I know that normally it takes a little heavier thread for it to show up. I have several different sashiko embroidery block designs on my pc for when I get around to making them. You'd be surprised with what you can do with an embroidery machine, sashiko, crochet, etc. Lot of cool neat things. Sashiko machines are one of those luxury items that you want but would have to be in a really good place financially to get one and not feel bad about it. I still feel bad about the cost of me emb machine and it does lots of different things.