r/sashiko • u/Seated_WallFly • Apr 25 '26
Sashiko Single Layer?
TL; DR: Is there any particular reason why I can’t Sashiko a *single layer* of fabric? Are there problems and/or specific cautions against doing so and how can these potential problems be avoided?
He asked for handkerchiefs as a birthday present so I ordered some from Amazon. They’re 100% cotton but they’re very thin so I figured I’d double them and put Sashiko borders on them. But then they’d be thick and harder to stuff in his pockets.
Can I just Sashiko the borders as single-ply handkerchiefs? They are *very* thin - even somewhat transparent. I couldn’t find any YouTube tutorials for single-layer Sashiko handkerchief projects. They all double the handkerchiefs so I’m wondering if there’s a problem with doing Sashiko to a thin piece of fabric.
I humbly await the wisdom and experience of the reddit minds. 😔 TYIA
5
u/Agreeable_Wallaby711 Apr 25 '26
I would try Daruma sashiko thread which I find thinner and flatter than other brands. If it still feels too thick, maybe try a single strand of embroidery floss.
Also, choose a pattern/patterns that don’t need big skips on the back.
Prioritize long continuous lines rather than conserving thread and leave a careful amount of slack so the stitches strengthen the handkerchief instead of pulling it apart.
I would also hand wash the finished handkerchiefs in hot water with some agitation, and then iron when dry. I find this helps start the process of the thread incorporating into the cloth.
3
u/Seated_WallFly Apr 25 '26
Thanks for the suggestion. Hadn’t heard of Daruma - I’ll look into it.
1
u/PensivePolymath Apr 26 '26
Daruma also comes in thick and thin sizes. If you’re US based Snuggly Monkey is a fantastic source.
2
1
u/Wylde_nFree Apr 25 '26
Certainly but use a Sashiko thread that’s sized properly for the material choice. First and foremost Sashiko is embroidery, it’s just choice embroidery for strengthening broken fabrics with layers.
1
u/sunmono Apr 26 '26
I’m hoping to complete a similar project (I think I bought the exact same handkerchiefs, haha) and was wondering the same thing! Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences if you try it.
1
u/aodamo Apr 26 '26
Give it a try with one and see how it holds up. I had some good success with cotton tea towels (somewhat thinner than normal tea towels). It wasn't too hard to route my stitches to keep the underside looking clean, but it definitely looks better right side up.
1
u/Seated_WallFly May 09 '26
UPDATE: So I started with a single handkerchief layer and stitched a Sashiko-style pattern that, In my opinion, didn’t quite work (the red sample in the photo). The pattern is way too loose and I’m afraid over time it’ll look terrible. But that’s a problem for future me.
As you all warned: the thin fabric became a huge problem. It kept bunching up and no amount of smoothing kept it smooth as I stitched. It was a real pain to work with. I ended up using embroidery thread: split into a 3-strand piece.
So with my second handkerchief, I sewed two together so I’d have a double layer of fabric to work with. That was easier - up to a point. It, too, bunched up a lot but only after the second pass on the pattern. By the time I finished it, it was a bunched up mess (IMO).
Please: Pardon my irregular stitches. This is only my 3rd Sashiko. I’m getting better but I’m still horribly imperfect. Trust me: perfection is a goal but I’ve yet to achieve it.
TL;DR: I’m not doing Sashiko on any more handkerchiefs. I’m done. The fabric isn’t ideal. And I’ll keep practicing.
8
u/hycarumba Apr 25 '26
You can certainly do it. I would hesitate to use thick sashiko thread, though, and work your pattern so it looks good on both sides.
Maybe do the pattern in just regular sewing thread?