on this page by Shigeko Kawakami
23
Tissue Cases
A combination of Juji-Hanazashi and the two-colored
stitches of “Komezashi”.
Instructions・Actual size templates—pages 118 & 119
Placemats & Coasters
The 5-petaled “Umebachi” design adorns
a placemat and coasters. When stitching,
choose a section that feels balanced to you.
Instructions: Page 113 Reduce template on page 115 by 50%
Examples on this page by Baika Moroi
24
Creative Designs for Hitomezashi
Creative Hitomezashi Brooches
Hitomezashi is perfect on small surfaces, like these brooches
made from covered buttons. We used three designs here: Ko-
mezashi, which is also on the tissue case, Juji-Hanazashi and
diagonally stitched Hanazashi. Layer quilt batting beneath the
fabric before assembling the button to make it nice and fluffy.
Actual size template on page 119
Examples by Baika Moroi
25
SASHIKO BASICS
Thread Used for Sashiko
Olympus Sashiko Thread
Matte, cotton thread is typically used for sashiko. For this book, all projects are sewn
with Olympus brand sashiko thread. The thread is used as a single strand, which is
a little different from other embroidery floss that can be divided into smaller bundles
of strands. One skein is approximately 22 yards (20 m), and 29 colors are available.
ACTUAL SIZE
Olympus Sashiko Thread (Mix)
Variegated colors in a single strand can be
enjoyed with this type of sashiko thread.
100% cotton. Approximately 20m per skein.
HOW TO HANDLE THREAD SKEINS
1 To make stitching easier,
we will cut the skein into
a manageable length. Start by
removing the label.
2 Spread the skein without tang-
ling the thread. Notice that the
skein is bundled into a loop and
the thread ends are tied together.
3 Using a separate piece of
thread or ribbon, tie the loop
at opposite ends.
4 Cut off the tied end of the
sashiko thread. Do not cut
any of the other thread sections.
5 Cut through one of the loops.
6 You have now prepared the
thread for stitching. One
side still has a loop (the right
side shown in the photograph)
and the other side is now the cut
edge (the left side shown in the
photograph).
7 Pull the thread from the
looped side one at a time.
CARDING THE THREAD
Another option is carding,
or winding the thread
on a piece of cardboard.
Label the cardboard with
the color number for
easy reference.
When carding, it’s
helpful to have one
person hold the
skein while the other
person winds the
thread.
26
SASHIKO BASICS
THREADING THE NEEDLE
1 Fold a strand of thread on the
needle head (near the eye).
2 Slip the folded thread off the
needle and pinch the fold to
flatten. Insert the flattened fold
through the needle eye.
3 Pull the folded edge through.
4 Once the folded edge has been
inserted, pull it about 4–6”
(10–15 cm), then continue pulling
out just one side of the thread.
HOW TO USE A THREADER
When the needle eye is small
and difficult to thread
1 Insert the wire tip of the
threader through the needle
eye.
2 Place a piece of thread in the
center of the wire piece.
3 Pull the threader and thread
back through the needle eye
(be careful not to pull too hard or
you may damage the threader).
KNOTTING THE THREAD END
1 To knot the thread at the
starting point, place the end
of the thread against your left
index finger, then place the sharp
tip of the needle on top.
2 Keeping the needle tip
pressed against your finger,
wrap the thread around the
needle once or twice.
3 Firmly hold the wrapped
thread with your left
fingertips, then pull the needle
all the way up with your right
hand.
4 Knot is complete. Trim the
extra thread beneath the
knot.
ABOUT THREAD LENGTH
If you cut the skein as shown on page 26, you will end up with 20 strands of thread, each approximately 39⅜” (100 cm) long (for Olympus Sashiko Thread). You may find that as you embroider—especially with the Hitomezashi method—the thread becomes frayed or tangled. Since this will negatively