Pattern

For our stitch, we shall go ahead and use a classic sashiko pattern. This is a simple pattern that allows you to complete the work quickly and also acts as a primer to get you started on sashiko stitches. Mastering it is relatively easy and once you get used to it, you can move on to more complex patterns. The basic idea that we are going to employ is that you keep the stitches going until you complete the pattern.

Our first step is to use a chalk or any other form of marker to draw the lines on which we shall be performing the stitch. This applies not just for this instance, but to all stitches that you might work on in the future.

The pattern we will be using for this stich is a lined pattern. We will be working with multiple parallel lines. You will understand how to create the lines in the following section, but for now, it is important to know the basic idea of the stitch.

The number of lines you require depends on the size of the gap on the fabric. Let us assume that you have a gap that is three inches wide. You are ideally looking to add around six to seven lines that run across the gap.

I would recommend adding the lines lengthwise along the denim. This makes the stitch easier to work with for beginners. However, you could work with diagonal lines (based on the position of the fabric).

Each line features a quarter of an inch stitch, followed by an equally long gap, then a quarter long stitch, a gap, and so on until you have mended the patch.

It is not necessary for each stitch to be parallel to the others, as long as the lines along which the stitches are made are parallel.