I Spent 18 Months Learning Sashiko Embroidery

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Well, it's been a long journey, but a very peaceful one!
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[@Worldbuilder]

I think I would use them as *really* cute handtowels. But I’ve spent years and years learning that using a thing you love is more important than preserving a thing you love. Because it’s in using it with joy you get joy out of it continually. :)

[@LoriPeace]

That's a good point. My first reaction to your comment was "handtowels?!? How dare?!?" But you're right -- in using something, "you get joy out of it continually"(to quote you back to you) whereas if you put it in a drawer to keep it safe, it may stay pretty, but it won't bring you that much joy.

[@cheekyb71]

Hand towels or table napkins! They're so beautiful, but if you aren't using them then they just sit and do nothing... I think there's a couple that are more detailed and wouldn't work so well as usable pieces, but they could be stunning on display

[@annettebroomhall8617]

Used and abused and loved to death is how I want my gifted quilts to finish their lives, so yes, make these useable and enjoy them on a daily basis. Tis sad how many things are put aside as too good to use.

[@craftdipper]

I agree. Little hand towels would be a beautiful use for these, and they would become softer with use. Linens that lie unused in a drawer are wasted in effect. Better to use, enjoy and wear them out❤ I think I heard someone say once in a sashiko video that stitched sarashi squares like these are traditionally used in Japan as kitchen cloths? Imagine!!!! 😮🙈😂

[@englishlanguagewithnina5965]

Using them as hand towels would give a lot of joyful moments!

[@nondisclosureable]

Sashiko is one of those things where getting a palm thimble and the correct needle type (they're a LOT longer than typical embroidery needles) really makes a huge difference in the learning curve.

[@Elirum]

Completely agree! I didn’t have the palm thimble (but would love one when sewing through super thick things) but even just the needle is so handy and if you were to spend any money on any of those things, it would definitely be the needle in my opinion.

[@enjoylife-cm8mn]

Yeah I came here to say this. A Sashiko palm thimble is a must. It doesn't have to be a specialized one either, there are plenty of tutorials on YT to make your own.

[@LazyIRanch]

Milliners needles are perfect, if you can find them. In 1980, when I was 19, I went to work for a tailor who created one of a kind couture suits for women executives. POWER suits, in 1980 the Joan Collins shoulder pads were everything! Our suits were sculpted with different kinds of interfacings inside that were pad-stitched to the fabric, such as underneath the lapels. Milliners needles were the only ones we used, finer than embroidery needles, but long. That way, we created 3-D curves to elements of the jackets that made them ultra feminine, no boxy "menswear". The shoulder pads and peplums created a flattering hourglass shape, even on our clients who were built like telephone poles. I love that era of fashion. Our customers loved our creations, and I learned so much from my boss, Gina. I never called her a "seamstress", I call her a fine artist and couture designer. Sadly, she died in a car accident in 1982, but I'll never forget that wonderful lady and what she taught me.

[@homestuckhauntsme]

This is great to know, thank you!

[@momosaku16]

This! When she was talking about her calouses I was just waiting for the point where she notices that you need a thimble

[@EliotChildress]

I’m currently living in japan and just wanna say this is beautiful. Also in terms of materials, don’t worry about it. The ones recommended in the book are likely not “fully traditional” they are what is workable and available. Just like with kimono, they are normally seen as silk today but the local kimono maker in town told me that in the old days there were no rules. If it was a nice fabric and you wore it as a kimono, then it’s a kimono.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

My brain goes to, the recommended brands/items might make the author some kind of commission. And like with everything, there are different levels to things. For your kimono example, there were the super fancy expensive intricate ones for higher class, then the lower grades for the lower classes, being from fine silk to basic linen or cotton

[@lilolmecj]

But let’s be honest, silk is wonderful, and easy to work with.😸 Realistically, in most, if not all history as it is reported, people used what they had. I have several quilt tops that were pieced by my grandmother and great grandmother, they did work to make their squares coordinate, but they were working from both scraps left from sewing, as well as pieces salvaged from worn out clothes.

[@ssoozee]

You are so smart! And maybe Japanese? I claim Japan as my home country because I was practically raised by a Japanese woman and she considered me her daughter, and I her, my mother. I’m going to make her a couple of these! