So what is it?
Have you heard of Sashiko before (you might have read my last post Big Stitch Throw Pillow) or even tried it yourself? It’s certainly become a very popular in the last few years. But how much do you know about it? Where does it originate from? What did people use it for? I’m hoping that by the end of this post you know more than when you started!
Sashiko is a hand sewing technique that originates from Japan. The word itself translates to ‘little stabs’ in English. Although it has become very popular recently, it’s been around in Japanese culture for about 400 years. People believe that it originates from the ‘Edo’ period (1603-1867). Sashiko became a way to strengthen points of wear, repair worn places with patches or to layer multiple fabrics for warmth. Many people during this time were poor and so it quickly became a popular way to preserve clothing.
Another feature of the time was the use of Indigo dyed material. This was mainly hemp because cotton was very expensive. The use of relatively cheap white cotton thread for the embroidery was also a cost saving material. This colour combination became the most popular and is now the ‘traditional’ look of most Sashiko designs.
With it’s most recent revival, Sashiko has expended out from the ‘traditional’ indigo/cream colours. Nowadays you’ll come across a wide range of Sashiko designs on different coloured fabrics and threads. Colour has become the ‘modern’ take on the old tradition.
Most sashiko designs are made up of geometric patterns. There are two main styles; moyōzashi (uncrossing lines of running stitch) and hitomezashi (running stitch that crosses or meets). The more complicated the design=the more experienced the sewer. Because sashiko is made up of decorative running stitches it’s easy to get started if you’re a beginner. You can even purchase pre-marked fabric – making it even easier because you don’t have to transfer the markings yourself.
The wonderful thing about Sashiko is that it doesn’t require a lot of materials. You don’t even need a sewing machine. I did purchase a sashiko kit (because it was so cute!) and it had everything I would need. Including the traditional white/cream thread, along with sewing needles, thread wax & leather thimble. I got this from Scribbly Gum Quilt co.
Sashiko thread might look similar to embroidery thread but they are actually quite different. It’s thread is more twisted and it doesn’t divide into seperate strands like embroidery thread. Plus embroidery thread has a sheen to it whereas Sashiko doesn’t (more matte).
I have to admit – hand sewing has never been my forte. Mainly because it never usually looks very good. But I’ve got a feeling that sashiko might become my new addiction. It’s creative, fun, and something you can do when you are on the move! What more could a girl ask for?
