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.
Contents
“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.
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
[Announcement For Sashiko Retreat: "Core & Essence"]
Thank you for registering for the Sashiko Workshop [Core & Essence] of Slow Stitching August at A Gathering of Stitches. I’m truly looking forward to meeting you and sharing our Sashiko with you. To make the most of your retreat experience and the special package you've received, please read the following page carefully.
*This is a special package for the "Sashiko Workshop [Core & Essence]" at A Gathering of Stitches. Please purchase this set only after you have received a registration confirmation from A Gathering of Stitches. We are preparing a limited number of sets specifically for this retreat. If it is determined that the kit was purchased without an official registration, Upcycle Stitches reserves the right to charge the difference to reflect the full price of the package.
*The package will be ready for you at A Gathering of Stitches. The package will NOT be shipped your mailing address in advance.
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Sashiko Workshop [Core & Essence]
It is my sincere pleasure to share the Sashiko we have been practicing at the beautiful retreat hosted by A Gathering of Stitches. Your package will be available for pick-up on the day of your workshop. If you wish to receive it in advance of the retreat, please contact Atsushi directly to arrange shipping—an additional fee will apply for shipping.
[What is included in the Package]
- 1 skein of White Sashiko thread, 145 meters
- 1 Sashiko thimble
- 3 Sashiko needles
- Indigo Dye Fabrics, Cotton 100% Woven in Japan, with the pattern printed on for the Retreat & another sample fabric for the practice purpose to make a tote bag.
- 1 x Thread bobbin Paper
- 1 x Chalk Pencil
- 1 x Surprise item
- 2 x Finger cot
- 2 x threader
All items are prepared and imported from Japan. The packaging may differ slightly from the photos, but the contents remain the same.
[Additional Tools We Use in the Retreat]
We use fabric scissors and Scotch or masking tape to demonstrate how to keep Sashiko thread in good shape. While we only use them once during the workshop, they are essential tools. I will bring a few extras—so if it's difficult for you to bring your own, just let me know!
- Fabric Scissors
- Scotch Tape
- More Threaders (for those who need assistance in threading the needle - I will share some tricks to thread the needle as well).
Other Recommended Supplies
One of the common requests I’ve received in previous workshops is for information about other recommended Sashiko tools and supplies. I’ve created an article featuring items I personally recommend—though we will not be using them during the [Core & Essence Workshop]. I’ll briefly introduce them during the workshop to help you continue your Sashiko journey beyond the retreat. These tools are helpful if you wish to deepen your practice. For more details, please also explore our articles and videos on Sashiko tools and supplies.
Articles & Videos for Recommended Supplies:
- The Tools & Supplies We Recommmend
- Why Sashiko Thread Matters (Youtube)
- How To Prepare the Pattern on Fabric (Youtube)
- How to Use Thread Clipper (Youtube)
*This additional Tools are NOT required in the [Core & Essence Workshop]
Note & Disclaimer
- Please note: by purchasing this set, you agree to have your email address added to the designated email list for the Sashiko workshop at A Gathering of Stitches, so you can receive important updates from me. Your email will not be used for any purpose other than communication related to this workshop.
- If you choose to have the package shipped to your home with an additional fee, please check the contents upon arrival to ensure everything listed is included. It is the participant’s responsibility to bring all materials and tools to the retreat in this package
- Please understand that returns will not be accepted unless the items are damaged.