Sashiko

This is an embroidery technique from Japan. Traditionally, the fabric is dyed indigo and the thread is a matte pale thread. Coton Perle (typically used for Hardanger embroidery) can be used, but it has a sheen to it, rather than a matte finish.

Of course, there is no reason why your own interpretation could not be dark embroidery on a pale ground fabric, or multicoloured embroidery. Another possibility is to use a fabric with a regular printed pattern, so the embroidery enhances the pattern by creating a framed effect or using the design to anchor the embroidery stitches. Give rein to your creativity and enjoy creating something new using traditional techniques as the building blocks for your own design.

Sashiko typically uses running stitches to create geometric designs. In the west, a variation known as Boro is sometimes used to repair fabric using the pattern of stitches as a visible feature, rather than trying to conceal the repair.

The image here shows some ideas. This is a photo taken of the whiteboard, hence the reflection from the window in the middle!

Materials required:

Woven fabric

Sewing needle (large eye and sharp point)

Embroidery thread (to embroider on fabric)

Scissors

Pen/pencil (to mark outline of shapes)

Squared paper or grid to create design

Uses:

A decorative centrepiece, a small bag or tissue holder.

Instructions:

Create your design on squared paper or a grid.

Cut a piece of fabric at least 10 cm by 10 cm (4 inches by 4 inches).

Trace or copy your design onto the fabric. 

Choose colours you would like to include; we will use stranded cotton rather than Sashiko thread; think about how many strands you want to use for your design.

Embroider your design on the fabric using running stitch, trying to keep the stitches and the spaces in between a similar size. 

Examples:

Sashiko 365 by Susan Briscoe gives a different pattern for every day of the year, including geometric, pictorial and Japanese letters.

It's worth looking at the author's website where you can browse some of the pages of the book (you'll need to scroll down the page to see them).

Here is an example of my very first Sashiko embroidery; a little bag, embroidered front and back, lined with printed fabric that reminds me of clouds in a green and white colour scheme.

Looking back, I can see ways to improve it, such as the junctions where different lines meet. That’s part of the charm of learning — you can’t improve on something until you have tried. The most important thing is to enjoy the creativity!