Choose the working basics
Keep a small range of sashiko thread, compatible needles, sharp thread snips and a ruler or gauge. Add a thimble or threader if those tools make your handling more comfortable.
Store a few washed patch offcuts in useful weights and colours. A patch from a previous garment can be more practical than buying a new fabric for every small repair.
Include preparation and safety
Add temporary marking tools, basting thread or clips, a needle case and a small barrier for keeping pocket layers apart. These items prevent common repair mistakes before the visible stitching begins.
Keep scissors closed, needles contained and markers capped. A compact kit is only helpful when it can travel without damaging the garment or the person using it.
Record what worked
Write the garment, patch cloth, thread shade, needle and care method on a simple card. This turns a one-off repair into a growing reference for similar wear points.
Review the kit after each project and replace only what was used or proved unsuitable. A smaller, trusted collection is easier to reach for than a crowded box.