread Update 2020

As of March 2020, we offer 3 kinds of Sashiko threads.

  1. Our favorite & most trusted Sashiko Thread – CRN Sashiko Thread
  2. Similar thread to (1). Experimented in 2017~2018 – White & Pastel Collection
  3. New Thread experimented in 2019 – Yokota

In order to make sure that the Sashiko thread we offer satisfy the need of our tradition, techniques & stories, I make myself try to use the thread for more than a year or so – with stitching & using.

CRN Sashiko Thread

All time our favorite. This is the best Sashiko thread we recommend all the time. We also use the thread from the same manufacture to create the Natural Dye, Indigo Dye, Kakishibu Dye, and other Natural Dye collection we offer (Such as Murazome Collection and Fall Deer Collection).

If you wonder what to get, this is the thread I recommend.

*I occasionally receive a comment saying that the technique I share on Youtube does not “work”. Often, those who experience the difficulty in learning Sashiko are not using this thread. I can follow up better when you use this thread for your Sashiko stitching.

Whilte & Pastel Collection

CRN Sashiko thread is manufactured by a small thread manufacture (very strict artisan) in Japan. Due to their capacity, we often experience the shortage of supply. Good things takes time to get in hands.

At the same time, I wanted to keep offering a good Sashiko thread to keep encouraging our Sashiko friends. In 2018, I invested a lot to try many kinds of Sashiko thread. This thread is one of those I felt “very similar” to the CRN Sashiko thread. After using the W&P collection for over a year, I came to conclusion that the difference is so subtle that it is “almost the same” thread. W&P Collection have a very unique color offer, which is more “artistic (colorful)”.

The colors are not tradition much, but I believe it is a good addition to enjoy the Sashiko.

Yokota Sashiko Thread

Sashiko is popular all over the world. Our recommendation is easily accessible for those who live in the U.S. since we will take care of the shipping very carefully & speedy. Although I offer the International Shipping, it can be challenging to get the thread we recommend depends where you live.

… I do not like the restriction. I want everyone to enjoy Sashiko regardless where they live. I hope you would be able to order the thread we recommend internationally, but it can be expensive & challenging.

So, I decided to try the thread from a big thread manufacture, Yokota Thread. After using their thread for a year or so, I came to a conclusion that they are very good thread. Please check the article about their thread.

About Yokota Sashiko Thread (Wait for an update)

*The Yokota Thread is available in many countries through many market places. It will be very helpful to purchase from us (Upcycle Stitches) when you have a choice. Your careful choice help me to invest more in searching & testing the better thread for the Sashiko.


What is the best Sashiko thread?

CRN Sashiko Thread and W&P Collection are very similar to each other. In order to tell a difference, one has to stitch quite a lot. Otherwise, the difference is so subtle that one will not realize. Plus, there is no better or worse. They are both good. It is depends on the preference of color & availability.

Yokota Sashiko thread is as good as the other 2 Sashiko thread. They are just different & comes in a smaller skeins & different thickness. The “Thick” option is thinner than CRN and W&P Collection.

Stitching Sample for our Sashiko thread

The photo above is my Sashiko stitching samples for each Sashiko thread with the same Asano-ha pattern.


Thread Does Matter

There are many more good Sashiko thread. However, I only recommend the thread, and offer them only after I use them heavily. I would like to make sure that I am offering something I enjoy using/stitching.

Again, the thread (Sashiko Thread) I did not mention here may be a good thread. It is the matter of preference after all. However, choosing the “appropriate Sashiko thread based on 30+ years of expertise” will enrich your Sashiko experience.


Reference on Sashiko Thread Update 2020

handle Natural Dye Thread Cover

How to handle Natural Dye Thread & fabric

The soft color from the natural dyes is significantly different from the vivid color with chemical dyes. We enjoy the color of Natural Dye Sashiko thread, especially in a process of making “Boro” so that both fabric and thread can age – change color – together with overtime. We repeatedly tested the color stability, either if the color fades out by washing, before introducing them online. However, the Natural Dyed & Hand Dyed Sashiko thread & fabric require some attention and understanding of how to handle. The color will not be washed away by regular care for the natural dye. However, we do not recommend to throw them to the washing machine with detergent (which may have kind of “bleach” in it). Here, we introduce how to handle Natural Dye Thread and Fabric.


“Don’t” do list | Handle Natural Dye Thread with care.

