Eight FREE Sashiko Patterns to Stitch - Set 1

Sashiko is a form of Japanese folk embroidery using a form of the running stitch to create a patterned background.

This form of embroidery - which is also popular in quilting - uses straight or curved geometric designs stitched in a repeating pattern. The Japanese word Sashiko means little stabs and refers to the small stitches used in this form of needlework. You can read more about origins of Sashiko stitching here.

This pattern features the first of eight different designs (shown above )- patterns 1 through 8 - so you can try Sashiko stitching. You will find the full-size patterns for each design, as well as a diagram showing you how to work the sashiko stitch, on the following pages.

Sashiko Set Two can be found by clicking the text, or by visiting the Sashiko Resources List.

Please note: Photographs, patterns and illustrations contained in this project are by Cheryl Fall, are copyrighted © by Cheryl Fall, and licensed to About.com, Inc.

Do not redistribute these photographs or illustrations in any form.

This pattern is free for your own personal use only and is not to be used for items for resale.

If others would like to have the pattern, please give them the URL of this page, so that they may come to these pages and print the pattern for themselves. Thank you for respecting my copyright.

For additional information, see Copyright Myths Explained, or the U.S. Government Copyright Office at http://www.loc.gov/copyright.

Working the Sashiko Stitch

Sashiko patterns are worked in continuous lines and knots are not used. Thread tails are typically not seen on either side of a traditionally-worked design. Instead, the tails produced by starting and ending a length of thread are hidden between the two layers of fabric. For designs that are not to be seen on both sides, a temporary away knot can be used, and thread tails threaded through the back side of the stitching.

The sashiko stitch is worked in the same manner as a basic running stitch. The only difference is that the space in between each stitch must be half the length of a full stitch - the stitches are longer and the gaps are half the size of the stitches.

Sashiko patterns should be worked in heavier embroidery threads such as all 6 strands of embroidery floss or a size 8 or 22 pearl cotton on on plainweave fabric with a slightly loose weave. The fabric should be heavier than broadcloth but lighter than denim.

The loose weave allows the needle to move in and out of the fabric with ease. Bottom-weight fabrics such as denim and twill are too heavy for sashiko, but cotton/linen blends are usually a perfect weight. You may need to experiment to find the right fabric.

Use a long needle with an oval-shaped eye that can easily accomodate the thread. Darning and milliners' needles are good choices for Sashiko.

When marking the sashiko patterns on the fabric, use a water soluble marking pen or a pencil for best results, as you do not want the marked lines to be permanent.

Sashiko Pattern 1

This traditional sashiko pattern features 3-dimensional cubes.

Sashiko Pattern 2

This pattern features repeating, elongated diamonds.

Sashiko Pattern 3

This traditional sashiko pattern features semi-circular shapes meant to signify fish scales, clam shells and sometimes rippling water.

Sashiko Pattern 4

This pattern features double bars arranged in a woven pattern.

Sashiko Pattern 5

Boxed circles are a traditional and common motif in sashiko embroidery.

Sashiko Pattern 6

Overlapping circles with bands of straight lines create a pretty, gemoetric effect in this design.

Elongated diamonds arrange horizontally and crossed by vertical lines creates this simple sashiko design.

In this sashiko pattern, straight lines are worked in an intricate pattern.

Please note: Photographs, patterns and illustrations contained in this project are by Cheryl Fall, are copyrighted © by Cheryl Fall, and licensed to About.com, Inc.

Do not redistribute these photographs or illustrations in any form.

This pattern is free for your own personal use only and is not to be used for items for resale.

If others would like to have the pattern, please give them the URL of this page, so that they may come to these pages and print the pattern for themselves. Thank you for respecting my copyright.

For additional information, see Copyright Myths Explained, or the U.S. Government Copyright Office at http://www.loc.gov/copyright.