Welcome to Domestika & Sashiko

I agree with the Domestika's philosophy of offering a Course to anyone in the worlds regardless of places & conditions. I understand that our specific supplies are not easy to get, especially if you live outside of the U.S. or Japan. Although I can arrange you an International Packages to accomodate your need, it can be costly. It isn't my intention to put burden on you... so please read this section to see the possible substitute & alternative options.

As I mentioned in the course, you can use “any supplies & tools” as you wish to enjoy Sashiko. All I want is to acknowledge (learn) that there is a difference between something I would like to preserve & something “whatever someone recommends”.

That being said, here are some possible substitutes for each item.

For Substitute, Unfortunately, not all “(Sashiko) Threads” are suitable for the Sashiko I shared in the course. Even if the item is labeld "Sashiko Threads", not many threads in the market do not function as "Sashiko Threads" as we intend to. I don't think they are bad quality. It is just not designed to be the "Sashiko Thread" for us.

In order to recommend a skein of Sashiko Thread as a teacher, I feel responsible to use & test the items for a while so that I can confirm my teaching is effective. Under my strict trials, I have found one possible alternative with a bigger supply chain network. Daruma/Yokota Sashiko Thread (especially the thick one) can be one good substitute for what we introduced in the course. If you are in the U.S., you can purchase them from our website. If you are somewhere else, please check your local supplier. You should be able to find supplier by searching, “Daruma Sashiko Thread manufactured by Yokota Thread Company”.

I haven’t come to the conclusion yet if other threads are suitable for what I have mentioned. It simply require years of practice & “Using it” to recommend if Kasane works and threads will be part of the fabric.

Again, please do not be stressed out by choosing other threads.

You can use the threads you have to start Sashiko.

All I want is to acknowledge & trying to understand the difference in thread for Sashiko.

[Follow-Up Videos on Youtube]

• Why Sashiko Thread?
• Sashiko Live Streaming - Why does [Thread Matters] in Sashiko?
• Sashiko Live Streaming (Jan.24th, 2020) - why Sashiko thread again?

*Sashiko Thread We Use are here.

Available in the USA, Japan & via International Shipping.

[Update for Possible Supplier (They are Sashiko Artisans with long time communications)]

Europe

• Anja Lampert / Austria (https://www.anjalampert.com/sashiko

I specifically ask (force) everyone to use the round-palm metal thimble in my class. However, you can use any thimble, or even use no thimble in this Domestika Course. I do not want you to be stressed out by the thimble so much. Please keep in your mind that "the goal" is to stitch in the rhythm, not stitch by stitch aiming to have "perfect" stitch. Please don't embrace the imperfection without understanding the concept of rhythm, though. That being said, in most cases, having a thimble is a good idea - in any shape & materials.

*The thimble I use can be found here.

*Please consider our Online Sashiko Class / In-Person Sashiko Workshop to fully learn how to use the thimble & needle. I take very careful step & personal attention so that the culture won't be filtered or twisted more than necessary.

51.5 mm is the length I always recommend. Also, the body of the needle should be somewhat flexible, and the needle eye should be the same size (thickness) as the needle body. You can find the exact needle here.

That being said, again, you can use the needle you have already for this course. Please don't be stressed out too much!

*We asked a needle manufacturer in Japan to make this needle. Due to a limited production, we do not have a distributor of this needle worldwide. If you reside outside of the US or Japan, please try to find a supplier of “Tulip Needle”, and look for the “Big Eye Straight, 103e Thin”. Unfortunately, their "Assorted Sashiko Needles" package isn't my choice/recommendation. We joined the Tulip Team when they developed the needle, The “Big Eye Straight”. Therefore, this needle is very much alike to the needle we offer. They made the needle based on our feedback for Sashiko - and therefore, sometimes it is not ideal for mending on heavy materials such as thick denim. If you are working on the thick materials, please be noted that the needle may break in its movement.

As I mention in the course, fabric can be the last place to worry about / invest in. Any fabric is fine, and it is very much up to your prerefence. That being said, you can find my article about "What is the suitable fabric for Sashiko" below.

https://upcyclestitches.com/suitable-fabric-for-sashiko/

*The fabric we used for the course can be found here.

Sashiko Thread, thimble, needle and fabric are 4 important elements in Sashiko. There are a few items to make your experience easier. (Some are link to our webstore, and others are link to Amazon USA. Please find the alternatives at your convenient location).

• Pattern Transfer Materials such as carbon paper and mylar paper.
• Pattern Drawing Tools such as a chalk pencil, shaped plates and Good Rulers.
• Basting Thread to keep the swatched binded on the denim.
• Threaders and Finger cots to ease the process.
• Thread bobbin paper to keep the thread in a good shape.
• Good Fabric Scissors and Thread Clipper (Grip Scissors).

A special package with some samples are available exclusively to the Domestika Students here.