First of all, please never use “Bleach” in washing and to handle Natural Dye thread. One wash with bleach may (and most likely “will”) completely wash away the natural color and make it bright white. The bleach is strong enough to do its job – to make it bright white.

The point we have to pay attention here is that some of “regular detergent” may contain the same chemical as the bleach in it. For example, if a detergent say “stain removal”, then the detergent may be too strong for the Natural Dye color.

Also, putting the Natural Dye thread and fabric in the water with detergent for a long time is not a good idea. The more time the color touches the detergent, the more color may be washed away.


Do list | How to well Handle Natural Dye Thread

Generally speaking, the natural dye doesn’t go well with the chemical detergent. In need of using the detergent, please choose the “Neutral Detergent”. Although it is quite easy to find them in Japan, I do not find the neutral detergent easily in the US (we can find them but quite expensive). In that case, please try to find the “gentle” or “soft” detergent and make sure to test the thread and fabric if the color will be washed out or not. In my experience, most of the color will stay on unless the detergent is “gentle” and washed gently. However, as a baseline, please handle Natural Dye thread with maximum Care.


Super beautiful color from nature. Although the core enjoyment of natural dye is to enjoy the color change, it is so sad to lose the color.

Summary of Do and Don’t

Do:

  • Hand-wash with no detergent. Or gentle wash with Neutral Detergent.

Don’t:

  • Using Bleach, or strong detergent which may contain Bleach.
  • Machine wash with long-cycle (or extra wash cycle).
  • Leave the thread or fabric in water (with detergent) for a long time.


Understand the reaction process

It is probably difficult to find a “Natural Dye” items in the mass-produced market. It is because the process of natural-dye requires a lot of attention and care. The color from nature will not stay on the thread or fabric by dipping them into a vat. It isn’t like a watercolor, putting paint on the paper.

The natural color stays on the thread and fabric by chemical reaction with a catalyst. We usually use the metal, such as iron or copper, to make the reaction happen. In another example, the Authentic Japanese Indigo Dye (Hon-Aizome), they use the oxidation process to create such a beautiful blue. The fabric and thread right after dipped in the vat looks somewhat “gray” or “brown”. In a process of oxidation (touching the air that contains oxygen), the beautiful Japanese blue comes out.

The chemical reaction doesn’t mean using chemical materials. Here, chemical reaction equals to Oxidation and Reduction. Vinegar will make the liquid more acidic and ash (such as wood ash) make the water more alkalinity. Either of acidic and alkalinity affects the balance of Natural Dye and could end up with washing out the color or changing the color.

Therefore, we strongly recommend using natural detergent, or just water.


The natural dye before the Industrial Revolution

One of the big reasons we use the Natural Dye thread is to recreate the beauty of Japan in hundreds of years ago – before the industrial revolution. Back then, in Japan, they did not have the chemical (artificial) detergent or bleach to wash the fabric. They did not have a washing machine either.

Instead, they washed the fabric and thread by hands with care (attention). I hope you would do the same when you handle Natural Dye thread and fabric.

By the way, this is my personal endnote (which may contradict what I had written so far). Anyhow, I DO wash my Sashiko Stitched Denim with the gentle detergent in a washing machine… I had washed probably more than 100 times over 1~2 years, but I can still see the thread color. The yellow from mountain peach looks more like white, but it still has yellowish color (I believe). I always wash it separately, with a gentle cycle of the washing machine, with a small amount of detergent as I feel. I sometimes do not add the detergent, but at some point, the jeans get smelly that we need some detergent… I hope you can find your own way to handle Natural Dye thread and fabric.


Shop our Natural Dye Sashiko Thread

Featured Products

Sashiko Thread Spring 2019 Cover

Sashiko Thread Spring 2019 | Update

I used to stick to only one type of Sashiko Thread. After opening the online store in the USA, I spent some time and investment to provide the more variety of the great thread for Sashiko. Here is a quick update for the Sashiko Thread Spring 2019.


4 Choices | Sashiko Thread Spring 2019

We carry several types of Sashiko thread. Please check the numbers to understand our preference and standard.

  1. Keiko’s Hand-Dye & Coron Synthetic Dye Sashiko Thread
  2. White Collection & Unique Color Maru Sashiko Thread
  3. Variety of Yokota Sashiko Thread
  4. Kakishibu Fujix Thread

Ideally speaking, the Sashiko thread we carry need to fulfill the standard we expect: to be the part of the fabric. I am sure that the Sashiko Thread (1) will do the job we set as the standard. After all, it is our regular Sashiko thread. The thread (2) is also sufficient for all of the characteristic of Sashiko. It has been about a year since I start using the Sashiko Thread (2), and it is always a pleasure to work with.

