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How this article was made: Research-based comparison. It draws on published information from makers, retailers, and reference sources, not on hands-on testing.
Quick picks
- Clover Sashiko Needles — $6.02: a mix of four lengths in one card
- Lecien Hidamari Sashiko Needles — $5.64: stitching several stitches or one at a time
- Tulip Long Sashiko Needles — $13.99: straight-line patterns
Prices checked on October 4, 2026.
Why Sashiko Needles Are Different
Sashiko needles are longer, thicker and stiffer than ordinary hand-sewing needles, with a large eye. Clover explains that its sashiko needles are made “much longer and thicker than other needles” so you can stack several stitches on the needle before pulling it through, which is how long straight rows of sashiko are usually worked.
The large eye matters because sashiko thread is thicker than sewing thread. Olympus, one of the main sashiko thread makers in Japan, recommends a dedicated sashiko needle with a large eye, and notes that blunt-tipped cross-stitch needles are not suited to sashiko: the needle needs a sharp point to pass cleanly through the cloth.
If you are new to the craft, What Is Sashiko? explains where the technique comes from, and How to Sashiko Stitch walks through the running stitch itself.
Sashiko Needles Compared
Specifications below come from each maker’s official website; prices are from Amazon.com.
| Needle pack | Price | Needles | Lengths | Thickness | Eye | Made in | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clover Sashiko Needles | $6.02 | 8 (4 sizes × 2) | 34.8–50.8 mm | 0.84–0.99 mm | Large | Japan | A mix of four lengths in one card |
| Lecien Hidamari Sashiko Needles | $5.64 | 6 + threader (4 sizes) | about 41–54 mm | about 0.84–0.99 mm | Long, open eye | Japan | Stitching several stitches or one at a time |
| Tulip Long Sashiko Needles | $13.99 | 6 (3 sizes × 2) | 44.5–66.7 mm | 0.84–1.02 mm | Big eye | Japan | Straight-line patterns |
| Olympus Sashiko Needles (2 pieces) | $4.97 | 2 (1 long, 1 short) | 48 and 65 mm | 1.06–1.07 mm | Not listed | Not disclosed | Trying two lengths at low cost |
“Japan” means the maker states the needles are made in Japan. Matching an Amazon listing to a maker’s product number is based on the needle count and sizes.
Each Needle Pack in Detail
Clover Sashiko Needles — $6.02
Clover’s card holds eight steel needles in four sizes, two of each: 0.84 × 50.8 mm, 0.99 × 44.5 mm, 0.91 × 42.9 mm and 0.89 × 34.8 mm (Clover’s Japanese site; the US site lists the shortest as 34.9 mm). Clover describes them as long, rigid and sharp with large eyes, and its Japanese product page lists the country of origin as Japan. On Amazon.com it is sold by a third-party seller and shipped by Amazon, with a 4.8-star rating from 1,383 ratings (October 4, 2026).
Lecien Hidamari Sashiko Needles — $5.64
Lecien sells this pack under its hidamari sashiko line (No. 4345): six needles in four lengths plus a needle threader. Lecien says it offers a range of lengths for different ways of stitching, for example pulling the needle out every two or three stitches, and that all the needles have long, open eyes for easier threading. Lecien states the needles are made in Japan. On Amazon.com it is sold by a third-party seller and shipped by Amazon, with 4.8 stars from 1,156 ratings.
Tulip Long Sashiko Needles — $13.99
Tulip’s assorted long pack (THN-030) holds six needles in three sizes: 1.02 × 66.7 mm, 0.97 × 44.5 mm and 0.84 × 51.5 mm. Tulip describes the needles as having a big eye and recommends this long set for straight-line patterns; its separate short set (THN-031) is meant for curved patterns. Tulip states that its needles are produced at its own factory in Hiroshima. It is the most expensive of the four on Amazon.com and has 4.8 stars from 1,168 ratings.
Olympus Sashiko Needles (2 pieces) — $4.97
Olympus’s two-needle pack contains one 65 mm and one 48 mm needle. Olympus describes its sashiko needles as having a sharp point that parts the weave of the cloth; the product photo on its online store gives the thickness as 1.06 mm for the 48 mm needle and 1.07 mm for the 65 mm needle. Olympus does not state the country of origin. It is the lowest-priced pack here, with 4.7 stars from 158 ratings on Amazon.com.
How to Choose Length and Thickness
The makers’ own guidance points to three things:
- Pattern: Tulip recommends longer needles for straight-line patterns and shorter ones for curves. Olympus notes that straight lines look neater when you stitch them as long as you can before pulling the needle through.
- Fabric: Tulip suggests a thicker needle for coarsely woven or heavy fabric and a thinner one for finely woven or soft fabric.
- Thimble: Olympus says the right needle length depends on how you use a thimble, since the thimble is what pushes the needle through the cloth.
Because the needle has to carry your thread, check the thread too: our guide to sashiko thread for beginners compares thin and thick sashiko thread, and the guide to the best fabric for sashiko covers fabric weight.
Do You Need a Thimble?
Not for a first sampler, but it helps. Olympus says a thimble is useful when you stitch thick cloth or use long needles, and describes the traditional way of using one: a plate thimble worn on the inside of the middle finger holds the end of the needle while the thumb and middle finger move it. Clover makes a plate thimble of this type for sashiko and long running stitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an embroidery needle for sashiko?
You can for a few practice stitches, but Olympus recommends a dedicated sashiko needle with a large eye, and blunt cross-stitch needles are not suited to sashiko. Embroidery needles are usually shorter, so you cannot load as many stitches at once.
Which pack should a beginner start with?
An assorted pack lets you try several lengths. If most of your patterns are straight lines, a long assortment such as Tulip’s suits them; for curved patterns, Tulip recommends its shorter set.
What else do I need to start sashiko?
Thread, fabric and a pattern. A sashiko starter kit bundles all of them; if you prefer to choose each part, see the thread and fabric guides above and sashiko pattern books for designs.
Pick the needle pack that matches your patterns, then pair it with the right thread and cloth. Related guides: Best Sashiko Starter Kit, Best Sashiko Thread for Beginners, Best Sashiko Fabric and What Is Sashiko?.
