In a fast-paced, plugged-in world, it’s so easy to lose track of how the things we use everyday came to be. Even though today’s versions are largely machine made, human hands crafted the original objects. Sashiko stitching is not only beautiful and steeped in tradition, its practice is meditative, so it’s almost a form of self-care. If you are new to the craft, Our Step-by-Step Guide to Sashiko Stitching will help you get started for these weekend sashiko projects.
RELATED: How to Sashiko Stitch: A Step-by-Step Guide
Requiring few materials, Sashiko projects can go anywhere and have saved the sanity of many a soccer mom, public transportation commuter and world traveler. And it’s nice to have a project at home that you can pick up and put away at a moment’s notice. Catch your meditative moments when you can!
While you can create large decorative pieces with Sashiko, settling in with projects that reflect Sashiko’s roots in creating and repairing decorative objects seems natural. And with our hectic schedules, the weekend is a good time to unwind, reflect and recharge with projects that you can not only start, but finish in a few hours! Here are some of our favorite weekend-friendly Sashiko projects.
Quick and Easy Sashiko Projects
We’ve rounded up some quick and easy Sashiko projects that you can get done in a weekend! Small and easy projects that are perfect for trying new sashiko stitches, or use these ideas to springboard to other stitching projects.
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All you need is a bit of fabric, needle and thread – perfect project for enjoying an afternoon of relaxation!
How to Make Sashiko Coasters
Learn how to make these Sashiko coasters with our step-by-step tutorial with photos. These are simple running stitch designs perfect for beginners who want to learn some basic sashiko techniques.
PROJECT TUTORIAL: How to make Sashiko coasters
How to Make a Sashiko Stitched Needle Book
A perfect project for learning Sashiko stitching – make a needle book! It can hold all your Sashiko and other hand stitching needles. This is a fairly large needle case, measuring 8-inches by 4-inches, to hold quite a few needles, including long Sashiko needles.
PROJECT TUTORIAL: Make a Sashiko-stitched needle book
Sashiko-Embellished Ready-to-Wear
Perk up a tired garment with some stitching. Chardel updated this denim dress with some patches and boro stitching, which is considered a form of Sashiko stitching. Extend the life of one of your favorite pieces with some fabric scraps and some stitching!
PROJECT IDEA: Repurposed denim dress
Make Sashiko ornaments
Making Sashiko ornaments is a great way to see what the slow-stitch movement is all about. It’s slow stitch, to be sure, but the projects are so small you can complete them in short order.
PROJECT TUTORIAL: How to make Sashiko ornaments with Free Downloadable Patterns
Make a Japanese Knot Bag with Sashiko stitching
Check out the amazing Sashiko stitching projects by the Shibaguyz, including this Japanese knot bag. Shannon and Jason Mullett-Bowlsby work as a team exploring and creating with the ancient Japanese hand stitching arts of Sashiko and Boro stitching.
PROJECT TUTORIAL: How to make a Japanese knot bag
Looking for more information for weekend sashiko? Browse through more Sashiko projects and inspiration on Create Whimsy.
