Whether you’re brand new to embroidery or just craving a cozy seasonal project, this free sashiko-style Christmas tree pattern is a festive way to dip your needle into something joyful. Sashiko (pronounced sah-shee-ko) is a traditional Japanese stitching technique known for its simplicity and beauty—and it’s perfect for beginners because it uses just one stitch: the humble running stitch.
Why Sashiko Is Beginner-Friendly
Sashiko patterns are built on repetition and rhythm. You don’t need to master fancy knots or complicated techniques—just a steady hand and a bit of patience. The running stitch is the foundation of sashiko, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be amazed at how intricate and elegant your designs can look.
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How to Do a Running Stitch
Here’s how to get started:
- Thread your needle and knot the end.
- Bring the needle up through the fabric from the back.
- Push the needle down a short distance away to create your first stitch.
- Continue this pattern—up, down, up, down—keeping your stitches evenly spaced.
- Try to keep the stitch length and the gaps between stitches consistent. That’s the secret to a polished sashiko look!
Tip: You can load several stitches onto your needle before pulling the thread through to keep things flowing smoothly.
DMC Color Suggestions
To bring your Christmas tree to life, here are some festive DMC thread options:
| Element | DMC Color | DMC Number |
| Tree (Green) | Medium Christmas Green | 699 |
| Tree (Red Option) | Christmas Red | 321 |
| Star (Gold) | Light Gold | 676 |
Suggested Materials for New Stitchers
If you’re just starting out, here’s a simple list of what you’ll need:
- Fabric: Cotton or linen works beautifully. Choose a solid color so your stitches pop.
- Embroidery hoop: Keeps your fabric taut and makes stitching easier.
- Sashiko or embroidery needle: Sashiko needles are longer and ideal for loading multiple stitches.
- Embroidery floss: DMC threads are a great choice—easy to find and colorfast.
- Scissors: Small embroidery scissors for clean snips.
- Fabric pens: To trace the pattern onto your fabric. (these are my favorite!)
Ready to Stitch?
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If you enjoyed doing Shashiko embroidery here is another you may also want to try:
