This form of embroidery, which is also popular in quilting, uses straight or curved geometric designs stitched in a repeating pattern. The Japanese word sashiko means little stabs and refers to the small stitches used in this form of needlework. This pattern features the first of eight different designs so you can try sashiko stitching. You will find the full-size patterns for each design, as well as a diagram showing you how to work the sashiko stitch, on the following pages. Sashiko patterns are worked in continuous lines and knots are not used. Sometimes sashiko is worked on two layers of fabric so that the tails produced by starting and ending a length of thread are hidden between the layers. This also results in a double-sided piece. For designs that are not to be seen on both sides, a temporary away knot can be used, and thread tails threaded through the back side of the stitching. For more Japanese embroidery, look for the second set of sashiko patterns and visit the Sashiko Resources List. Sashiko patterns should be worked in heavier embroidery threads such as all 6 strands of embroidery floss, a size 8 pearl cotton or traditional sashiko thread, which comes in different weights and many colors. Work sashiko on plain weave fabric with a slightly loose weave, such as a medium weight linen. The fabric should be heavier than broadcloth but lighter than denim. The loose weave allows the needle to move in and out of the fabric with ease. Bottom-weight fabrics such as denim and twill are too heavy for sashiko, but cotton/linen blends are usually a perfect weight. You may need to experiment to find the right fabric. Use a long needle with an oval-shaped eye that can easily accommodate the thread. Darning and milliners’ needles are good choices for sashiko. When marking the sashiko patterns on the fabric, use a water-soluble marking pen or a pencil for best results, as you do not want the marked lines to be permanent. This is because it is much easier to mark solid lines, even though the stitches create a dashed line. As you stitch, you can load several stitches onto the needle before pulling it through. Be careful that you don’t pull the thread too tight, which will cause the fabric to pucker. Also, when working on a pattern where the lines meet, work the lines of stitching evenly and so that the stitches don’t cross each other. They should also not touch, which means that at a corner there should be a small open space at the point where the lines would usually meet. See this pattern in action on the easy sashiko kitchen towel project. To extend any of the repeating patterns, trace the first set of the repeat and then line up the design and trace another section. Continue until you have traced all that you need. See this design worked without the boxes and using standard embroidery stitches on a DIY Embroidered Tissue Case project. Download the JPG pattern here. Download the JPG pattern here. Download the JPG pattern here. Although all of these patterns are designed for traditional sashiko embroidery, they also work for other types of embroidery or even quilting patterns!