The Sashiko Thread (3), Yokota thread, and the thread (4) from Fujix are very good quality thread manufactured by a long-established & big thread company. I use both of them occasionally and enjoy the stitching. The overlay stitches perform its function. However, I cannot declare that it is 100% satisfactory to our standard as of now because it has been only a few months since I started using it. The Yokota thread in “thin” thickness may be our least preference for Kasane & denim stitching, but great for the smaller projects.

Regardless of my honest confess above, I believe all of 4 threads are fulfilling the expectation to be a good Sashiko thread.


How about the other Thread?

I am aware that there are many other Sashiko threads available in the market. As I always say, you can use any kind of thread you would like. There is no such thing as right or wrong Sashiko. You don’t need to purchase the new thread for the Sashiko purpose if you have other thread.

However, please understand that the technique and wisdom I introduce “may” not work with the thread I do not carry. Also, in order to our Sashiko – which focus on the appreciation to the fabric, and as the thread to support the fabric, I strongly recommend using in the thread above.

I tried some of the thread and didn’t like some of them. For the others, I simply do not feel the needs of trying it. There are reasons why we have limited kinds of Sashiko threads, and I want you to have the best out of the best since you would spend so much time in Sashiko.


Enjoy One of a Kind

I am so proud of the Natural Dye & Hand-dye Sashiko thread produced by Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya. It is all “one of a kind” because they are hand-dyed with natural dyes. However, those with “gradient color” are the significant one of a kind color. Enjoy the Murazome while supplies last. We try our best to keep offering the similar threads, but it requires “luck” to make it happen as well.


Indigo Dye Sashiko Thread 2019 Cover

Indigo Dye Sashiko Thread 2019 | Murazome

The Sashiko threads dyed by Keiko with Natural Dyes are one of our popular supply. We proudly offer the Indigo Dye Sashiko Thread 2019, with a bit of change in numbering, due to the more variation in our dye batches. I hope you can find the one you like the most.


We decided to offer 4 types of choice in offering our Indigo Dye Sashiko Thread 2019, with Murazome (Variegated and Uneven).

“Variegated” means the strong color changes in one skein. “Uneven” means that the thread skein will the continuous color yet not-even colors like the other “Solid” Color.

Every batch has a bit of different shade, dark and light, for the uneven and variegated colors. It was a lot of challenge (and a lot of errors) to making 3 shades, Dark, Medium, and Light, so we decided to continue making the “medium” only. However, depends on the batch, we get the darker version and light version. We tend to have the darker shade more for now.

Please find the choices below, and let me know your preference, either Darker or Light color, in the comment section in the check out process.


Choice of Indigo Dye Sashiko Thread 2019

  • M0-(19) – Variegated (Strong change in color) Blue
  • M1-(19) – Variegated (strong change in color) Green
  • M2-(19) – Uneven (gradient as uneven) Blue
  • M3-(19) – Uneven (gradient as uneven) Green

*Please check the Indigo Dye Sashiko Thread page for the “Solid Color”, Dark and Light beautiful blue from Indigo.

As I mentioned above, if you have a preference in the darkness/lightness of shade, please let me know your preference in the comment section in check-out process. We do not have the light shade of Green (Previous M3L). Most of the uneven green look like between M3 and M3D. I will choose the best matching color from the limited inventory we have.

Please understand that the color is made by hand-dye with natural ingredient. The color is a product of various factors, and we cannot promise the color on the product page. I will, of course, try my best to get you the best one.

*The demand for the Indigo Dye Sashiko thread is increasing in Japan, and therefore Upcycle Stitches do not carry much inventory as 2018. I will keep updating when we restock the thread. Thank you for your understanding.

Product Information

  • Made in Japan, Hand-dyed by Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya
  • Material : Egyptian Cotton 100%, Natural Indigo (Product of India), Solution for Dye
  • Length : About 145 meter per skein
  • Weight : About 28 g


The Archive of Sold-Out Indigo Dye Sashiko Thread.

We had a great collection for the Indigo Dye Sashiko Thread for 2019. Please find the archive below so you could use it for the Indigo Dye Sashiko Thread 2019.


[Announcement]

The batch from 2018 is sold out. Thank you.

