Sashiko quilting

Sashiko quilting (刺し子, ) is a form of quilting originating from Japan.

Related Topics:
Quilting - Japan

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Centuries ago, Japanese peasants practised a running-stitch technique called "little stabs" to patch torn or worn clothes. Mending was vital as cloth and thread were scarce and therefore valuable.

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When white cotton thread became available, this was used for patching indigo blue garments, and this gave Sashiko its distinctive appearance.

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The oldest surviving item of sashiko-stitched clothing is from the Asuka period and is a Buddhist priest's robe. It was donated to a temple in 756.

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Many Sashiko patterns were derived from Chinese designs, but just as many were developed by the Japanese themselves.

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The artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760 – 1849) published the book New Forms for Design in 1824, and his designs have inspired many Sashiko patterns.

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Patterns

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• Tate-Jima — Vertical stripes
• Yoko-Jima — Horizontal stripes
• Kosi — Checks
• Nakamura Kosi — Plaid of Nakamura family
• Hisi-moyo — Diamonds
• Yarai — Bamboo Fence
• Highi-Igeta / Tasuki — Parallel diamonds / crossed cords
• Kagome — Woven Bamboo
• Uroko — Fish Scales
• Tate-Waku — Rising steam
• Fundo — Counterweights
• Sippo — Seven Treasures of Buddha
• Amime — Fishing nets
• Toridasuki — Interlaced circle of two birds
• Chidori — Plover
• Kasumi — Mist
• Asanoha — Hemp leaf
• Mitsuba — Trefoil
• Hirayama-Michi — Passes in the mountains
• Kaki No Hana — Persimmon flower
• Kaminari — Thunderbolts
• Inazuma — Lightning
• Sayagata — Key pattern
• Matsukawa-Bishi — Pine Bark
• Yabane — Arrow-feathers
• and many, many more