Sashiko Stitching on Vintage Levi’s

In this video, I dip my toe into the art of visible mending with some gorgeous Sashiko stitching. It's fun and the results are BEAUTIFUL! Turn your jeans into art!
MY FAVE SEWING TOOLS: My sewing machine - Babylock Sofia 2
My serger - an old Kenmore
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#beginnersewing #diyfashion #visiblemending
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Music: Fun Kid By Quincas Moreira from the KZbin Audio Library
0:00 Intro
1:20 What You’ll Need
3:20 Prepping Jeans and Patches
4:20 Drawing Designs
6:26 Dealing with Sashiko Thread
7:18 Stitching Lines
12:19 Concentric Circles
14:15 Overlapping Circles
17:13 Sewing on Patches
18:14 Finished Product!
20:05 A Special Request

EMAIL: [e-mail]
INSTAGRAM: @cathbhay
PINTEREST: / cathbhay
Thank you for watching and supporting the growth of my channel!
Until next time, take care!
~Catherine

[@whereisjudi]

Pro tip for securing patches - I use a regular glue stick. It holds it in place and washes off :) Those look so pretty!!

[@CatherineSews]

Great tip, thanks, Judi!

[@ChrisMetropolis]

@@CatherineSews But what if you're too excited?

[@jandramardges3368]

@@ChrisMetropolis I, excited just watching!

[@penelopepennington3838]

THANK YOU for that brilliant tip!

[@TKCTSTN]

I do that also. Works great to hold patch in place as you repair.

[@shaynes7285]

Thank you Catherine this is the first sashiko tutorial I've seen and it was brilliant as always. A timely reminder that my daughter really chilled out when she did a sashiko project about four years ago. She used an old pair of my jeans to make a brilliant shoulder bag adorned with swirls. She had tiny fingers so used proper sashiko needles which are so sharp and thin that they really did help with sewing through denim. The biggest difficulty was a thimble for such small hands and she used a clover 611 adjustable ring thimble which had the added advantage of her being able to use her hand strength rather than just her finger tip. She cheated and used standard embroidery thread in blues and lavender for the swirls. Two months of A level exams start in a couple of weeks so I'll set her up with a sashiko project to encourage revision breaks and still her mind. You are a star ✨🇬🇧❤️

[@aprildriesslein5034]

I like to slide a Mason jar in the leg of jeans I'm patching. The needle slides right off, so it makes it easier and faster to sew on the patches.

[@Annie261.]

So clever. 👍🏻

[@eileenfb1948]

Oh! thank you for the mason jar idea.

[@johannechampagne7332]

I love Sashiko. In hand quilting, which this is, it’s good to use a thimble and a finger cot to make pushing and pulling the needle easier on your hands. You could also temporarily sew your patch to a larger piece of cotton and put it into a hoop.

[@thekeslercats]

Oh Catherine! The jeans are beautiful! You did such a great job with the patchwork. I had never heard of sashiko and now I want to put it on everything 😂

[@leafyrox]

I learned sashiko last year. I bought some jeans on clearance at Walmart, but they had slits at the knees, which i didn't like. So i did a Google search, hoping to find an invisible mend but decided sashiko would be best. They turned out really cute.

[@createwithbarbbl4125]

Kathryn this is one of my favourite videos of yours. Sashiko is such a pretty way to make jeans look amazing. That blouse, to die for.

[@madelynl.5351]

I have never thought that ratty, shredded jeans that expose more leg than jean is a fashion statement so I’m glad you are covering those holes with sashiko stitching,, which is such a beautiful Japanese art form. I am a new viewer and really enjoy your vids.

[@janandnaomi2000]

"Too excited to be smart"----LOL! Been there....!

[@CatherineSews]

Haha, right!? I'm glad you can relate! ❤️

[@matrixmom3300]

This is a great "front of the tv with your hubs" project. I feel like I would do a bunch, and hold on to them until I need them. You make it seem so easy. I was thinking if an embroidery hoop on the jeans would make it easier too? Thanks for your inspiration - Subscribed to your sis too!

