15+ sashiko embroidery patterns and tutorials

What better way to practice hand embroidery than with a bunch of free sashiko embroidery patterns!  Sashiko is a Japanese style of hand sewing, all done with a simple running stitch, that can be used as a reinforcement technique or decorative element. This style is a great way for beginners to try hand stitching and the patterns are soothing for everyone to zone out and sew. You can see my own first attempt at sashiko in this post here, as a part of my yearly Try Something New Every Month challenge.

Other posts you might be interested in:

• You can find all my favorite hand embroidery tools in this post – they’re perfect for working on these free sashiko embroidery patterns!

Pin this round-up of sashiko embroidery patterns and tutorials with this link or collage image, please click through to individual sites to pin individual photos:

Sashiko embroidery patterns & inspiration

If you’re looking for an overall sashiko starter tutorial, I like this one at Sake Puppets.

Sashiko knee patch mending with a link to a tutorial and free beetle pattern, here on Swoodson Says.

Sara at Radiant Home Studio recently shared a beautiful sashiko style Zsayla top AND a round-up of sashiko tutorials and projects; I made sure not to double-up on any of the links so be sure to click over and find another great list on her blog!

Sashiko placemats tutorial from Little Dear, these are too precious for my house with little kids running around but they’re beautiful!

Sashiko pouches from Harujion Design; these are just inspiration photos, but I love the idea of using printed fabrics like this!

Sashiko yoke embroidery from Yuki Maeshima of Waffle Patterns for Kate and Rose, beautiful inspiration to include sashiko on a shirt. (I also found another embroidered yoke example/tutorial from Blank Slate Patterns, with a free tunic pattern to go with it).

Sashiko apron from Wee Wonderfuls- beautiful inspiration for adding pockets or attaching embellishments.

Sashiko brooch from Sake Puppets – this isn’t available as a kit any more but it is still a fun idea to recreate.

Sashiko clouds from Craftsy- free pattern to stitch on anything your heart desires!

Rainbow sashiko from Hugs Are Fun – just pretty inspiration, a neat way to change up traditional white sashiko.

Sashiko denim scrap bag from Made By Toya – a partial tutorial; you could follow her instructions for the sashiko then any tote bag sewing tutorial (including mine!) or you can find a tutorial for a similar bag from start to finish over at Vicky Myers Creations.

Not pictured:

• Rainbow sashiko visible mending at Tikkido- a full tutorial; this is such a fun way to mend holes and weak spots, I love the colors she chose!
• Sashiko fireworks from Craft Foxes- free pattern
• Another style of sashiko visible mending from Jenny Lemons

Non-free sashiko resources

• Instead of using a tutorial, you can use a stencil and stitch on whatever you’d like.
• If you’re a craft book lover like me, you might want to take a peek at these two books. They both had great Amazon reviews and I especially am intrigued to read more about sashiko’s history and check out the free patterns in the second book.
  • “Modern Sashiko: Beautiful embroidery combing the modern with the traditional” by Silke Bosbach
  • “The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook: Patterns, Projects and Inspirations” by Susan Briscoe
• Download this fun PDF pattern and stitch up a sashiko pennant, from Miniature Rhino.
• Skip the PDF and buy this sampler set that you stitch right on, from Miniature Rhino.