Welcome to part two of my Sashiko Embroidery For Beginners series, where I will demonstrate how to stitch a sashiko panel. In my previous article, I provided a list of the minimum requirements to start stitching a pre-printed sashiko panel.
To recap, I encourage students who have never attempted sashiko embroidery to start with a pre-printed panel (sometimes called pre-stencilled), as this will help you to improve your sashiko stitching technique and build your confidence in perfecting stitch length—and you’re more likely to have a pleasing outcome.
I suggest that beginners select a panel or a cut of pre-printed sashiko fabric that has an open, repeating pattern. Examples include the Seigaiha “blue sea waves” pattern, Shippo-tsunagi interlocking circles pattern, and the Nowaki “dune grasses” pattern.
Above: how to start and finish a row of sashiko stitches, using what I call the ‘final stitch’ method. (See Option 4 below.)
Preparing your thread for stitching
Sashiko stitching works best with a single thread (not split into strands). Using a single, thick thread gives your stitches a clean, consistent look.
I suggest your thread be no longer than from the tip of your fingers to your elbow—this is a workable length of thread. If your thread is too long you’ll risk developing knots in your thread while working.
Choosing a method for stitching your sashiko panel
When stitching a pre-printed panel, you have a number of starting methods to choose from. Each method depends on the outcome you want to achieve, and the type of project you’re working on. I’ll explain a few here, you might have some that work better for you or you may have learnt a method from another teacher. Always work with what suits you best.
Option 1: Start a row of sashiko stitches with a knot
Starting with a knot is one option. I recommend using this method for the sashiko stitching in boro-inspired projects.
This is quick and easy but a knot isn’t the best way to start something of value, such as an article that you intend to exhibit at a show or symposium.
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- 1. Starting a row of stitches with a knot (underside of panel)
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- 2. Pre-printed side: row of sashiko stitches starting with a knot
Option 2: Leave a tail of thread at your first stitch
Leaving a tail of thread about one inch at the start and ending is also an option.
This is only suitable when you are stitching from side to side and both the start and finish of the thread will be sewn into a seam. That is how you will secure your threads.
If you are using a standalone or isolated pattern in your piece, you will need your thread to be secured at your start and finish with either a knot or by stitching through the back stitches.
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- 1. Leave a tail of thread at your first stitch
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- 2. Pre-printed side: row of sashiko stitches leaving a tail of thread at the beginning and end of your stitch row
Option 3: Secure method
This is a very secure method of starting and finishing but it does leave a double thickness of thread in your row of stitches.
From the underside of the panel, bring your needle up to what would be the end of the third stitch at your starting point.
Stitch two-and-a-half stitches ending on the back side of the piece then bring your needle up at the end of the third stitch and stitch back over the three full stitches, then continue your stitching. This will give you a very secure start and finish.
This method won’t work on all designs; it depends on the number of stitches in your pattern.
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- 1. Bring your needle up from the underside of the panel at your starting point
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- 2. Create a row of three half-inch stitches with your needle and pull your thread through
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- 3. From underneath the panel, push your needle up through the start point of your third stitch
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- 4. Stitch over the three whole stitches
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- 5. Note the three double stitches
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- 6. Underside view of your panel—very secure
Option 4: Final stitch method
Final stitch is my preferred method. At your starting point, bring your needle up from the underside of the fabric, leaving a thread tail of about 2cm.
On the stitching line, count three or four stitches from your start point—gauge your stitch length using the point of your needle—and stitch back to the beginning, ending on the under side of the fabric.
Turn your fabric over and bring the thread tail up to the current stitch point (where you’ve just pulled your needle through the fabric).
Encompassing your loose thread and stitches, weave the needle to secure the thread tail, then continue stitching from the current stitch. You’ll find this gives your piece a flat outcome.
From underneath the panel, finish your work by weaving your needle through the last three stitches.
Cut your thread leaving a small piece of thread. This will fray and will help to keep your stitches secure.
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- 1. Bring your needle up from the underside of the fabric, leaving a thread tail of about 2cm
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- 2. Gauging the stitch length using the point of your needle, count three or four stitches from your start point and stitch, ending on the underside of the fabric
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- 3. Bring the thread tail up to the current stitch point
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- 4. Weave the needle to secure the thread tail, then continue stitching from the current stitch
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- 5. Continue stitching from the current stitch, repeating steps 1-4
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- 6. Finish your work by weaving your needle through the last three stitches (steps 3 & 4). Cut your thread leaving a small piece of thread
Learn the fundamentals of sashiko stitching in a group setting
If you would like to develop and master your sashiko embroidery skills, I am hosting a number of online and in-person workshops throughout 2025, as detailed below:
Wildflowers in the City Textile and Sashiko Retreat
Join us for a Winter textile and sashiko retreat with artist Caroline Sharkey and sashiko designer Sue Howie: two days of textile art and sashiko embroidery at the Sashiko Australia Studio in Brisbane.
Brisbane, QLD 4108 Australia
Sashiko Social – Sit & Stitch August 2026
WORKSHOP SOLD OUT Join Sue Howie for a social stitch-along at the Sashiko Australia Studio in Brisbane, August 8th at 9.30AM—a most pleasant way to spend some ‘me time’ for…
Brisbane, QLD 4108 Australia
Sashiko Social – Sit & Stitch November 2026
Join Sue Howie for a social stitch-along at the Sashiko Australia Studio in Brisbane, November 7th at 9.30AM—a most pleasant way to spend some ‘me time’ for a day, creating…
Brisbane, QLD 4108 Australia
Atsushi Futatsuya 3-Day Sashiko Workshop – July 15
WORKSHOP SOLD OUT.
Internationally renowned sashiko artist and educator Atsushi Futatsuya will be presenting a 3-day workshop at the Sashiko Australia Studio in Brisbane, July 15-17 2027.
Brisbane, QLD 4108 Australia