[@elainelear4982]

I liked the idea of using the Architects rulers for circles for Sashiko. Great idea

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Elaine! The goofy thing is that I didn't know that was an architect's tool! Thanks for letting me know!

[@karennoll3801]

Your timing is impeccable -- I was just looking at the pile of holey jeans in my closet and wondering what to do with them. My personal style choices may not include holey or ripped jeans, but patched and embellished ones would be fun!

[@vivianramsay2527]

Working your way across that denim fabric ,you might have enjoyed the use of a palm 'thimble'. It is so helpful and you can easily make one from scraps of denim with multi layers. 😊Instructions also found on many u tube channels. 😄 Do so love your use of all types of sewing techniques and designs!

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

I have been thinking about Sashiko and Boro and making a jacket out of my denim stash. You are such a great teacher.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much! That's lovely to hear!

[@eljaysmiley]

Love the stitching on your Levi's. ❤ Also subscribed to your step sister's page. That was very sweet of you to mention her.

[@CatherineSews]

Oh, thanks, Eljay! I really appreciate that!

[@FitFabandFrugalOver50]

Thanks for subscribing to my channel! ❤

[@FitFabandFrugalOver50]

Wow! I love how you transformed your jeans! I like the blouse too …. Even tho it’s grey. 😅 Just some sisterly kidding there. And thanks so much for the shoutout! I really appreciate it Catherine! Love ya! ❤

[@CatherineSews]

Awww, thanks sis! I'll be so happy if my shout out gives your channel a nice boost! You're producing great content over there and I think my audience would love you like I do! 💖

[@bohorustica8545]

This might be my first time commenting though I've watched and loved your inspired channel for a while. Your Sashiko patches are beautiful. I was delighted to see your video on it. Last winter I stumbled on the technique and even went so far as to make palm size ring thimble from denim scaps :)). I am not a sewer just have a machine. Your easy to follow videos are so incredibly inspiring that I am getting ready to start thrift flipping my own closet as I've managed to lose ia few nches over the last couple years. Appreciate your talent as a sewist and teacher., much gratitude for your sharing., always. :))

[@mary-louw2946]

I love hand stitching! I cross stitch all the time while I watch television. Now, I will have to try Sashiko... which really seems like easy embroidery. I look forward to watching Elaine. Thanks!

[@thestraightroad305]

I just found your channel. I love your friendly, normal voice and straightforward instruction-complete with forgiveness! I love sashiko and will be investigating your tools and other videos. New subscriber!

[@CatherineSews]

I love this, "normal voice...complete with forgiveness"! So happy to have you on board!

[@judithritner9696]

Thank you for this. I have thrifted some “well worn” jeans, and not wanting them distressed, was wondering about appliqué and patches. This was very inspiring.😊 BTW your vintage Levi’s are a wonderful find, I have some from the 70’s, just can’t button them up. 😏

[@kerstinshadbolt1003]

Brilliant! My granddaughter has given me a pair of 'holey' jeans she wants me to patch. I tried some stitching, but couldn't push the needle through double denim, so I gave up. Now I shall shamelessly copy your patches and patterns. Can't wait!

[@belieftransformation]

Amazing work of art, doing those hand stitched patches…just beautiful! Thanks for sharing! I’ll check out your step-sisters channel. I love to reuse clothes, especially if the fabric is natural! I cannot wear synthetics! Blessings to all 🤗💜🇨🇦

[@dollmm23]

Love how they came out. ❤

[@deannastatler7712]

So fun and special, great job!

[@marigoldcarter5995]

Genius! So cute and doable! Thanks!

[@laurawallace8094]

I have to tell you, I am SO enjoying your thrifting sewing channel. Thank you so very much!

[@suzannecrelley2369]

Thank you Catherine. I love this and will certainly give it a try. I have seen Sashiko before but not looking quite as nice as yours. I searched for your step sister's website with no success.

