How to Mend a Tear Using Sashiko Stitching

Written By: TaShun Blanchard

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How to Mend a Tear Using Sashiko Stitching

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

Time Required

30 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

If your garment has a tear or hole, don’t throw it away! Instead, use this guide to repair it with Sashiko stitching, a traditional Japanese embroidery technique that reinforces fabric while adding a unique decorative touch. This method not only extends the life of your clothing, but also embraces sustainable fashion by reducing waste and encouraging creativity.

While this guide focuses on mending a sweatshirt, Sashiko stitching can be used to repair any article of clothing and it works particularly well with denim, cotton, and other woven fabrics. The stitch pattern reinforces worn areas, preventing further fraying, while transforming a simple repair into a bold design. There are no special skills necessary for this fix as this guide covers a beginner friendly approach. If you would like to explore more advanced designs, we would recommend the following resources: Up Cycle Stitches, Waste Free Planet, Seam Work.

Tools

Parts

Patch Fabric

Step 1

Cut away any loose threads around the tear.

Step 2

Measure how big your patch should be.
Your patch should extend at least half an inch past the tear.

Step 3

Cut your patch using measurements from Step 2.
You can use any sturdy fabric for your patch.

Step 4

Pin your patch to the inside of the garment.
Make sure the patch is centered on the tear.
Be careful pushing pins through to not poke yourself.

Step 5

Flip the garment right side out.
Over the patch, mark small dashes every half inch, horizontally and vertically.
These marks should create small crosses to guide your stitches later on.
We used a pen in this step, but for a less permanent mark we recommend using tailor’s chalk.

Step 6

Thread your needle and pull the thread through at least 5 inches.
Wetting and pinching the end of the thread can help fit the thread through the eye of the needle.

Step 7

Cut the thread to a single arm’s length.
The length should be manageable to you; shorter is better than longer.

Step 8

Tie a double knot at the end of your thread.
Trim off any excess.

Step 9

Start your stitch from the inside of the garment, beginning at the top right horizontal stitch.

Step 10

Start your horizontal stitch, going over the marks, and under the gaps.

Step 11

After a couple stitches, pull your needle and thread all the way through.
Smooth out your stitches to avoid bunching.

Step 12

Repeat steps 10 and 11 until you reach the end of the first row.

Step 13

On the last stitch of a row, stitch down to start the next row.
You may need to rotate the garment between rows to make stitching easier.

Step 14

Repeat steps 10 through 13 until all horizontal stitches are done.
On the last stitch, push the needle through to the inside of the garment.

Step 15

Remove the pins from the patch.

Step 16

Make a small stitch through just the patch, right next to where the needle came through.
Pull the thread almost all the way through, leaving a small loop.

Step 17

Pull the needle through the loop twice.

Step 18

Pull the thread tight to knot off.
Trim any excess thread.

Step 19

Begin your vertical stitches, starting at the top right corner.
You may need to start a new thread; see Steps 6-8.

Step 20

Repeat Steps 10-13 along your vertical stitch marks.

Step 21

On your last stitch, push your needle through to the inside.

Step 22

Make a small stitch through just the patch, right next to where the needle came through.
Pull the thread almost all the way through, leaving a small loop.