Sashiko threads skeins have to be opened out before use. Slide of the skein band first. You will find all the thread is tied together at one point.  Cut through the skein at the knot, so all the threads are cut (you'll find these are the ideal length for stitching doubled).  Push all the thread through the skein band, and then plait the thread loosely.  Pull out each thread as you need it from the loop end of the plait, not the 'fringed' end. This saves time trying to wind the thread into a ball, keeps it tidy and you know the thread shade number if you need to re order.

'The color of the soft new shoots that have just emerged from the ground after the snow melts. The butterbur sprout is a favorite 'mountain vegetable' delicacy. It is a cute sprout that appears when there is still snow remaining, signaling the end of winter. If you use it to stitch a pattern like nowaki (grasses) on white , it will have a soft look like the mountains as the snow melts..

'New colors have been added to the white-based gradient sashiko thread "Bokashi" (shaded), which allows you to enjoy the transition of colors with just one skein. The colors that change from dark to light and from light to white look great on indigo fabric, a classic color for sashiko. Even with the same pattern, "Bokashi" creates a different atmosphere each time you stitch, so you can enjoy the different finishes for each person.

'The five new colors are inspired by plants that evoke the beautiful and lovely seasons of Japan. The new colors, inspired by the colors of flowers familiar to Japanese people, are bright gradient threads that catch your eye. They go great with dark-colored fabrics, including indigo, and create vibrant works that look like flowers blooming on a tree. How about sashiko while thinking about the flowers of the season?'