Sashiko is a traditional Japanese embroidery technique characterized by simple, straight stitches sewn in repeated patterns. The word sashiko means roughly “small stitches.” The technique was developed in northern Japan, where the climate was cold and fabrics were expensive and difficult to obtain. In order to extend the life of clothing, people began to reinforce and repair textiles with dense stitches. Over time, this developed into its own form of decorative craft.
Traditional colors and materials
Traditionally, sashiko is sewn with white cotton thread on indigo blue fabric, but today many other colors and materials are also used. The patterns are often geometric and repeated across the fabric. The technique is based on a series of stitches that are sewn up and down through the fabric, creating a distinct rhythmic pattern of small stitches that resemble grains of rice.
From mending to decorative embroidery
Originally, sashiko was mainly used to reinforce worn garments or mend holes, but today the technique is used both for repairs and as decorative embroidery in cushions, bags, tablecloths and clothing, for example. The visible mending has become part of the expression and gives textiles a personal and artisanal look.
Different styles of sashiko
There are several different styles of sashiko, including moyozashi , hitomezashi , koginzashi and kugurizashi , which differ in how the patterns are constructed and sewn. What they have in common is the simplicity of the stitches and the repetitive geometric shapes.
Modern aids
In modern use, pre-printed fabrics or patterns are often available that make it easy to follow the lines when sewing. When the embroidery is finished, the print is washed off, leaving the finished sashiko pattern.
