How to Mend a Tear Using Sashiko Stitching
TaShun Blanchard and 4 other contributors
Last updated on Aug 30, 2025
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Introduction
Go to step 1 ↓If your garment has a tear or hole, don’t throw it away! Instead, use this guide to repair it with Sashiko stitching, a traditional Japanese embroidery technique that reinforces fabric while adding a unique decorative touch. This method not only extends the life of your clothing, but also embraces sustainable fashion by reducing waste and encouraging creativity.
While this guide focuses on mending a sweatshirt, Sashiko stitching can be used to repair any article of clothing and it works particularly well with denim, cotton, and other woven fabrics. The stitch pattern reinforces worn areas, preventing further fraying, while transforming a simple repair into a bold design. There are no special skills necessary for this fix as this guide covers a beginner friendly approach. If you would like to explore more advanced designs, we would recommend the following resources: Up Cycle Stitches, Waste Free Planet, Seam Work.
What you need
Parts
Tools
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Cut away any loose threads around the tear.
Ask FixBot
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Flip the garment right side out.
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Over the patch, mark small dashes every half inch, horizontally and vertically.
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Start your stitch from the inside of the garment, beginning at the top right horizontal stitch.
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After a couple stitches, pull your needle and thread all the way through.
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Smooth out your stitches to avoid bunching.
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Repeat steps 10 through 13 until all horizontal stitches are done.
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On the last stitch, push the needle through to the inside of the garment.
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Make a small stitch through just the patch, right next to where the needle came through.
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Pull the thread almost all the way through, leaving a small loop.
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Make a small stitch through just the patch, right next to where the needle came through.
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Pull the thread almost all the way through, leaving a small loop.
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You have now successfully mended your garment! Revisit this guide to mend other garments with any holes or tears.
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Team
UC Davis, Team 3-5, Andersen Winter 2025 Member of UC Davis, Team 3-5, Andersen Winter 2025
UCD-ANDERSEN-W25S3G5
3 Members
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