Sashiko

Sashiko 刺し子 is a Japanese style of needlework. Literally meaning “little stabs,” sashiko was originally used to strengthen and reinforce fabric through a series of running stitches.

Eventually sashiko evolved into a more decorative form, and today it is used to create patterns on table linens and tenugui 手拭い, cloth bags, and clothing such as kimono. Sashiko is best-known for its striking style of natural-toned yarn on indigo fabric, though modern patterns are stitched in any color, pattern, or on any fabric.

Let me show you!

Draw your pattern onto fabric using a chalk pencil or marker with disappearing ink. Cut a length of sashiko yarn 24”–30” (60–75 cm) in length, thread your needle, double the yarn and knot the ends together.

Pull your needle through the fabric. Leave a little space between the knot and your fabric—-this allows for some “give” when stitching and will help prevent your fabric from puckering.

Work your needle from right to left (or left to right if you’re left-handed), making consistent 1/8” to 1/4” (.25 to .5 cm) stitches.  Work several stitches onto your needle, then pull your yarn through the fabric.  Pull the yarn taught but not tight.  Try not to let your fabric pucker.  Your stitches should look similar to a running stitch.

If you notice your fabric is puckering, then your stitches are too tight.  To fix this, pinch the fabric between your thumb and index finger and run them along your line of stitches to smooth and even out the fabric.  Try holding the knotted end steady with one hand while you smooth with the other.

Continue stitching the length of your marked line, smoothing as necessary.  When you reach the end of a line, make a small knot on the backside of your fabric and trim any excess yarn.

When turning a corner, leave an extra 1/8” to 1/4” (.25 to .5 cm) of yarn looped on the wrong side of the fabric, again, to help prevent puckering:

At points of intersection on your pattern, maintain symmetry and avoid crossing stitches or leaving extra gaps. Try not to stitch through the middle of the intersection:

If you finish a row and aren’t happy with the result, no worries!  Just snip the end knot and pull your yarn through.  Re-knot your yarn and try again!

Noticing that some of your stitches are twisted?  Try pulling the yarn tight, scrunching the fabric to one side.  Untwist your yarn, then pinch and smooth the fabric flat again.  This should have eliminated the twisted stitches.  Repeat this process as often as necessary.

Good luck!

Interested in trying sashiko?  Check out my Etsy shop for some DIY kits!

Finished a project?  Tell us about it!

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