Bead sashiko has been gradually gaining popularity since last year!

“Bead sashiko” is a new form of handicraft that adds bead embellishments to the traditional Japanese embroidery technique called sashiko. The brilliance of the beads brings a touch of glamour and depth to the patterns created with each stitch.

To help everyone enjoy the charm of bead sashiko more easily and more joyfully, the handicraft manufacturer Clover has released exciting new items! This article will introduce the appeal of bead sashiko along with these new products:).

What is “Bead Sashiko”?

ビーズ刺し子の作品

Sashiko is a traditional Japanese embroidery technique that has been practiced since the Edo period. Originally developed for practical purposes—such as reinforcing fabric and improving insulation—it is now widely appreciated for its decorative patterns.

Bead Sashiko takes this traditional craft to a new level by adding small beads one by one, transforming classic motifs into dazzling, jewelry-like designs. Patterns like Asanoha (hemp leaf) and Shippo (seven treasures) gain a touch of brilliance and dimension with the sparkle of beads.

Upon hearing this, you might think, “It sounds difficult,” “Transferring patterns must be a hassle,” or “What if the beads won’t go through the needle?” But don’t worry—Clover’s new product line is here to ease those concerns and help you enjoy bead sashiko with confidence.

New Products! Bead Sashiko Templates & Bead Sashiko Needles

Bead Sashiko Template

Bead Sashiko Needle

A new book by Mayumi Yonenaga, “Hajimete no Beads Sashiko” (Bead Sashiko for Beginners), has been published!

S8498「はじめてのビーズ刺し子」
S8498「Bead Sashiko for Beginners
  • Title: Bead Sashiko for Beginners
  • Author: Mayumi Yonenaga
  • Release Date: February 28, 2024
  • Publisher: Boutique-sha

Recommended Supplies for Bead Sashiko Projects! Top Picks

① Beads

BS‑TK1 TOHO 1‑bu Bamboo Beads for Bead Sashiko

BS-TK1 TOHO ビーズ刺し子用 1分竹
BS‑TK1 TOHO 1‑bu Bamboo Beads for Bead Sashiko
BS-TK1 TOHO ビーズ刺し子用 1分竹カラーバリエーション
8 color

These bamboo beads are perfect for bead sashiko. You can also enjoy sashiko with other TOHO bamboo beads!

② Embroidery Thread

刺繍糸

When sewing beads, we recommend using two strands of embroidery thread! Choosing a thread color that matches your fabric will make your piece even more beautiful♪

③ Sashiko Thread

Combining beads with sashiko thread is also highly recommended♡

OS‑SL Olympus Sashiko Lame Thread, 40 m

OS-SL Olympus オリムパス 刺し子糸 Sashiko Lame 40m
OS‑SL Olympus Sashiko Lame Thread, 40 m

A sashiko thread that adds a subtle shimmer of lame to your usual sashiko stitching.

  1. Elegant sparkle: the glimmer of lame emerges with every stitch.
  2. Fine detail: thin enough for delicate traditional patterns or tight stitches like hitomezashi.
  3. Rich colour variety: available in soft, on‑trend shades that pair well with any design.
  • Approximately 40 m per skein
  • Composition: 96% cotton, 4% polyester
  • Made in Japan

④ Fabric

SFC1-O SARASHI – Pre-Cut Fine Weave Cloth for Sashiko Dishcloths (Okamochi Fabric, for Thin Sashiko Thread)

SFC1-O SARASHI

A pre-cut sarashi cloth, perfect for making sashiko dishcloths.
When folded in half and sewn around the edges, it becomes just the right size for a square dishcloth.
<Fine Weave – Okamochi Fabric>
This fabric has a finer weave than standard bun fabric, making it ideal for stitching delicate patterns. Thin sashiko thread is recommended.

  • Available in sets of 3 or 10 sheets
  • Size: 33×71 cm / Finished size: approx. 34 cm square
  • Material: 100% cotton

SFC1-B SARASHI – Pre-Cut Coarse Weave Cloth for Sashiko Dishcloths (Bun Fabric)

SFC1-B SARASHI 刺し子ふきんがすぐ作れるカット晒 粗目・文生地
SFC1-B SARASHI

A pre-cut sarashi cloth, ideal for making sashiko dishcloths.
When folded in half and sewn at the edges, it becomes a perfectly sized square cloth.

