Sashiko

I haven't had much time for crafting lately, but that doesn't mean I haven't been thinking and reading about it!  And my latest obsession has been sashiko.  Sashiko is a Japanese quilting technique, usually using white thread on an indigo fabric.  The patterns are usually very regular and symmetrical and quite striking because of the bright white thread against the dark blue fabric. 

I recently was able to get my hands on two books on the subject The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook by Susan Briscoe and Sashiko: Easy Elegant Japanese Designs for Decorative Machine Embroidery by Mary S. Parker. 

I found The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook to be more useful for what I would have in mind.  It starts out with a bit of history which is nice.  Following that is a very clear section on materials and tools -- I love the fact that it shows you what the Japanese characters for "sashiko" look like on all kinds of labels in different fonts so that you could identify them. 

Basic techniques are covered next and lots of photos are included.  These techniques are then shown off with some simple projects -- samplers, coasters, bags pillows -- and some more unusual projects -- greeting cards and a noren curtain.

A large section of the book is devoted to a pattern library that would keep you stitching for ages!  There are over 100 diagrams which include both moyozashi (pattern) and hitomezashi (one stitch) sashiko patterns.  Tips are given throughout the library section. 

The book concludes with a beautiful "inspiration gallery" featuring samplers, quilts, coats and curtains by contemporary artists. 

I would highly recommend this book if you are interested in learning about sashiko, or just finding out more about a different embroidery technique.  And if you are looking for sashiko patterns to use when machine quilting -- check out Sashiko: Easy Elegant Japanese Designs for Decorative Machine Embroidery.

Comments

[Deb]

I do love Sashiko as well. I noticed in one of the older Interweave Knits, there is an article about a lady who uses that technique in new ways- and there is a pattern for a lovely indigo and white "quilted" Oriental inspired sweater!!!!! If you are interested, let me know and Iwill go look up the issue for you.

[Imbrium]

Interesting! I'd never heard of sashiko before.

[Denise]

ahhhh now I have a name of a technique to put to some objects I was given a loooong time ago while in Japan. I have two coasters and a oven mitt made this way.
Cool!
Thanks!
how's the office coming?

[Susan Briscoe]

Thanks for the great book "review"! Hope you continue to enjoy sashiko. I'm starting work on a follow up book soon.