Sashiko & Big-Stitch Made Simple: Stitching with Perle Finca

There is something deeply satisfying about a simple running stitch. No hoop gymnastics, no counting tiny squares — just needle, thread and the steady rhythm of your hand. That is the heart of sashiko, the centuries-old Japanese folk embroidery that has quietly become one of the most popular ways to stitch today. And the thread that makes those bold, even stitches sing is a good perle cotton. Our favourite for the job is Perle Finca, spun from 100% mercerized Egyptian cotton right here in Spain.

Why perle cotton is made for sashiko

Unlike stranded embroidery floss, perle cotton is a single, non-divisible twisted thread with a soft sheen. That twist is exactly what sashiko (and its cousin, big-stitch quilting) wants: it glides through fabric, holds a crisp line, and shows off each stitch as a clean little dash rather than a fuzzy blur. The thread comparison guide at Snuggly Monkey notes that size 8 perle sits right in the sweet spot of traditional sashiko thread weights, and the team at WonderFil reaches for perle cotton specifically because it “pulls very easily through fabric.”

Choosing your Perle Finca weight

Perle Finca comes in five thicknesses, and the number works backwards — the bigger the number, the finer the thread:

• No 3 & No 5 — bold and chunky. Lovely for big-stitch quilting, dramatic sashiko on heavier fabric, and crochet edgings.
• No 8 — the classic all-rounder for sashiko and visible mending. If you buy one ball to start, make it this one.
• No 12 & No 16 — fine and delicate, perfect for detailed hand embroidery, Hardanger and small-scale designs.

With 122 solid shades plus a range of variegated colourways, you can stay true to the classic white-on-indigo look or wander off into something brighter.

Three projects to try this weekend

1. Sashiko coasters. A single charm-square of cotton and a length of Perle Finca No 8 is all you need. Create Whimsy’s coaster tutorial is a perfect first project — small, quick, and a great way to practise keeping your stitches evenly spaced.

2. A big-stitch quilt. Quilter Wendy of Wendy’s Quilts and More hand-stitched an entire sashiko-inspired quilt in ecru perle 8, proving how much impact a humble running stitch can carry across a whole top. For more thread ideas, Shannon Fraser’s round-up of big-stitch quilting threads is a treasure trove.

3. Visible mending & boro. Worn jeans, a tired tote, a loved-but-frayed shirt — lay a patch behind the hole and stitch rows of running stitch over it in a contrasting Perle Finca. Mending becomes decoration.

A few stitching tips

Keep your stitches a touch longer on the top than underneath for that signature dashed look. Load several stitches onto the needle before pulling through — it is faster and keeps your tension even. And do not pull too tight; sashiko likes to lie relaxed on the cloth. A size 5 or 8 ball goes a long way, so one purchase will carry you through several small makes.

Make it yours

Whether you are mending a much-loved jacket or starting your first quilt, Perle Finca gives you that smooth, hard-wearing, beautifully even stitch every time. Explore the full range of Perle Finca No 8 and its No 5 companions, pick your colours, and let the rhythm of the running stitch do the rest.

Sources & inspiration

• Wendy — sashiko quilt in perle 8, Wendy’s Quilts and More: see the project here
• Shannon Fraser — big-stitch quilting thread guide, Shannon Fraser Designs: read it here
• Create Whimsy — how to make sashiko coasters: tutorial here
• WonderFil — sashiko embroidery by hand using perle cotton: guide here
• Snuggly Monkey — sashiko thread comparison guide: compare here