Sashiko – following instructions for a change!
You may recall that for the past few years, for the period between Christmas and New Year, I’ve bought myself a kit, or put together a kit, of something I don’t usually do, that will involve me in following instructions. So, for this year, when I went to the Harrogate Knitting and Stitching Show in November, I bought myself a “Sashiko Patch” packet, some thread, and some needles – quite long needles, and quite strong, because the idea is to rock the needle through the fabric to take several stitches before pulling the thread through – so I was told.
When I opened the packet, I discovered that there weren’t really any instructions, but as I understand it sashiko is worked in rows of running stitches that cross each other to create the finished pattern.
Or not. The first one I tackled was relatively simple, single rows of running stitches in a wavy configuration. I think the finished effect is a bit like a very stylised bark pattern, and it went quite quickly.
The next one (see the fabric in the first picture) isn’t going to go nearly so quickly…!
Well, I would have to resist the urge to count the fabric threads! I have some sashiko thread to play with.(No, autocorrect, not “sashimi!”) I probably won’t be doing sashiko with it, just experimenting with it as a thread. I haven’t decided what exactly.
Your patches look small enough not to be too daunting. Happy stitching!
The best reference for us Westerners is Sue Briscoe’s “the ultimate Sashiko book”. Still my go-to reference. She is English and has a good website. Another good source is “Be Be Bold” here in Australia. There are some very good videos on her website. You know you have taken the first steps to addiction?