Saturday, June 13, 2009

my second sashiko sampler, nowaki pattern

this was my second sashiko embroidery project.
again, i used a sampler, which is great because it has the pattern printed on the fabric, in wash-out ink.
these are a few of the available patterns for sashiko samplers for making a small cloth towel. they are all classic sashiko motifs, the one i did is on the right: nowaki, or wind-blown grasses.
another nice thing about the sampler is that it shows the order to stitch the different lines.

sashiko thread is a little thicker than regular embroidery floss. the sashiko needle is fairly long.
for sashiko, you use the needle to load as many stitches as possible, then pull the thread through.
this is the traditional sashiko thimble, it's worn like a ring and has a flat, round dish. i didn't use a thimble at all the first time i tried sashiko. this thimble was fun to wear, and maybe it made the sewing just a little faster, but i think you can do sashiko without a thimble.
in process
this is what it looks like on the back. the one important thing when doing sashiko is to make sure to leave a little extra tread so that the finished work will lay flat.
done!

4 comments:

Abigail Thomas said...

very cool, love the pattern

tamdoll said...

Beautiful work, so nicely done.

Barbara said...

I have to say it was a Martha Stewart book that got me interested in Sashiko. I love the pattern you used (as well as its name!). Two things: How long did it take you to complete and, where did you buy your kits?

liz said...

i think it takes a few hours on average to finish the embroidery on one sampler panel.
i buy mine here in japan, and i sell them in my etsy store--if you don't see the one you are looking for, just let me know!