Literal meaning of sashiko is little stabs and is one of the oldest Japanese decorative hand-sewing techniques.
Traditionally it was used to repair worn places or tears with patches, but after a while it was used purely as a decorative method by choosing different colors for threads and fabrics.
There are four key materials to sashiko- needle, thread, thimble and fabric…!
Sashiko's needles are very long and the modern ones have a large eye so the needle can be easily threaded.
Sashiko thread is more twisted than other threads and won't separated into strands.
Traditional sashiko thimble looks like a ring and is used to push the needle through the fabric.
The ideal fabric for this method is one that isn't tightly woven. because sashiko thread is thick, therefore a fabric that's too tightly woven will show puckering or holes.
The Technique
1. First cut a piece of thread that is long enough to go from one end to the other end of the section you're working on. Then create a quilter's knot by wrapping the thread around the needle twice and pulling it through.
2. Insert the needle through the fabric without pulling the thread. Run the needle through the fabric until you have your desired number of stitches. Then push the needle with your thimble and pull the thread all the way through.
3. When you've reached the end of the row tie another quilter's knot. If you're doing a pattern with any change of direction of angled have a little loop on the wrong side of the fabric to avoid puckering. Use washable ink to draw your designs onto the fabric.
This method is easy to do and with a bit of creativity you can make beautiful patterns.