I’ve been stitching Sashiko on denim for about 15 years now, weaving this beautiful Japanese hand-stitching tradition into the rugged, iconic fabric of denim. Combining Sashiko and denim brings together two worlds: the centuries-old art of Japanese folk stitching, rooted in purpose and resilience, and denim, the tough fabric beloved worldwide for its durability. Some people say it’s a lot of work—each stitch painstakingly applied by hand, the needle pushed through the thick, often unyielding layers of denim. Yes, it can be intense. But Sashiko and denim aren’t about the labor; they’re about the journey, the meditative rhythm that emerges as needle and thread transform denim into something personal and timeless. In truth, anyone can learn this craft. The commitment and patience are what make it special, and it’s heartening to see how many people around the world are drawn to this same journey, stitching their own stories into fabric with each line, knot, and carefully placed stitch.
It doesn't take that long to do Sashiko on Denim
This isn’t a weekend project, and it isn’t quite a year-long endeavor either. If I’m able to focus completely—free from daily interruptions and the demands of making ends meet—a piece might take about a month. In the perfect scenario, maybe just a week to 10 days. But really, the timeline isn’t what matters; it’s about understanding “the Form,” the unique mindset and rhythm that make Sashiko fulfilling. This Form isn’t often taught in English, but once you grasp it, something shifts. The once daunting process becomes a calm, satisfying practice, like an intricate dance between needle and cloth. From there, it’s just a matter of setting aside time and perhaps pairing it with a long TV series or a favorite podcast, as I and many others do. There’s something grounding in creating beauty alongside the simple pleasure of a good show or music—a way to turn stitching into a personal ritual.
Anyone can do Sashiko on Denim
I’m often asked if this type of denim art is something anyone can do. And, after eight years of teaching, I say confidently: absolutely. I’ve watched many people start humbly, feeling cautious and a bit unsure, only to find out that Sashiko is not “too much” or “crazy” as they might have thought. It’s a craft that invites us in, not for perfection but for discovery, for learning through each stitch. In fact, I stopped taking commissions because I wanted others to feel the accomplishment and joy of creating their own pieces. Sashiko, after all, is an act of storytelling. Each stitch adds another layer to the narrative, making the denim not just a piece of clothing but a personal artifact. My role as a teacher is to simply guide—to show you the techniques to begin stitching your story onto denim.
I teach the way to make it happen
If you feel inspired to learn, I invite you to join me for an Online Class [Core & Essence], or perhaps one of my immersive 3-Day or 5-Day in-person workshops. In these longer workshops, we have the time to sit together and stitch, side by side, allowing the denim to come to life under our hands. Each thread brings its own personality and story into the fabric, creating something you’ll cherish long after the workshop ends. I believe this is a worthwhile investment—a chance to learn a skill and a philosophy that will last a lifetime. This journey in Sashiko is more than technique; it’s a way of honoring a tradition, adding your own voice to it, and letting the fabric hold stories of your own. Come learn Sashiko from a dedicated practitioner here in Japan, and let’s bring your story to life, one stitch at a time.
One last time - Thread Does Matter in Sashiko
One last time—thread does matter in Sashiko. Choosing the right thread is not merely a technical detail; it’s fundamental to the art itself. Sashiko is built on repetitive, durable stitching meant to reinforce and add texture to the fabric, often creating intricate patterns that can only truly come to life with the right thread. Traditional Sashiko threads are specifically designed to have the perfect balance of thickness, softness, and strength, allowing them to glide through the fabric while holding a shape that visually stands out. Using standard embroidery or sewing thread might seem convenient, but it compromises the depth, durability, and authenticity of the final piece. With Sashiko, each stitch and fiber plays a role in the story you’re creating, and that’s why choosing authentic Sashiko thread is an essential part of honoring the technique.
For more detail, please check the Article linked above.
Our Threads are available in this store as well.
