Sashiko ( literally “little stabs”) is a form of decorative reinforcement stitching (or functional embroidery) from Japan. Traditionally used to reinforce points of wear, or to repair worn places or tears with patches, this running stitch technique is often used for purely decorative purposes in quilting and embroidery. The white cotton thread on the traditional indigo blue cloth gives sashiko its distinctive appearance, though decorative items sometimes use red thread. (Excerpt from Wikipedia.)
I have always been interested in Sashiko, since I made my East Meets West Quilt around 10 years ago. I love to incorporate a bit of sashiko into my projects. For Mothers Day, I was given a lovely book “Sashiko Zakka”. It incorporates sashiko into many lovely projects, and has a mix of traditional and modern designs.
I read somewhere that the stitches represent little grains of rice. I love how a little bit of stitching can transform anotherwise plain object.
This tea cosy and matching coasters is seriously cute!
The stitching works well for running writing.
Like most Japanese craft books it can be easily followed from the pictures and diagrams. I bought my copy here.
Terri has done a great book review of Sandi Henderson’s new book, Sewing with Scraps. You can read the review and see some pictures here. It looks so good I have ordered a copy with some birthday money! (I seem to have a weakness for sewing books and magazines) and could always use more inspiration of projects to use my scraps!
Sarah and I used the random number generator to select the winner of our Cupcake giveaway (Baking papers and cupcake box). Congratulations to Natalie – We have sent you an email.
We are happy to announce that we have a new sponsor for May – Scrapsidaisy – a great shop selling Inspiration Kits which are compiled by their Design Team exclusively for Scrapsidaisy along with the latest in scrapbooking and cardmaking supplies. If you mention A Spoonful of Sugar when placing an order, you will receive a free gift! For more information on this great store, read about it in our Sponsor page or hop on over to Scrapsidaisy.
I love the simplicity of Sashiko, simple stitch – wonderful results!
Well, you know how much I love to shop at Scrapsidaisy 😉
Have always loved the look of Sashiko, but have never actually tried it…that bookcover looks fabulous! Sounds like you are having fun with your birthday $$$.
mmm yes would your believe that i have a book on sashiko sewing as well, everything always looks so gorgeous and simple but i haven’t tried anything yet and mmm guess what we are having for dinner (Japanese) from a lovely little restaurant in Bassendean.
xx
I’ve learnt something new from you, I’d never heard of Sashiko before.
I can’t wait to see you ‘Sewing With Scraps’ book, you know how much I love Sandi’s fabrics 🙂 I ordered ‘Small Stash Sewing’ from The Book Depository the other night…
Off to watch Poh and Emmanuel cook yummy french things.
I have several Sashiko books but oh my goodness none as cute as the projects in your book.
I’ve always wanted to try Sashiko too. My sister learned it from some friends and liked it. I love how it looks on those pillows and the notebook cover. I agree with you – it would be lovely incorporated into some quilting projects. Thanks for the shout-out on my book review!
Lovely inspiration/enabling from you today! You will have fun with your new books. Thanks for the etsy link – I spent a delightful half hour dreaming…
Jenn
I have such a weakness for books and every time I see that you have a new one I usually end up buying it. Both of these books look wonderful. I have never tried Sashiko either… looks like I am going to!
x
I’ve never seen this before! I really like it so I think I’m going to have to look into it. Thanks!
Thanks for the little lesson in Sashiko. You’ve inspired me. Now to find time to bring this to fruition. That’s the trick.
I love a little bit of stitching on things, and how good are those Japanese Magazines!!! I feel like I AM Japanese when I read them . . . ahhmm I mean look at the pictures.
I love sachiko and I love that fresh modern take on the traditional art. You gotta love Japanese craft books!
How perfect are those stitches?? Wow. Really inspiring too.
It’s 10.41pm and your beautiful Sashiko has started the brain dangerously whirring…
This book looks just divine!!! Thanks for sharing a little peek insude, I now want a copy all of my very own..
Hugs – Jodie 🙂
It looks lovely, something to add to my list of things to look at!
That is a seriously lovely book to add to your collection
thank-you for this info Lisa!! I went to thisandthat and they didn’t have the book anymore that I could find, so I’ll have to convo her to see if she can still get it for me! I’m not much of a hand stitcher, but I think I could deal with simple running stitches by hand, it makes such a difference in the end product for sure.
I need to stop reading your blog at bedtime as I lie awake with my mind ticking over with inspired thoughts! I’m having a giveaway so pop over and have a look! Have a lovely weekend. Lots of love, Amanda xxx
How so very pretty!
Japanese shops are a magnet wherever I go…
Sashiko, this is my first visit to your blog. I planned only to say hello, but my eye caught some of the recipes and posts that appeared below. Needless-to-say, I spent way more time here than I had intended. I really enjoy your blog and the work you are doing here. I’ll be back as often as I can. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Blessings…Mary
I love those little stitches. Fun projects. Thanks for the interesting information!
Have a fun, fun and silly day!
I have never heard of Shashiko but it looks so wonderful. I have only just started out on my sewing adventure but this one is now on my list to try. I love its simplicity.
love me 🙂
I too have never heard of Shashiko. I love how everything looks, so simple, so stylish and very pretty! Thank you so much for sharing this!
Thanks for letting me know about this! I have just found your lovely blog, how ispirig it is. See you again xo