Jujizashi Sashiko cross stitch is a very common sashiko stitch that is worked with horizontal and vertical running stitches. It is a Hitomezashi type of sashiko stitching and is worked on a grid marked on your fabric.
If you can do the simple running stitch, you can do this Sashiko stitch. It is easiest when you mark a grid on your fabric, but the stitch can be done “free hand” if you’d like. The character of this stitch comes from not having perfect stitches. It is intended as a mending stitch to extend the wear of clothes but has evolved as a decorative stitch for garments and accessories.
This is a perfect stitch for beginners. All you need is a scrap of fabric, some stitching thread and a needle. You can use #8 Pearle cotton instead of Sashiko thread.
How to Jujizashi Sashiko Stitch
The Jujizashi Sashiko stitch is basic sashiko stitching that creates crosses with horizontal and vertical running stitches.
Materials
- 5-inch piece of fabric for stitching. I used a piece of navy linen. You can use any type of fabric.
- Sashiko thread for stitching. I used Daruma Sashiko thread.
Tools
- Sashiko needle suitable for your fabric
- Embroidery scissors
- Removable fabric marker. I used the Clover white marking pen for the dark fabric.
- Quilter's ruler sized for your fabric OR
- Plastic canvas cut to the size of your design
Instructions
- Start by preparing your fabric with a grid pattern. This makes it easier to do this stitch. There are two popular methods for marking your fabric. The first is using a quilters ruler and drawing lines every 1/4-inch both horizontally and vertically.
NOTE: Always test your fabric marker on a scrap of your fabric to make sure it removes as you expect!
- I secure the fabric to my wool pressing mat so that it stays still. You can also use painters' tape to tape it to your cutting board or other smooth surface. Here is the fabric with the grid.
- Another option is to use plastic canvas and make a dot grid on your fabric. I pinned the fabric and the plastic canvas to my wool pressing mat so they wouldn't shift as I was working on making the dots.
NOTE: The Clover White Marking pen goes on your fabric clear and turns white as it dries - be patient! 🙂
- Here is the finished dot grid.
- Now you are ready to stitch! Thread your needle with about 18 inches of sashiko thread. Start in one direction and do running stitches with every other row of dots. With each row, offset your stitches.
- Turn your work and do running stitches in the other direction, forming crosses.
- Continue completing the cross stitches across your fabric.
- The white marker comes out of your fabric with a quick press with a hot iron. Here are two samples of the Jujizashi Sashiko stitch at different sizes.
Notes
The Jujizashi Sashiko stitch is a simple Sashiko stitch that is perfect for beginners. All you need is a piece of fabric, thread and needle. You can use Perle cotton instead of Sashiko thread. This is a perfect method for making great patches on jeans and other clothing.
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How should I use the Jujizashi Sashiko stitch?
This stitch is perfect for adding a patch to a garment, or to use as a decorative stitch on a new garment or accessory. We’ve used it to make some simple stitched coasters.
Why is it sometimes called the ’10’ Sashiko Stitch?
The cross stitches form the number “10” in both Japanese and Chinese characters.
Browse through more Sashiko projects and inspiration on Create Whimsy.
