Ball of Perle Finca No. 8 cotton thread

Sashiko Made Simple: Big, Beautiful Stitches with Perle Finca

There is something deeply satisfying about sashiko: rows of simple running stitches that turn a plain piece of cloth into something quietly beautiful. It is one of the most beginner-friendly forms of hand stitching in the world, and it asks very little of you — a needle, some fabric, and a good, sturdy thread. That last part is where Perle Finca comes in.

Why Perle Finca is made for sashiko

Sashiko thread needs to be smooth, strong, and non-divisible, so it glides through fabric in one confident pass and shows off every stitch with a soft sheen. Perle Finca is exactly that: 100% extra-long-staple Egyptian cotton, mercerized, colourfast, and twisted into a single round cord that never separates into plies. The result is crisp, even stitches that sit proudly on the surface of your cloth.

Ball of Perle Finca No. 8 cotton for sashiko

Choosing your weight

Perle Finca comes in several thicknesses, and the number tells you the weight — the higher the number, the finer the thread.

  • No. 8 is the classic all-rounder for sashiko and big-stitch quilting. Bold enough to be seen, fine enough to stitch comfortably for hours.
  • No. 5 is thicker and more dramatic — perfect when you want your stitches to really stand out, or for chunky visible mending.
  • No. 12 and No. 16 are finer, lovely for delicate motifs, edgings, and detailed hand embroidery.

If you are just starting out, reach for No. 8. It is the weight most sashiko makers recommend, and Perle Finca offers it in both classic solids and beautiful variegated colours.

Three projects to start with

1. Sashiko coasters. A 13 cm square of cotton, a simple grid or wave pattern, and an evening of stitching gives you a finished coaster. Makers like the team at Snuggly Monkey and Create Whimsy have wonderful step-by-step tutorials that are ideal for a first project (see links below).

2. Big-stitch quilting. Perle Finca No. 8 turns hand quilting into a design feature. Instead of hiding your stitches, you let them show in long, rhythmic rows. The Boulder Modern Quilt Guild has a great write-up comparing perle 8 threads for exactly this purpose.

3. Visible mending and boro. Got a worn pair of jeans? Sashiko began as a mending technique, and it is still one of the most beautiful ways to give clothes a second life. Makers such as Sashiko by Little Stab show just how striking hand-stitched denim repair can be.

A few stitching tips

  • Keep your stitches even rather than tiny — sashiko is about rhythm, not perfection.
  • Load several stitches onto your needle before pulling through; it is faster and keeps your lines straight.
  • Leave the back a little loose at direction changes so your fabric does not pucker.
  • A single 10 g ball of Perle Finca goes a surprisingly long way — perfect for sampling colours.

Ready to stitch?

Whether you are making your first coaster or mending a beloved jacket, the right thread makes all the difference. Explore the full range of Perle Finca No. 8 and its companion weights in our shop, pick a couple of colours, and cast on your first row of running stitches. We would love to see what you make.

Sources & inspiration

The projects above were inspired by these real makers and tutorials — do go and admire their work:

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