OK now onto my first blog!
What you would need:
1 Sashiko sampler
1 Sashiko thread
1 Sashiko needle
1 12″ pillow insert
Sashiko sampler #209
There are variety of Sashiko samplers and sashiko thread to choose from. For a first timer, Sashiko sampler #209 might be a great way to start.
When you open the Sampler, you will see pre-printed stitchings. Just do running stitch following that lines. Those pre-printed lines wash off with water so please be careful while working on it.
Not all Sashiko samplers come with a guide, but you can stitch in the order you like. It is more fun and easier to figure out a way to stitch continuously. Whatever way you stitch, the end result is the same, so don’t worry about where to start.
You can also stitch single fabric (opening the sampler fabric) or double (leaving the sampler folded). For making the 12″ pillow, you only need to stitch single fabric.
Traditionally, there are couple rules in doing Sashiko like “no end knots” but in case of our pillow, you are not going to see the back of Sashiko fabric so you can make as many knots as you like.
What’s so great about Sashiko sampler is that even for the first timer, you can probably can finish stitching in 2-3 hours (unless you pick difficult ones…) After you finish, iron it from the back, fold sampler fabric in half in side out, sew (machine or by hand) it around the border leaving 5mm margin and turn it right side out.
Carefully insert the 12″ pillow and hand stitch the rest to close.
If it gets dirty, you can hand wash it whole and lay it flat to dry.
Since the size is pretty small, it’s great to carry on board for your flight, cute addition in your car, room, or since it is made of 100% cotton (except the pillow insert) it is safe around kids.
As I wrote before, I am not that great at doing crafts, but I am going to find and try things that I can make and use (very important) in a short amount of time. This blog might end up being about my battles and challenges.
No, no it’s not only going to be about that. I will also going to inform you about what’s going on Japan regarding craft, quilt and bag making.
Lastly, regarding today’s topic: Sashiko
Sashiko is a Japanese traditional stitching.
Long ago, Japanese used to stitch Sashiko to strengthen old, thinned cloth.
Now a days, as Sashiko is also called ”embroidery”, Sashiko is even integrated in Quilt as embroidery.
And we are going to use Sashiko to create a pillow.
If you have any question, please contact me.
Atelier de Happa is going to introduce many fun Sashiko pillows.
