Readers ask: Is Sashiko Thread The Same As Embroidery Thread?

Sashiko thread is more twisted than embroidery floss and not made to be separated into strands. Sashiko thread doesn’t have a sheen as embroidery floss or the Valdani embroidery thread have. Either thread could be used a substitute for sashiko thread but the look will be slightly different.

Can you use embroidery thread for Sashiko?

Sashiko thread is non-divisible, meaning it cannot be separated into strands like embroidery floss, so you stitch with the full piece. Size 8 pearl cotton or regular cotton embroidery floss can be substituted, but both have a different sheen and twist than sashiko thread, so the final piece will look a bit different.

What is the difference between Sashiko thread and embroidery thread?

Embroidery thread will show the separating strands in the longer sashiko stitches, while sashiko thread will settle into the fabric as a solid little “rice grain like” stitch. Sashiko thread is not ‘slide-y’, smooth or shiny.

What thread do you use for Sashiko?

Traditionally Sashiko is made with a tightly twisted heavy-weight cotton thread. We like to use our 6 stranded embroidery floss as this is readily available in Europe. You can also use size 8 or 12 pearl cotton, or fine crochet cotton.

What is the difference between embroidery thread and thread?

Key Difference – Embroidery Thread vs Sewing Thread The key difference between embroidery thread and sewing thread is their texture; embroidery thread is a special type of thread used for embroidery work and has a special sheen whereas most sewing threads do not have a sheen.

What is sashiko thread used for?

The main purpose of Sashiko Thread is NOT to patch or connect the fabric. It is to make the fabric stronger. In other words, the Japanese wanted Sashiko Thread to be the part of fabric eventually. Therefore, Sashiko thread has a uniquely designed “soft” twist.

Does sashiko use a hoop?

No embroidery hoop is necessary. It’s recommended to use a traditional sashiko needle which is longer than a regular embroidery needle and works best for carrying multiple stitches. Though a sashiko needle is certainly a nice tool to have, you can still achieve beautiful results with regular embroidery needles.

What is sashiko and Boro?

Sashiko is a form of stitching, a process of needlework. The Boro is the result of continuous & ultimate repetition of Sashiko. In other words, Sashiko can be a verb in Japanese. Boro in Japanese originally means merely the piece of torn & dirty fabric.

What fabric is used for sashiko?

What kind of thread do you use for Sashiko? Sashiko thread is traditionally made from a loosely twisted lower thread count fabric like 100% matte cotton or linen. It is very strong and comes in fine, medium or thick weights.

How long are sashiko stitches?

Sashiko thread tends to fray so use lengths of thread no longer than 20-24” long. Tip: The thread pulls more smoothly and tangles less if it is threaded so you are pulling with the twist instead of against it as you stitch.

Do you need an embroidery hoop for Sashiko?

There are four key materials to sashiko – needle, thread, thimble and fabric. As you’ll see, no embroidery hoop is necessary, which makes sashiko a very portable craft.

Are there different thicknesses of Sashiko thread?

Although we use one specific thickness of Sashiko thread for 99% of our Sashiko projects, we carry some variety of thickness. There are many other Sashiko thread manufactures.

How are Sashiko needles different?

Sashiko needles are longer and thicker than the needles most of us use, and most have large eyes for threading thick cotton sashiko threads. This length allows for packing several inches of fabric onto the needle at once, a practice that makes the stitching faster and straighter.

Is embroidery thread as strong as sewing thread?

But generally, embroidery thread is not as strong as regular thread. One reason for this difference is the type of fiber the embroidery and regular threads are made from. For example, some embroidery thread is made from rayon but the rayon fibers lose their strength when wet.

Can embroidery thread be used as sewing thread?

Yes, you can use embroidery thread on a sewing machine. In fact, there are lots of that style of thread made specifically to be used on sewing machines. Polyester, cotton, rayon are just some of those styles and you may find these threads to be a bit stronger than regular embroidery thread.

Is embroidery thread the same as floss?

So, what’s the difference? Embroidery floss is a mercerized cotton embroidery thread composed of 6 individual threads or plies, which can be separated. Any number of strands may be used in the needle, depending on the desired thickness of the thread, or the pattern instructions. So, all 6 threads together is a floss.