Sashiko Sampler

Pattern/Kit: Sashiko Sampler – Multi Pattern

Designer: Olympus

Thread: Olympus Sashiko Thread – white (the kit came with 2 skeins, but I needed to purchase a third skein because I ran short)

Kit: The kit included a 20″ x 20″ pre-printed and neatly hemmed panel (navy blue, 100% cotton), 2 skeins of Olympus Sashiko Thread in white, and a packet of Olympus Sashiko needles. There are downloadable instructions. You can also purchase the pre-printed panel alone (no thread or needles).

I ordered my kit from Snuggly Monkey. (I highly recommend this shop, by the way!)

Completed: December 2024

What am I going to do with it? I have hemmed the backing fabric (it is no longer visible from the front of the piece), and it is now on my dining room table. Eventually, I’ll take it up to use on our table at our cabin up north.

Notes:

• I always use a backing fabric when I stitch/embroider. I don’t know if it’s “bad form” for Sashiko, but I just prefer to have a backing fabric. (In this case, I hemmed the backing fabric so it is no longer visible from the front.)
• This is my first attempt at Sashiko stitching. I used a reference book from my personal library and a couple of YouTube videos to get started, but mostly, I just . . . went for it.
• Rookie mistake . . . I tied too many knots on the back (a là embroidery) and should have carried the thread more loosely on the back. My stitching is too tight . . .
• I found Sashiko stitching to be straightforward to learn (despite my tension problems) and relaxing to do. That said, I much prefer embroidery!
• Nice quality kit, although I did run a bit short with the thread and needed to purchase one extra skein.
• (Pardon all the dog hair in my photos. It’s everywhere . . . )