We are in preparation to offer the batch done in February in 2019. Please wait for the update.


One of our popular Indigo Dye Sashiko Thread.

Interestingly, the most popular thread was the shade we got by accident: the uneven green color. We spend more than a year to analyze why it happened, and how we can recreate the similar color. Finally, we now can offer the Murazome (uneven dyed) Sashiko Thread with Natural Indigo Dye.

For the administration purpose, we put the numbers on each shade.

However, because of its character “uneven” and “variegated”, every skein is different. All of them are one-of-a-kind thread. Please understand that I will not be able to send the exact same one on the photo.

In August 2018, we decided to spread the range of color, from Light to Dark.

Regardless, please understand that the color will not be identical to the one on the photo. We will do our best to match the color you order.


Selection of Murazome Sashiko Thread

2018 Spring

  • M1: Variegated Green | very low in stock. May be shipped from Japan.
  • M2: Uneven Blue
  • M3: Uneven Green

2018 Summer

  • M1D: Variegated Green Dark _ Temporary out of stock in the USA (May be shipped from Japan).
  • M2L: Uneven Blue Light
  • M3L: Uneven Green Light _ Temporary out of stock in the USA (May be shipped from Japan).
  • M3D: Uneven Green Dark

*We have very limited amount of inventory. In case of short in inventory, the product may be shipped from Japan without extra shipping charge. Therefore It will take extra days to deliver. We may ask you to wait for a month to restock the item. Your understanding is very appreciated that the item is all hand-dyed with Natural ingredient.

*Please understand that the skein have slightly different color. The photo is our best effort to put the numbers on. If you have any preferences, please let us know by commenting in a process of checking out. We will do our best to meet your preferences.

Product Information

  • Made in Japan
  • Material : Egyptian Cotton 100%, Natural Indigo (Product of India), Solution for Dye
  • Length : About 145 meter per skein
  • Weight : About 28 g

*This page is for Indigo Dye Sashiko Thread with Uneven Color*Specifically Designed for Sashiko purpose.

*Please refer to the article regarding our Natural Indigo Dye Sashiko Thread for more information about the materials and procedure for our Indigo Dye.

Photo Gallery for Sashiko Thread

Why Sashiko Thread Cover

Why Sashiko Thread | Compare to the other

In the Instagram Sashiko Live-Streaming (in Japanese), we had a great talk about the reasons to use Sashiko thread instead of other types of thread and yarns. There is a reason why Sashiko thread is different from the other thread.

Sashiko was developed in the necessity to survive through the severe winter in Japan. In order to satisfy the Sashiko’s original purpose, the Japanese have been spending a lot of time to create the appropriate Sashiko thread for the project. I hope you enjoy the beauty of its Sashiko Thread.

View a Story of Sashiko Thread by Atsushi

Atsushi Talks about the difference of Sashiko and Non-Sashiko thread.

The script of Atsushi’s Story is available at the end of this article.


Shop Sashiko Thread in Upcycle Stitches

Why Sashiko Thread Comparison

The twist is why Sashiko Thread is unique

The Sashiko Thread we carry has a unique twist. Most of our Sashiko threads consist of 4 thin embroidery floss, and they are twisted in a very unique way. This twist makes it thread as the Sashiko Thread, and it is the reason why Sashiko thread can make beautiful Sashiko stitches.

In the market, you may find a similar thread/yarn with a similar thickness. I have read some articles talking about the alternative of Sashiko Thread. Please do not misunderstand that I am NOT saying the alternative is bad or wrong. Based on the type of project, I use the non-Sashiko Thread to maximize the purpose. What I would like to share is the background story of why Sashiko Threads have been used by so many Sashiko practitioners.

Thread as a method to strengthen the fabric

As you may have learned on this website, Sashiko original has (had) a goal to achieve: to strengthen or to mend the fabric.

Usually, the sewing thread is used to “patch” or “connect” 2 or more fabric together. In order to make a dress, the seamstress needs to sew the patterned fabrics together to form the dress. The threads have to be strong enough to hold them together. The black plus size homecoming dresses are very high quality. Therefore, the regular sewing threads have a very tight twist. Regardless of the thickness, most of the non-Sashiko thread has a tight twist to serve its purpose.

The main purpose of Sashiko Thread is NOT to patch or connect the fabric. It is to make the fabric stronger. In other words, the Japanese wanted Sashiko Thread to be the part of fabric eventually. Therefore, Sashiko thread has a uniquely designed “soft” twist. By this unique twist, the thread becomes part of the fabric over time, and therefore the fabric gets stronger before the Sashiko Stitching.

