Sashiko - Fabrics from Japan
Sashiko is a traditional Japanese embroidery and weaving technique originally developed to reinforce workwear. The word "Sashiko" literally means "little stitches." Typical patterns are geometric, usually in white on an indigo or blue tone.
In sashiko fabrics, the characteristic patterns are created either by fine embroidery or by woven structures that imitate the look of cross-stitches. The lightweight, textured fabrics are particularly versatile: they are suitable for shirts, dresses, skirts, light jackets, bags, curtains, or decorative textiles.
Everything you need to know about Selvage
Selvage denim (also: selvedge denim) refers to a type of denim fabric that is woven on old shuttle looms. Unlike modern wide looms, this process creates a cleanly finished edge – the so-called selvedge or selvage. This prevents the fabric from fraying and is the visible hallmark of authentic, artisan-made denim.
Japanese selvedge denim is considered the global benchmark. Weavers such as Kuroki, Kaihara, or Nihon Menpu have not only preserved but perfected the tradition of American denim weaving.
Selvage denim (also: selvedge denim) refers to a type of denim fabric that is woven on old shuttle looms. Unlike modern wide looms, this process creates a cleanly finished edge – the so-called selvedge or selvage. This prevents the fabric from fraying and is the visible hallmark of authentic, artisan-made denim.
Japanese selvedge denim is considered the global benchmark. Weavers such as Kuroki, Kaihara, or Nihon Menpu have not only preserved but perfected the tradition of American denim weaving.
The grammage of denim is indicated in ounces per square yard (oz):
- 8–10 oz – Light summer denim, ideal for shirts, jackets, or light trousers
- 11–13 oz – The classic for jeans – durable, but still easy to sew
- 14–16 oz – Heavy denim for particularly durable jeans with pronounced fading
- 17–21 oz – Extreme heavy denim, originally developed for workwear
For your first self-sewn jeans, we recommend 12–13 oz as the ideal starting point.
The grammage of denim is indicated in ounces per square yard (oz):
- 8–10 oz – Light summer denim, ideal for shirts, jackets, or light trousers
- 11–13 oz – The classic for jeans – durable, but still easy to sew
- 14–16 oz – Heavy denim for particularly durable jeans with pronounced fading
- 17–21 oz – Extreme heavy denim, originally developed for workwear
For your first self-sewn jeans, we recommend 12–13 oz as the ideal starting point.
For a classic 5-pocket pair of jeans, you typically need 2.5 meters of selvage denim with a fabric width of approx. 79-88 cm. For denim jackets (Type 1/2/3), you should plan for about 3.5 m.
For an exact estimation, we recommend our partner at smartpattern.de, who will develop your individual pattern. With the developed patterns, consumption can be estimated very easily.
For a classic 5-pocket pair of jeans, you typically need 2.5 meters of selvage denim with a fabric width of approx. 79-88 cm. For denim jackets (Type 1/2/3), you should plan for about 3.5 m.
For an exact estimation, we recommend our partner at smartpattern.de, who will develop your individual pattern. With the developed patterns, consumption can be estimated very easily.
Raw Denim (also: Dry Denim) is unwashed and untreated. As a result, it molds individually to the body and develops unique fades over time as the indigo washes out.
Sanforized Denim has undergone a mechanical shrinking treatment and shrinks very little. When first washed, it shrinks in length by 1–2.5% and in width by 0.5-1%, depending on the quality.
Most of our by-the-meter fabric is sanforized denim. If "unsanforized denim" is offered, it will be explicitly noted – with a warning about the high shrinkage values.
Raw Denim (also: Dry Denim) is unwashed and untreated. As a result, it molds individually to the body and develops unique fades over time as the indigo washes out.
Sanforized Denim has undergone a mechanical shrinking treatment and shrinks very little. When first washed, it shrinks in length by 1–2.5% and in width by 0.5-1%, depending on the quality.
Most of our by-the-meter fabric is sanforized denim. If "unsanforized denim" is offered, it will be explicitly noted – with a warning about the high shrinkage values.
- Wash as infrequently as possible – denim is partly self-cleaning
- Wash cold (30°C), turn jeans inside out
- Never tumble dry – always hang to dry
- Wear your jeans for as long as possible before the first wash - the fading will be more beautiful
- Wash as infrequently as possible – denim is partly self-cleaning
- Wash cold (30°C), turn jeans inside out
- Never tumble dry – always hang to dry
- Wear your jeans for as long as possible before the first wash - the fading will be more beautiful
Yes. We source our fabrics directly from Japan and can name the weaving mill for each twill. Selvedge denim from Japan can be clearly distinguished from cheaper mass-produced imitations by its manufacturing process and the materials used. If you are unsure or looking for a specific weaving mill – just ask us.
Yes. We source our fabrics directly from Japan and can name the weaving mill for each twill. Selvedge denim from Japan can be clearly distinguished from cheaper mass-produced imitations by its manufacturing process and the materials used. If you are unsure or looking for a specific weaving mill – just ask us.
