Sashiko: Starter Kit

Sashiko is a beautiful and very functional embroidery technique originating in Japan. Sashiko means “little stabs,” or “little piercings” and is a folk textile method traditionally featuring white stitches on an indigo background. Sashiko began in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868) with poor folk using it to mend and strengthen items of clothing made from hemp. Each item of clothing was expensive and therefore precious and so this method of decorative mending took on a life of its own. Geometric patterns, often representing animals and plants are popular and representative stitching adds to the beauty and the mindfulness of the technique.

This kit contains materials for creating a 40 x 40cm standard cushion cover, hoever you could make a bag, or table runner if you wished, or add the sashiko sections to another design. Contents: 142cm x 0.5m, cotton, dark blue fabric; 4 x 4in assorted templates; 40m skein white, cotton embroidery thread; 1 fabric pencil; 1 pack embroidery needles. Dry clean or wash by hand or gentle machine wash, drip dry, cool iron.