Sashiko Stitching

Trace the design onto a sheet of tissue paper, using a dressmaker’s pencil. Blue is always a good colour to use as it doesn’t have the dirty appearance that a graphite pencil tends to have if any residue is picked up through stitching. Position the traced design on your fabric and tack in place. Keep the stitches small and neat as this will prevent the tissue from moving. For larger designs tack across the middle of the paper as well. Trim excess tissue paper if needed. Sashiko needles and threads are available but we used white stranded cotton and a sharp crewel needle. Starting at the base of the design, follow the outline by weaving the needle in and out of the fabric along the lines as shown. Continue working across the design in a logical order. Finish the threads by weaving them through the back of your stitches. Once complete, tear away the tissue paper – hold the stitches as you do this to prevent them being pulled.