Hitomezashi is a traditional Japanese stitching technique used in sashiko embroidery. Sashiko itself is a form of decorative reinforcement stitching or functional embroidery from Japan.

Hitomezashi, which translates to "one-stitch" in English, is characterized by a simple running stitch worked in a grid pattern on a piece of fabric. Traditionally, sashiko was used to reinforce or repair worn areas of clothing, such as jackets or kimonos, using white cotton thread on an indigo blue fabric. However, contemporary sashiko incorporates a wide range of colors and patterns, and it is also used for decorative purposes on various textiles.

In Hitomezashi, the running stitches form geometric patterns, such as squares, diamonds, or hexagons, creating a visually appealing design. The simplicity of the technique allows for creativity and improvisation in the stitching process, making it a popular choice for both traditional and modern embroidery projects.