How to Mend a Tear Using Sashiko Stitching

Cut away any loose threads around the tear.

Measure how big your patch should be.

Cut your patch using measurements from Step 2.

Pin your patch to the inside of the garment.

Flip the garment right side out.

Over the patch, mark small dashes every half inch, horizontally and vertically.

Thread your needle and pull the thread through at least 5 inches.

Cut the thread to a single arm’s length.

Tie a double knot at the end of your thread.

Trim off any excess.

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

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

After a couple stitches, pull your needle and thread all the way through.

Smooth out your stitches to avoid bunching.

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

On the last stitch of a row, stitch down to start the next row.

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.

Remove the pins from the patch.

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.

Pull the needle through the loop twice.

Pull the thread tight to knot off.

Trim any excess thread.

Begin your vertical stitches, starting at the top right corner.

Repeat Steps 10-13 along your vertical stitch marks.

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

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.

Pull the needle through the loop twice.

Trim any excess thread.