Why Sashiko Thread Tickness

It is not about good or bad.

The point is what is the purpose (goal) of using the thread you have. If you would like to follow the original Sashiko & make fabric stronger with beautiful patterns, we strongly recommend using our Sashiko Thread. The tightly twisted thread tends to stay as the thread over time, and sometimes, the tightness may damage the fabric.

Making a Knot of not

The topic either making a know or not in Sashiko stitching can be a pretty big discussion sometimes. I have written the blog post about “How to NOT to make the knot” along to the Youtube Video.

Yes, I share the technique. However, without understanding the reason why Sashiko Thread is so different with its background story, the technique wouldn’t work at all. If you use the tightly twisted sewing thread, you would need the knot. I always make a knot when I use non-Sashiko Thread. It simply doesn’t work because of the character of the thread: which is the purpose of the thread.

I hope this blog post explains the reason why Sashiko Thread is different from the stories behind it.


Sashiko Story Vol.3

Welcome to Sashiko Story Volume 3. Below is the script of the video

Today, I would like to talk about the thread for Sashiko. I know. It is a pretty hot topic, especially if you are looking for the “correct answers” for Sashiko stitching.

As you can imagine, this is one of the frequent questions I receive.

“What kind of Sashiko thread is the best for my Sashiko Project?”

The answer is pretty simple. It is about your preferences and the purpose of your project. I am so sorry for disappointing you by not providing a solid answer… but it is really up to your preference.  However, to help you to find the best Sashiko thread, here is a Sashiko Story.

  1. Understanding the purpose of Sashiko.

The main (and original) purpose of Sashiko is a bit different from the other types of hand-stitching. It is to make the fabric stronger and instead of patching or connecting two fabrics so-called patchworking or tailoring.

Let’s say, in order to make a dress, we need a tightly twisted thread, which tends to be firm and thin. A sewing machine also uses this kind of tight and thin thread to make good sewing stitches. For that, We do not want the thread to be frayed or loosen at all when a person wears the dress. Also, when the thread is old and weak enough, it should be easy to be cut off for the repair.

The main purpose of Sashiko thread, instead, is to be the part of the fabric, yet not completely frayed over time. Therefore, the Sashiko thread has a unique twist to keep the stitches beautiful (not frayed) yet soft enough to merge into the fabric over time.

A good Sashiko pieces, including some of the nice Boro pieces, has the pattern as if they are not “stitched”. It is the beauty of Sashiko thread to alter itself to be the part of the fabric.

Also, the tight twist of the thread is sometimes too strong for the vintage fabric. Instead of being a part of the fabric, the thread could just tear the fabric. We avoid using the tight sewing thread for mending Boro like this.

So, you may want to make sure what is your purpose of Sashiko stitching. If you are mending denim with denim patch without caring for the pattern, any kind of threads would be just fine. However, if you would like to have good looking Sashiko stitches to make fabric stronger, then get the thread designed for Sashiko.

  1. How do you want to age your thread?

The color is very much up to your preferences. In our online store, UpcycleStitches.com, we have more than 50 colors available to choose from.

I personally prefer the natural dye Sashiko thread because we work on a lot of Japanese vintage fabric. The beauty of vintage fabric is the color created by the time passing, aging. In order to match the color of vintage fabric in which the time created, the natural dye is the best choice: the synthetic dye can be too strong in contrast to the soft and aged vintage color. Another great point of using the natural dye is that the thread also changes colors over time. The beauty of fading color together, vintage fabric and natural dye thread, with integrating each other because of the unique twist is the most important concept for our Sashiko project. We believe the beauty of Boro is there as well.

The quality of synthetic dye Sashiko thread is as good as the natural dyes. It is just the difference between colors and dye materials.

All of those said I recommend the thread satisfying these following qualifications.

  1. Cotton 100%. The better cotton it is, the better thread will be.
  2. A unique twist of Sashiko Thread. You gotta find the best twist you would like by experimenting.
  3. How much it gets frayed over the stitching. Not too much being frayed. I do not like the frayed thread. However, not too tight to avoid any damage to the fabric as well as enjoying the Sashiko result.