[@sallyjoligocki5011]

So pretty! Thank you for sharing.

[@gsparks8444]

I saw this video a couple of days ago and went garage saleing today looking for holey jeans. I found a perfect pair of denim shorts for my teen daughter that I am going to try this technique on. I am so excited and so is she! Thanks for this great idea 👍

[@irenakalliomaki-tv1wc]

Thank you Catherine! Beautiful!👍🌻

[@maggiem.2919]

I love that design!!! I can't wait to try it.❤

[@veemcg3682]

Hello Catherine from Vera in Northern Ireland. I love your silk blouse. I don't have any denim jeans but will try to do the Sashiko stitching on scraps of fabric and make a cushion out of it. Thanks for showing us how to do it and for sharing your patterns.

[@Momcat6]

Very helpful and such pretty results, thanks for sharing!

[@lindaviteretto9186]

I have been experimenting with this and found that the SASHIKO needle makes huge difference as it is long and allows you to quickly do more stitches on needle. I also made SASHIKO palm thimble to use with the needle (pattern on utube). It is a large circle of layers of heavy fabric stitched together & attached to a fabric ring which you slip on your middle finger. You push needle on your upper palm. Check it out & see what you think. I have used my pieces for tote bags, journal covers, needle cases…etc. Love the patches!

[@bhallmark3390]

That was very interesting! I had never heard of Sashiko stitching. It kind of reminds me of big stitch quilting. Thanks Catherine!

[@marygersetich8709]

Beautiful patches!

[@bmnegus3772]

Love thi s! Thimbles! When I was at school I was always in big trouble because I had no thimble. Nowadays I simply cannot sew without one. My teacher would be so proud!

[@annamarielewis7078]

I just got a wonderful adjustable thimble on Temu. I use it in sewing the ends of my crochet thread, but also for regular sewing.

[@arlenem6659]

Love it! I'm gonna do it!

[@bonntonne5090]

love the jeans.

[@lindasivilich528]

Loved your presentation. Will be trying this soon.

[@bodyandsoul17]

Absolutely love this!

[@kellyratliff3473]

I love this idea. Thank you so much ❤

[@sandyhoffart1458]

Those turned out great.

[@makeitjoyful]

Fabulous video! I've been wondering about how to do this style of mending. You explained it in an easy and approachable way. Thank you!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Melanie! I really enjoyed the process and hope that you do too!

[@angelsmith4467]

This has been on my list to try and after seeing you try it and how cute it turned out , now I will have to give it a go.😊

[@tracyhilt3442]

Love the idea

[@heidis4677]

Love this! Think I’ll use it on a fav hoodie that has small holes

[@ianzenake]

Amazing job, thanks again for teaching!

[@rosesbaker]

Such a fun video!! Enjoy the new fashion statement.....

[@Elaine-yk5uh]

Hi Catherine, hope your well, I have a few pairs of jeans that 1st need up cycling to larger size, but you've shown me that, just haven't got round to it yet. 2nd now I can tidy up the thinned knees. There old well loved jeans as you can quess, that I have never had to the heart to throw away as they used to fit so well n comfortable. Now, I've just seen Elaines channel, wow doesn't she look fab. Are you sure she's 66yrs young. 😳😉 She looks great. I'd love to look like that now at 49. Thanks for all your advice and vids there all great. I'll watch some more and then leave her a nice message too. Have a great Christmas, to you and your family. Take care. X Elaine.

[@karenmoon3368]

I really enjoyed your video about Sashiko. This winter I purchased two Sashiko books at a Quilter's rummage sale for $1.00. Your project sparked my interest and I purchased the thread and needles and am going to use some denim to practice stitches. Nice project to take on the vacation next week. I really enjoy your videos. So clear and informational-I learn so much from you. Thank you for your time commitment helping your sister sewists.

[@charlotteknox8100]

I did this several years ago and love my jeans still.