<Coarse Weave – Bun Fabric>
This is the typical weave used for everyday dishcloths.
Recommended for use with medium-thick sashiko thread. The loose weave makes it easier to stitch and is suitable for beginners.

  • Available in sets of 3 or 10 sheets
  • Size: 33×71 cm / Finished size: approx. 33 cm square
  • Material: 100% cotton

Differences between Bunji and Okayama

Comparison Table

FeatureBUN FabricOKA Fabric
Weave TextureSlightly coarseFine and dense
Stitching EaseBeginner-friendlyBest for delicate stitching
Recommended ThreadMedium-weight (Gota)Fine-weight (Hosoi)
Ideal ForBasic dishclothsDetailed or fine sashiko

◆ BUN Fabric (Bun-kiji)

  • A slightly coarse-weave cotton fabric, commonly used for sashiko dishcloths.
  • Easy for needles to pass through, making it suitable for beginners.
  • The weave is visible, making it ideal for tracing and stitching patterns.
  • Best paired with medium-weight sashiko thread (Gota).

Recommended Uses:

  • For sashiko beginners
  • For basic sashiko dishcloth projects

◆ OKA Fabric (Oka-kiji)

  • A finely woven, high-density cotton fabric with a tighter weave.
  • Ideal for detailed patterns and fine stitching.
  • Produces a refined, elegant finish when stitched.
  • Best paired with fine sashiko thread (Hosoi).

Recommended Uses:

  • For detailed patterns and hitomezashi (one-stitch sashiko)
  • For experienced users or those creating intricate work

KSC7190 Hand-Dyed Sashiko Fabric – 50×55 cm

KSC7190 ムラ染め刺し子布 50×55cm

This fabric has a hand-spun look with a nice balance of firmness and softness, making it pleasant to the touch.
Ideal not only for sashiko but also for everyday items like placemats and coasters.

  • Size: 50×55 cm
  • Material: 100% cotton

⑤ Needles

CL57 French Embroidery Needles(made in japan)

CL57 フランス刺しゅう針
CL57 French Embroidery Needles made in japan

Recommended for beading!
Especially No.8 is easy to thread and perfect for beginners.
No.9 is thinner, making it easier to sew on beads—this size is also recommended by Ms. Mayumi Yonenaga.

OSH1 Sashiko Needles – 2 pcs

OSH1 刺し子針 2本入
OSH1 Sashiko Needles – 2 pcs
  • Large: 65 mm × 1
  • Small: 48 mm × 1

DRM8861 DARUMA Sashiko Needles (with Threader)

DRM8861 ダルマ 刺し子針 糸通し付き
DRM8861 DARUMA Sashiko Needles (with Threader)
  • 0.84 mm × 51.5 mm × 1
  • 0.99 mm × 44.5 mm × 1
  • 0.84 mm × 41.3 mm × 1
  • 0.84 mm × 33.3 mm × 1

DRM8863 DARUMA Long Sashiko Needles (with Threader)

DRM8863 ダルマ 刺し子針 ロングタイプ 糸通し付き
DRM8863 DARUMA Long Sashiko Needles (with Threader)

0.97 mm × 66.7 mm × 1

  • Suitable for: Thin sashiko thread / DARUMA thick or fine home sewing thread

0.97 mm × 60 mm × 1

  • Suitable for: Medium / thin sashiko thread / DARUMA thick or fine home sewing thread

0.97 mm × 54 mm × 1

  • Suitable for: Thin sashiko thread / DARUMA thick or fine home sewing thread

COT4345 COSMO Sashiko Needles – hidamari –

COT4345 コスモ 刺し子針 - hidamari -
COT4345 COSMO Sashiko Needles – hidamari –
  • 0.84 mm × 41.3 mm × 1
  • 0.84 mm × 51.0 mm × 1
  • 0.99 mm × 44.5 mm × 2
  • 0.97 mm × 54.0 mm × 2

CL57-232 Sashiko Needle Set – 4 Types

CL57-232 刺し子針 4種類セット
CL57-232 Sashiko Needle Set – 4 Types
  • 0.84 × 50.8 mm × 2
  • 0.99 × 44.5 mm × 2
  • 0.91 × 42.9 mm × 2
  • 0.89 × 34.9 mm × 2

⑥ Embroidery Hoops

S2 Embroidery Hoop

S2 刺繍枠
S2 Embroidery Hoop

A sturdy Japanese-made embroidery hoop with a strong tightening mechanism that holds fabric firmly in place.