The Sashiko thread we sell to in the USA as well as worldwide is satisfying all of the qualifications I mentioned. We sell them simply because we like them. We use them on a daily basis and we are confident that the customers will be happy with the quality. Also, we can share some techniques and wisdom by providing exactly the same Sashiko thread as we use.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention that.

All of the tutorials I share on Youtube and my website is based on the fact that the viewers are using the same supplies and tools. For example, Kasane (The overlay stitching to not to make the knot) may not work with non-Sashiko Thread. I can assist you if you have a problem with that technique in using our thread, but if you are using other brand thread, the first thing you can try is to switch the supply. It may be the thread not doing the job instead of you doing the overlay stitching in the wrong way.

Sashiko Thread 2018 Summer Maru

Sashiko Thread 2018 Summer | Quick Update of Sashiko Thread

Happy Summer! Here is a quick update of our availability of Sashiko Thread 2018 Summer.

We have added several new colors from another long-established Japanese thread manufacture. Of course, our well-known and stunning “Natural Dye Sashiko Thread” by Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya are available, and new colors from her latest updates are also available. We don’t have many threads in stock because of our storage space. Check them out before they get sold out.

 

New Indigo Dye Sashiko Thread | Uneven Beauty

 

Indigo Dye Sashiko Thread variegated

 

It happens from the failure as if it was like a miracle.

We didn’t know how we did get the color. Therefore, we categorized them as a failure since we believe the “continuously” and “reproductivity” are the necessity as a professional. Yet, our customer wanted to have the thread regardless of its character that we may not be able to reproduce.

 

After several months of tries and errors, we finally come up with reproducible uneven Natural Dye Sashiko Thread. This time, with Natural Indigo Dye. Since they are dyed unevenly, every skein is one-of-a-kind. However, we can create very similar colors and differentiate “uneven Dye” and “Variegated Dye”

 

Pastel Color & Unique Variegated Color

 

Our goal is to introduce Sashiko to the world. Then, hopefully, we all can pass down this beautiful culture to the next generation. It includes the process of supporting the current thread manufactures. We have been happy with our current selections, but at the same time, we decided to offer other Sashiko thread from the different manufacture with their interesting unique color selection.

We are building a good relationship with the manufacturer of similar Sashiko thread with good quality and unique Pastel Color. Very excited to introduce the new selection for the Sashiko Thread.

 

Look at these unique Variegated Color

We have 3 choices available now with these beautiful colors.

  • Aqua Blue Variegation
  • Spring Green Variegation
  • Moca Bworn Variegation

Check the detail of Unique Variegated in the item page here.

 

Sashiko Thread 2018 Summer Cover

 

Looks like Natural, yet reasonable Pastel Colors

Natural-like, soft Pastel Colored Sashiko Threads are available in reasonable prices. They are dyed with synthetic dyes, yet create soft and kind colors.

 

Pastel Color Sashiko Thread

 

Check the detail of Pastel Color in the item page here.

 

 

More and more in Sashiko Thread 2018 Summer

 

We have launched several “special offers” as a promotion of Sashiko Thread 2018 Summer.

 

No numbered Sashiko Thread…?

Thanks to many supporters who understand the process & value of “hand-made”, we now invest a lot in creating new colors with new dyes. We would rather be an artist than manufactures of natural colors. In a process of try & error, we get many “un-reproducable” Sashiko thread. They are as beautiful as the other regular Natural dye Sashiko thread. The issue is that I cannot provide them online because we don’t know if we can reproduce them.


So, we decided to offer them as “No Numbered Sashiko Thread” instead of numbered regular thread such as #002 Japanese Nutgal and such.

Check the detail here for that. Very limited stock available (well, every package will be one of a kind anyway).

 

A great package deal

This is the first time we try this. We now have an offer to discount as a package.

The more you enjoy Sashiko, the more thread you would need. We would like to support that!

 

 

If you haven’t used the coupon as “new customer”, you can get the 10% discount even after the package deal. Check the detail here for the great value Sashiko Thread (Mono Color & Variegated Color in stock only).

 

 

Check all the Sashiko Thread we offer

 

On top of all the new collection I introduced, we have our regular Sashiko thread available. They are in “Sashiko Thread 2018 Summer” sale and we have several deals for those who would like to spend beautiful days in Sashiko. Check out our DEAL page for more information!

 

All the Sashiko Thread
Check all the Sashiko Thread 2018 Summer in our Sashiko Store.

