Ask Penny Halgren

Sashiko is a Japanese stitching technique that can be used for embroidery or  otherwise reinforcing sewn projects like quilts.

The technique is rather simple to master. It’s just a running stitch. As a  matter of fact, “sashiko” means “little stabs” in Japanese. That’s exactly what  a running stitch is.

The Japanese traditionally used the stitch as a way to patch worn spots, but   quilters today tend to use it for its simple yet unique decorative  purposes. In Japan,  sashiko is typically seen on indigo-dyed cotton cloth and the thread choice is  usually white or red.

Other fabrics are becoming popular, though – even silks. With sashiko, the important  aspect to remember is that the fabric needs to be simple so the  embroidery design will be the focus. Stay way from busy prints if you plan to  incorporate this technique in a quilting project.

Tightly woven fabrics are your best choice. They tend to accommodate the  sashiko thread better than others. If you cannot find sashiko thread, try using  four strands of regular embroidery floss or crochet yarn.

The difference  between regular embroidery floss that one might use for cross stitching and  sashiko thread is the ability to separate strands of embroidery floss. Sashiko  thread is spun so that it cannot be separated into individual strands.

Sashiko can also be done by machine. Babylock is one brand that offers a  machine specifically for this type of technique. If using your regular sewing  machine for this technique, there are other ways you can get the look of  thicker thread. If your machine allows, try using a buttonhole twist for the  thread. If using thin threads like silk, double the thread through your needle.

There are many ways you can apply sashiko to your quilting. For instance,  you could sandwich together two solid fabrics with batting in between. Use the  sashiko embroidery to quilt your sandwich. You might also use this embroidery  to appliqué designs onto your quilt top.

The most common sashiko stitching patterns are geometrical – squares,  diagonals, hexagons, diamonds, and circles. More advanced examples combine  several shapes. Where lines would usually intersect, sashiko stitching does  not. The lines stop short of crossing, leaving an open space in the area  instead.

If you mark your sashiko design to be stitched, you can stitch it any way  you like. However, traditionally, Japanese sashiko creators tend to work from  the outside toward the inside of the design. They stitched the horizontal and  vertical lines, then the diagonals. Curved lines were stitched last.

If you would like to learn more about sashiko and how to incorporate it into  your quilting, check out Paradise Stitched – Sashiko and Applique Quilts by  Sylvia Pippen. The book was released in October 2009 and has since inspired  many sashiko enthusiasts and quilters alike.

Sylvia lives in Hawaii  and is inspired by its culture. She also comes from a quilting family. Her  mother is Kitty Pippen who has written books about quilting with Japanese  fabrics. Sylvia’s sashiko book is the first she has written on her own, but  it’s getting rave reviews from beginners and advanced quilters alike. The book  shows how to enhance appliqué with the addition of sashiko.

Sylvia says sashiko is recommended for all ages. Because the stitches are  meant to be big enough to be seen, it’s perfect for children just learning to  sew and for older people who just can’t seem to make tiny stitches any more.

If you have been looking for something new to incorporate into your quilting,  think about the sashiko technique. It allows you to turn a great quilt into an  incredible one with a few well-planned stitches.

This is an example of sashiko quilting using a geometric design.