[@deidrabenson361]

Great job!❤️❤️❤️

[@CraigsOverijse]

great thift makeover enjoyed watching thumbs up. I am living in Japan I see this thread and patterns in the fabric store they always use thi,mbles here for this. This video reminded me if people are intersted in this kind of thing there is a video somewhere on youtube of a japanese guy who repairs vintage jeans with interfacing and sewing lines in the right shadeof blue thread its amazing well worth checking out completely different process but he is an amazing crafts man and repairs jeans for owners when they wear out.

[@joshhoman]

Very pretty!

[@debbiewhite3270]

They look awesome. Great idea. Bonus find on the jeans after a silk blouse - Wow! Pardon me while I head over to FIT Fab & Fabulous

[@darlenepalmer9837]

Just love what you did. I have a piece of fabric with that design on it. Never knew really what the pattern was called. Now. I think I will make a purse from that piece of fabric. I wouldn’t have the patience to hand sew what you did. You do beautiful work. Thank you for sharing.

[@nellyvazquez7774]

Really nice job

[@TheKnichery]

Love this!

[@pamelabartlette6354]

Those are see sweet! I'm going to try those stitches.😊 thanks

[@dorothytackett9943]

I'm taking up the sides and back of a blouse. It is looking better and better. You have given me the courage to do it.

[@junehurt2469]

I just patched the back left side of a pair of jeans. Now I’m going to try this stitching to make it look better. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@haydeenunn4372]

What a great technique! I love these jeans! I don't wear anything with holes!

[@conniesmith9989]

Hi. Thank you for sharing. Wow, awesome 👌.

[@sybilfisherable]

Very NEAT!! Shasiko is so Vogue right now!

[@daxxydog5777]

So darn cute!

[@judybrown1883]

Open outside seam of jeans with seam ripper to make it easier to handle patch. Use sewing machine to sew it back together. Beautiful work.

[@bethmagill4449]

Good Gravy, is there anything you can't do!?!?!?!?!? I have recently discovered you and been bingewatching for a couple weeks while recuperating from foot surgery. YOU. ARE. aMAZing. In such gratitude for your thorough, articulate, informative, creative and fabulous tutorials, Catherine!!!!

[@CatherineSews]

Awww, Beth, that is so kind! Thank you so much! I'm so happy to have you on board and hope you are recovering well from your foot surgery .

[@bethmagill4449]

Thanks so much!!!!! @@CatherineSews

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

Love how your jeans turned out. I have a bunch of gardening jeans that need patching. I wanted to practice Sashiko stitching on them just for fun but found it extremely difficult to get thru two layers and gave up. Your idea of doing the pattern first is the way to go for me. Gardening season is over so now it's time to get the jeans ready for next year. I will definitely check out your sisters channel since we are the same age 😁

[@1wolfpup]

Your jeans look fabulous.

[@dragontatoo46]

You’ve inspired me to try this on some tired jeans 🤩

[@bootsieardito1816]

super cute 😍

[@suemcevoy5510]

Thanks for this video as I embroider my jeans with patches from the countries I've visited and 'sachiko-esque' stitches-cheers! Your jeans are so cute!

[@CatherineSews]

That is such a great Idea! I love the idea of turning your jeans into an evolving souvenir of your travels.

[@livingcreatively1]

I've seen this type of sewing before. It's so pretty. You did an amazing job for your first time. I might have to try it, maybe with a bigger pattern to start. I'll checkout your sister's page asap. Have a great week.

[@prosie1968]

Let’s see, I’ve had my sashiko thread for probably two years, I just bought needles off Amazon. The needle is supposedly longer as well, I think the thimble that slides onto the base of your middle finger allows for a rocking motion as you gather stitches onto the needle and a gripper to pull the needle through. Of course I’m no expert as I haven’t even done it at all yet but I’ve watched tutorials so far at least….thanks for the inspiration!