Muban Sashiko Thread

Muban Sashiko Thread | Once in a life-time Color

This is a story how we come up with the offer of No-numbered, Muban Sashiko Thread, to provide the color which could be once in a lifetime. In 2018, we started providing the No-numbered, Muban Sashiko Thread deal online. Also, very unique uneven colors derived from the concept of Muban Sashiko Thread.

 

“A failure” to be the product

Since we dye our thread with Natural Dye by hands, a very small amount per dye pot, we often end up with creating the color we didn’t expect. We have created about 30 colors of Natural Dye Sashiko Thread. While some of the colors got discontinued, many beautiful colors remain as regular items with specific numbers.

 

We can make a suggestion based on the customer’s preference. Let’s say If you would like to get beautiful pink, #013, #014 or #015 with Madders is the recommendation.

 

When we happened to create the color we didn’t anticipate or didn’t meet the quality line for the evenness of color, we label them as “a failure” and we didn’t put them online for sale. Since we make a lot of stitching, Keiko used them in her Sashiko projects, and I used them in the Sashiko Livestreaming in Instagram and Youtube.

 

One day, a viewer of the Sashiko Live streaming in Japan commented if she can get the similar thread that I was using. I explained that it is a product by accident and we do not plan to put the number on it and sell. Then, she claimed that she would like to get it anyway, even if the color is not the much the similar and uneven.

 

After I exchanged the opinions about what is “failure” and “success”, I learned that the uneven and not-reproducible color can be in someone’s best interest. This is how a failure became the Color of Miracle Green.

 

 

Indigo Dye Sashiko Thread Cover

 

 

No Numbered | Muban Sashiko Thread

 

Although we are getting much better in dyeing, we have made some “uneven” colors and unexpected colors.

The color can be any similar color to the 30 colors, 2 indigo Colors, and 4 Persimmon Tannin Colors. Since it is very difficult to control the inventory (only one color available for each “mistake = success = unevenness”. I will pick the 3 skeins (or 5 skeins) of No Numbered Muban Sashiko Thread for you.

For those who would like to know what kind of colors you can expect, I made 4 packages of 3 skeins of thread. When you order the pre-packaged No numbered Sashiko thread, it will tell you which color of thread you will get.

 

Enjoy the beauty by accident.

Whenever we make an unexpected color, we examine why it happened to make it better next time. However, the reason for the result can be varied by a lot. The humidity, the temperature, the water quality, Sun-light strength, pretty much every environmental difference can make the different color. Keiko is now good enough to create the similar colors regarding the environment, but she still makes some uneven and unexpected colors since she dyes them by her hands.

 

This Muban Sashiko Thread has been the best selling item in Japan. I am very happy to carry some of Keiko’s “failure”. The colors are beautiful.

 

 

Blue Natural Sashiko Thread Cover

Purple & Blue Natural Sashiko Thread

Another update of our beautiful “hand-dyed” Natural Sashiko Thread. This time, we are offering purple and blue natural Sashiko Thread.

Keiko Futatsuya, the Sashiko artist as well as Natural Dye artist, successfully continues her Natural Dye with “Logwood” and “Lac Dye.” Including “Tangala,” these 3 requires attentive process to keep offering the similar colors to provide with the same color numbers. We dye about 10 skeins of Sashiko thread every dye pots. Since Sashiko thread are hand-dyed with Natural Dyes, the color outcome is slightly different. However, we succeeded to come up with the “similar-enough” colors to provide as the product.

 

Just stunning Natural Blue and Purple.

 

We are proud of offering so many varieties of natural dyedSashiko Thread including Indigo & Kakishibu. They are just stunning colors.

They are all available on this website.

Blue Natural Sashiko Thread

Blue Natural Sashiko Thread

Blue is one of the most difficult colors to dye. The Japanese blue with Natural Indigo is the most famous and popular color. We try to come up with other blue, which is a bit different from Bold Indigo Blue, with Logwood. This color requires multiple steps to succeed. Enjoy the kind Blue only Nature create.

Blue Natural Sashiko Thread Cover

 

 

Purple Natural Sashiko Thread

Stabilizing the Purple color from Lacdye was one of the biggest challenges in 2017. We had so many shades of Lac Dye (and therefore so many numbers assigned), and then finalize the story with 4 shades available for sale. Enjoy these miracle purple.

 

 

Beige and Gray Natural Sashiko Thread

Besides Purple and Blue, beige and gray are important colors in Sashiko Stitching. Logwood and Tangala happen to create the beautiful beige and gray by using the different catalyst.

