Which sashiko thread should i use?

Which Sashiko thread should I use?

We hear this question frequently from those new to sashiko. The answer is subjective as there is no true “correct” sashiko thread. Sashiko was born out of necessity and materials were often scraps and leftovers, including recycled thread that had been pulled from older bedding or clothing. Homespun cotton, linen, or other bast fiber thread would be used and reused until it fell apart, then replaced with something else. Over time you find layers of wear and tear on vintage sashiko-stitched textiles, building up character with regular use and repair.

If you’re looking for that crisp, precise, high-contrast look popular in modern sashiko, or a worn-in, subtle and soft look, then any of the currently available sashiko brands on the market will do. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular ones.

Olympus is most well known in the US and most retail customers are familiar with their threads. It’s a good quality, colorfast cotton thread, but I found it tends to fray more readily than some other brands. This can work well if you’re going for an aged look in your sashiko, or if you already have some and want to complete a piece you started with that same brand. Their newest short-pitch variegated colors designed by Susan Briscoe are beautiful and quite popular.

●     Most colors available in 20 meter and 100 meter skeins.

Yokota sashiko thread comes in two weights: 20/4 and 20/6 (20 denier/4- or 6-ply). The 20/4 is thinner than Olympus, so most people who are used to Olympus find the thin thread takes some getting used to. However, I highly recommend it for use with tightly woven quilt fabrics. The threads are colorfast and come in an array of jewel tones that are very attractive.

●     Available in 40 meter, 100 meter (limited color selection), and 170 meter skeins.

Daruma sashiko thread is produced by the same company as Yokota thread, so the quality and weights are the same (20/4, 20/6). The main difference is the packaging. Daruma carded threads are visually appealing and customers tend to reach for them more readily than the long Yokota skeins. Carded threads can be easier for the sewist to manage as they don’t turn into a rat’s nest of thread as loose skeins often do.

●     The 20/4 weight is available in 40 meter cards, and the 20/6 weight is in 30 meter cards.