[@tracybarnes6608]

Great idea,I saw a Husqvarna Viking sewing machine you tube video where you can adjust the stitch to look like sashiko stitches. Although it is nice to do some hand stitching ❤️

[@lucilledaub5991]

Nice n pretty design on jeans.

[@leannsews]

Great video. That's totally something my teenage granddaughter would love and we can definitely do it together. I just subscribed to your step sisters Channel.😊

[@CatherineSews]

Oh, that's so great to hear! I hope you enjoy her content! Thank you!

[@FitFabandFrugalOver50]

Thanks so much for the follow! I hope you enjoy my content. ❤

[@danniefrenchpea63]

Absolutely beautiful Catherine ! 💖 Thank you so much for sharing this technique, it's very motivating 🙏🤗 Going over to Elaine's channel for a look see now !

[@lisahodges8299]

Completely useful, I will try this in future. Birdy

[@sunnyjaye9177]

Cool project! Heading over to Elaine's channel. Thanks for sharing

[@beckyev1965]

These jeans are so cute! I'm not sure if I have the patience for all that stitching, but I'm inspired to try! Also I subscribed to your sister's channel :-)

[@FitFabandFrugalOver50]

Thanks so much Becky! Have a great day. ❤

[@pjacksreads536]

I love the jeans

[@user-fz8ih3wx8b]

ありがとう❤❤❤勉強になりました!

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

Very very nice.

[@clothingalterations]

Great video 👍🌿🌺🍀🏵🪴🍎🌳

[@ladyflimflam]

After you cut the skien of sashiko thread, loosely braid it. Then you can pull threads from the top of the braid as you need them and your skein remains neat and tidy instead of tangled.

[@CatherineSews]

Good tip, thank you!

[@sukranatalay4406]

Nice thank you

[@margaretmurphy9498]

I wasn't thinking about sasiko and a quilt I made has some fabrics that have shredded plus my dog who refuses to cooperate with nail cutting has made some holes, this popped up & I think it will look great as a repair.

[@danamatsukawa4762]

I have done some of this on jeans. I found it really hard on my fingers. lol Yours turned out very nice

[@Maplecook]

Here we go!

[@niksand1713]

Very nice

[@MoniqueAO888]

To use Sachiko-stitching for mending jeans is a fantastic idea !!! 🙂

[@rosangelaalves9511]

No Brasil usamos essas remendos para dançar nas festas juninas

[@lindafraser2044]

I'm pretty sure there's teenagers from my school years in the 80s and 90s screaming that you've patched those jeans! Yes they were sold like that (and some worse!) In my opinion they look far better patched! I remember doing sashiko at a camp once in primary school, most of the other kids complained about it (apparently ot was boring...) i loved it and the lovely Japanese ladies showed me how to do different designs other than the simple one we were supposed to me doing!

[@cheryl3366]

How did you finish the edge of the patch? Ok I see you left them raw,. I would be interested in how long they last, I am not a big fan of raw edges, but I do like the look. Great video. Also. I can't get your link to work to your sister's channel. I hope everyone else doesn't have that issue.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Cheryl! I also do not like raw edges, except on denim. Then it just feels right. Thanks so much for trying to find Elaine's channel. I double checked the link and it seems ok?

[@cheryl3366]

It worked on my computer but not on my phone. Not sure why.

[@jcrefasi1]

I patched my jeans and embroidered my jean jackets back in the late 60's. I cant wait to do some sashiko. Have you sone shibori yet? Im exited to try that too.

[@caragarcia2307]

I'm watching on a phone. Your stitches are so even I thought the patches were printed quilter's fabric. Denim would wear better and wouldn't need replacing.

[@72569gab]

Love your top and always appreciate your show, shoulder width I think is important, could you show us how to fix?

[@leelulady2010]

@xiaoxiaoyarn has great sachiko tis, including how to make a thimble.

[@ashtron5595]

Thank you for the tutorial. You make it look so doable. All my holey jeans are streachy. How do you patch streachy ones?

[@lizmclean5342]

Stretchy?