JSP1–4 Petit Embroidery Frame – Round Type

JSP1~4 刺繍用 プチフレーム 丸型
JSP1–4 Petit Embroidery Frame – Round Type

A dual-use frame that works as both an embroidery hoop and a decorative display frame.
The outer ring is made of rubber, which helps protect the fabric while providing a clean and secure fit.

⑦ Thimble

OLY30474 Leather Thimble with Plate

OLY30474 皿付皮指ぬき
OLY30474 Leather Thimble with Plate

A leather thimble with a plate, specially developed for sashiko.

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⑧ Drafting Tools

CL25-041 Mini Ruler – 15×1 cm, 1 mm Thick

CL25-041 ミニものさし 15×1cm 厚み1mm
CL25-041 Mini Ruler – 15×1 cm, 1 mm Thick

A 15 cm ruler that’s perfect for adding seam allowances to patterns and measuring small sections.
The green zone makes the markings easy to read even on patterned fabric, and the zero-start scale is convenient for precise measuring from the edge.



CL57-896 Grid Piecing Paper

CL57-896 方眼ピーシングペーパー
CL57-896
方眼ピーシングペーパー

Semi-transparent paper that allows easy tracing of designs.
You can sew directly with the fabric and tear it away after stitching.
Can be temporarily fused with an iron and reused multiple times.

CL57-782 Smocking Template – 5 mm Interval

CL57-782 スモッキングテンプレート 5mm間隔用
CL57-782 Smocking Template – 5 mm Interval

A template plate for evenly spaced marking.
Once marked, it can be used for smocking with embroidery thread or for sashiko techniques like hitomezashi.

⑨ Bases for Beaded Sashiko Projects

We carry a wide variety of accessory bases including brooch pins, purse frames, and craft frames!
Choose the perfect base to match your finished project.

⑩ Beaded Sashiko Kits & Sets

Nippon Chuko Original Kit

BS-ALLSET Beaded Sashiko Starter Set

BS-ALLSET-1
BS-ALLSET-1
BS-ALLSET-2
BS-ALLSET-2

A complete starter set that allows you to begin beaded sashiko right away.
Available in two color themes: Colorful and Chic.

[Set Includes]

  • Pre-cut sashiko cloth (2 pieces)
  • Embroidery thread (2 skeins)
  • TOHO bamboo beads (4 colors)
  • Embroidery needles No.8 (12 needles)
  • Smocking template (1 sheet) + 2 included design patterns make this set a great deal!

Manufacturer’s Kit

ビーズ刺し子キット

Uses specially printed “Beaded Sashiko Fabric” with the bead embroidery lines pre-marked.
With just scissors and a ruler, you can start crafting right away!

You can scan the included QR code to access instructional videos, making it easy for beginners to follow along.
Once your sashiko stitching is complete, the fabric can be turned into interior decor or small accessories.

Design by: Mayumi Yonenaga

[Kit Contents]
  • Beaded sashiko fabric (approx. 18×18 cm)
  • Bamboo beads
  • Embroidery thread and French embroidery needle No.9
  • Instruction manual
  • QR code to a video showing key stitching techniques

What Can You Make with Beaded Sashiko!?

ビーズ刺し子のコースター
ビーズ刺し子のコースター
ビーズ刺し子のがま口
ビーズ刺し子のがま口

From coasters to coin purses, you can create charming accessories with beaded sashiko!
At Nippon Chuko, we also offer original design patterns for your projects.

ビーズ刺し子

If you’re visiting a physical store, feel free to ask our staff for assistance.
For online shoppers, please add your desired recipe to your cart or indicate your request when placing your order.

Let’s Try Beaded Sashiko Together!

ビーズ刺し子作品

What did you think?
The shimmering charm of beaded sashiko is truly mesmerizing, even just to look at.

Its sparkle changes depending on how the light hits it, giving each piece a unique, ever-changing feel that is endlessly fascinating.

Chuko Onlineビーズ刺し子の特集ページ
△ Click here to view on Chuko Online △

For product inquiries, please contact us via the link below!

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