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
[This package is available to ONLY those who have reigstration confirmation from QuiltCon Admin]
In QuiltCon 2026, I offer a Sashiko Workshop that is outside of [Core & Essence]. For this workshop, I do not require participants to use the specific supplies & tools. As much as I want to share the significance of Sashiko we practice, the goal of this workshop is to have fun, learning Hitomezashi & how to apply it to our ordinary.
As I do not require the specific materials for this workshop, I ask participants to prepare materials & bring their own tools. For those who wish to avoid the necessary preparation, I prepare this Optional Supply Package with special discount.
Another worry I have is the quality of threads, needle, thimble and fabric in the workshop. As the priority of this workshop is to have fun while stitching together, I do not have a specific request to bring specific items. I will do my best to maximize the experience. However, if you want to make sure to have the best quality supplies for Sashiko we practice, this Optional Supply Package will clear the worries.
How you would receive the Package
I will bring the Packages to QuiltCon 2026 to lower the Shipping Cost. Please be noted that you will receive the package right before the Workshop. Therefore, Please Purchase this only after you confirm your participation to the Workshop. Alternatively, I can ship the package to your address with extra fees ($8.00). If you prefer to receive in International Address, please contact me for the possible rate.
Optional Supply Package Contents:
- Sashiko Thread (Both Original & Thin)
- Sashiko Needle x 2
- Sashiko Thimble (Metal Dish Type)
- 2 Pieces of Cotton Fabric Swatch sized for the workshop
- Basting Thread
- Chalk Pencil
- Letter Size Card Stock Paper with 5mm Grid Pattern Printed
- Threader
*Once Again, this set is ONLY AVAILABLE with Registration Confirmation to the Sashiko Workshop in QuiltCon 2026. When we end up learning that you purchase the kit without joining the QuiltCon, Upcycle Stitches will reserve a right to charge the difference to the full-price of the package.
Workshop Description
Sashiko: Apply Hitomezashi to our Ordinary
Hitomezashi is a popular style of Sashiko to apply our Ordinary Stitching & Fashion. This workshop introduces a standard process of enjoying Hitomezashi. Starting from learning how to prepare the grid on the fabric, how to “create” the Hitomezashi pattern, stitch Hitomezashi & apply it to a favorite Quilt/Garment (stitching on used denim or thin cotton fabric is recommended). The Objective is to learn how creative we can be while appreciating the cultural significance of Sashiko by approaching both visible & invisible mending while maximizing the joy of Hitomezashi. Experience in Sashiko: [Core & Essence] will be a great help to maximize this workshop, but not required. Unlike the other Sashiko class “Core & Essence” Atsushi offers, this workshop does NOT include a strict learning & stitching practice. A participant can use any thread & tools that they want to use. You may purchase a package of materials prepared, but it is not required to participate in this workshop. * Please note this workshop does overlap some of the contents of “Introduction to Japanese Sashiko Stitching” Atsushi offers on Domestika.
