Sashiko Inspired Squares: Woodland Creatures
If you’ve ever wanted to explore the art of sashiko, you will love this sampler class!
Sashiko is a form of traditional Japanese embroidery or stitching that originated in rural Japan. The word “sashiko” means “little stabs” which reflects the stitching technique of using small, simple running stitches to create geometric patterns or designs on fabric. Originally, sashiko was used as reinforcement to strengthen fabrics but over time it evolved into a decorative art form as well. Traditional sashiko is often stitched with white on indigo fabrics, but this class is “sashiko-inspired” because we are going to explore modern variations of the traditional stitches, using multiple colors.
The class project is to make six sashiko-inspired squares. Each square has a different pattern of running stitches and threaded running stitches to create elaborate geometric patterns surrounding an animal motif. There are 6 different woodland animals: squirrel, duck, hedgehog, rabbit, fox and toad. In each lesson, you will learn a new stitch and complete a square. The finished squares are 5×5 inches.
There’s a materials list with everything you’ll need for this project below. In the lessons, you’ll find a picture-in-picture view so you can see both the instructor and a close up view of the studio table so you can see every stitch step-by-step.
What’s included in this class:
10 video lessons, 178 minutes of instruction
Lessons to complete 6 – 5×5 inch squares
Step by step demos from start to finish
Lots of photos with close up views of the stitches
Lessons are accessible via your web browser on any device
Bonus lesson about how to create your own sashiko inspired designs
What you’ll need to provide for this project
You will need to purchase a Sashiko Inspired Squares pre-printed fabric panel for this class. It is available in my Spoonflower shop. The design with all 6 animals fits on one fat quarter of fabric. I recommend the Petal Signature Cotton. You can also choose Essex Linen, Organic Cotton Sateen or Silk Cotton.
At least 3 colors of embroidery thread. Choose either size 8 perle cotton or 6-stranded embroidery thread. (You can also get a thread “grab bag” from me here.)
Embroidery or chenille needle
Scissors
6 inch embroidery hoop or fusible fleece fabric
I love beginners.
You do not need embroidery experience for this class. Beginners are welcome!
Featured stitches in this class are running stitch and threaded running stitch. I designed each stitching pattern to build one after the other. So we’ll start with the basics and then introduce something new with each animal, varying the number of colors we are using or the way the stitches are made.
The fabric panel has guidelines marked to help with your stitching so you can make precise geometric shapes by just following the guidelines. And the best part is you get to choose your own colors for each design. I’ll give you some suggestions for how many colors work best for each design and show you two stitched samples so you can see how the designs look when stitched in different color variations.
Choose your class flavor.
This class is a hybrid. I also offer a live Zoom version of this class held on Thursdays at noon starting July 2024. This on-demand version parallels those live lessons, so you can take the live class and use this pre-recorded version if you miss a lesson, need a review, or want to make another.
In this on-demand version you work at your own pace, completing the lessons on your schedule whenever you want to stitch. There’s a comments section in every lesson to ask questions if you need help.
Want to watch a sample lesson? You can watch the “Materials & Tools” lesson for free by clicking on the “Enroll in this class” button below.
Register now.
Cost: This class is $25.
Level: Intro/Beginner
About Becka, the instructor
Becka Rahn works in a micro-studio in Minneapolis. She creates pieces in fabric and paper, specializing in hand embroidery and surface designs using recycled papers. She has received grant awards from Jerome, McKnight Foundation, and MN State Arts Board for her work. She’s the co-author of The Spoonflower Handbook, a DIY guide to designing your own fabrics and wallpaper. She is passionate about helping artists conquer technology barriers to make their work more accessible.