Enjoy these natural colors to match your Sashiko project.

 

 

 

Buy Sashiko Thread Cover

Why you want to Buy Sashiko Thread from us

I have been feeling a boom in Sashiko stitching recently. Especially in 2018, there are more search in terms of Sashiko, and increase in inquiries and questions. Other retail stores online started offering our Coron Sashiko Thread as well. Although the competition in popular products is a healthy economic activity, let me share the reason why you want to buy Sashiko Thread, or any other Sashiko related materials, from us, Upcycle Stitches.

 

Learn about our Sashiko Thread

 

Buy Sashiko Thread = Be part of our Sashiko Community

 

I am a single member LLC to offer Sashiko tutorials, Sashiko services, and merchandise sales in the United States. As of now, I am able to answer all the questions within a day or so, but when the demands increase, I will have to prioritize in answering the questions and inquiries. Since I do not know anyone who is as knowledgeable as I am regarding Sashiko AND can speak/write English, the process of following up to the Sashiko questions is the job only I can do. It is not a job I can outsource.

 

At the same time, I have a goal of sharing the concept & technique of Sashiko to as many people as possible.

One of the process to achieve these goals is to offer “free online video tutorials” and “Sashiko articles to answer the possible questions. ” Although I have a pile of free information available, it is, of course, assuring to have someone answering the questions. I am here for that, and I probably need to prioritize the questions in future.

 

 

Buy Sashiko Thread | Know Customers

 

I would like to know my customers.

When I receive the order on this website (https://upcyclestitches.com/store), I will know you. That is a very important process for me. I remember who you are, and I will try my best to follow-up with your needs in Sashiko. The customer of our store will be prioritized in receiving my answers. It is fair, right?

 

I have a shop at this website, Etsy, and Amazon.

Either of these is fine to buy Sashiko Thread. This website is the easiest for me to remember you, then Etsy. In order to understand who is buying Sashiko thread on Amazon, you would need to tell me that you had purchased it from our store by confirming with your order number. I believe I am setting the price competitive and reasonable. (Please let me know if you find a store offering the same product with much cheaper price, like 40% cheaper than the price on either store above.)

 

Make sure that YOU know who you are buying Sashiko thread from.

If you understand you buy Sashiko thread from Sashiko professionals or crafting store, then I am not worried. They will answer your questions when you need a help. In this society with the Internet, anyone can be a seller of any kinds of products. I can foresee some sellers joining the Sashiko Thread market when they learn that Sashiko thread is popular. When it happens, please try to understand who you are buying from.

 

Not only you may not get a support after purchase, your action may be discouraging the Sashiko culture.

 

 

Sashiko thread is not only a product for us

It is kind of strange to mention, but we believe that Sashiko thread is a way to connect with the potential Sashiko practitioner. We do not consider it as a mere product to sell. We need to make a living out of Sashiko, so the price is competitive, but again, we believe the pricing is reasonable.

 

We also respect the long-established and traditional manufacturers in Japan, especially those who have been trying to pass down their hand-crafting culture to the next generation. When you purchase our items including Sashiko thread, you are supporting these manufacturers we respect. As a result, my customers are supporting the traditional craft/manufactures in Japan.

 

 

 

Buy Sashiko = Support Sashiko as Culture

Buy Sashiko Thread

 

Again. It may be strange since the goal of “business” is ultimately making a profit.

I have been there and I have done that. If I would like to focus on profit (money), Sashiko is not the best conclusion to work on… all hand-made. How can this be profitable like other capitalistic business?

 

My mother and I talked about it when we “re-start” our Sashiko life.

“When we can make a living with what we like to do, we don’t need millions of dollars to be happy.”

 

We are pretty happy by doing the enjoyable Sashiko we suggest here and there. Now, we would like to protect this beaeutiful culture, including everyone who is in the process of making them. Thread manufactures, textile manufactures, and all the unknown artisans in Japan.

By knowing who you are buying items from, you can support these people instead of spending a 1 penny less on some random sellers.

 

 

Continuous Support & Customer Experience Improvement

 

Asking customers to buy Sashiko thread based on our reasoning is just our side of stories.

We understand it is very important to continuously improve the customer experience. I have been planning to install the “customer loyalty service” so you can get benefit of keep using our store. We are a very small store to share Sashiko items. We remember you as cutomers and we would like to welcome you to our Sashiko Community.

 

Enjoy Sashiko!