This is because it is much easier to mark solid lines, even though the stitches create a dashed line.Īs you stitch, you can load several stitches onto the needle before pulling it through. 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. Darning and milliners' needles are good choices for sashiko. Use a long needle with an oval-shaped eye that can easily accommodate the thread. You may need to experiment to find the right fabric. Bottom-weight fabrics such as denim and twill are too heavy for sashiko, but cotton/linen blends are usually a perfect weight. The loose weave allows the needle to move in and out of the fabric with ease. The fabric should be heavier than broadcloth but lighter than denim. Work sashiko on plain weave fabric with a slightly loose weave, such as a medium weight linen. 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.

The stitches are longer and the gaps are half the size of the stitches. The only difference is that the space in between each stitch must be half the length of a full stitch. The sashiko stitch is worked in the same manner as a basic running stitch. 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.įor more Japanese embroidery, look for the second set of sashiko patterns and visit the Sashiko Resources List. This also results in a double-sided piece. 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. Sashiko patterns are worked in continuous lines and knots are not used. 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.

This pattern features the first of eight different designs so you can try sashiko stitching. The Japanese word sashiko means little stabs and refers to the small stitches used in this form of needlework. This form of embroidery, which is also popular in quilting, uses straight or curved geometric designs stitched in a repeating pattern.

Sashiko is a form of Japanese folk embroidery using a form of the running stitch to create a patterned background.

Running stitch pdf