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embroidery
Sashiko-Inspired Mending Patch
useful
Give a worn pocket, cuff, or knee a new graphic detail with a patch and repeated running stitches. This beginner project is sashiko-inspired rather than a lesson in traditional mastery: the value is in an honest, useful repair and your own steady rhythm.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time to try
- 75 min
- Craft
- embroidery
The workbench
Gather your materials.
Materials
- worn cotton or denim area up to 3 x 3 in
- one 6 x 6 in washed and dried cotton or linen patch
- embroidery floss or sashiko thread
Tools
- embroidery needle
- small hoop
- fabric scissors
- fabric pencil
Skills
- patch placement
- running stitch
- working through layers
A first look
Follow the thread.
Choose the repair area
Wash and dry the garment as you normally do before mending. Use a washed and dried scrap for the patch, then trim only loose threads around the worn area; leave sound cloth in place so the patch has a stable edge.
About 8 minPrepare a soft-edged patch
For a worn area up to 3 x 3 inches, use the 6 x 6 inch patch. Finger-fold each patch edge inward by about 1/2 inch, checking that the folded patch still extends at least 1/2 inch beyond the repair on every side.
About 10 minSet a simple grid
Use a fabric pencil to mark parallel lines about 1/4 inch apart across the patch. Add a second set of lines only if you want a small diamond grid; wide, relaxed spacing is easier to control.
About 8 minBaste the layers
Place the patch over the repair and loosely baste it with spare thread. If the garment is too small for a hoop, work without one and keep the fabric supported in your hand.
About 7 minStitch the first direction
Use two strands of embroidery floss or one length of sashiko thread. Knot one end and work running stitches along the lines, passing through the patch and damaged garment layer only. Keep the other side of a sleeve, pocket, or trouser leg out of the way.
About 20 minAdd the crossing lines
Turn the piece and stitch the crossing lines if you marked a grid. At the edge, take one small stitch through the folded patch edge before carrying the thread to the next line.
About 15 minSecure and live with the texture
Stitch around all four folded edges to hold them down. On the back, pass the needle through a nearby stitch loop twice and pull gently to secure it. Trim the end, remove the basting, and smooth the repair with your hands.
About 7 min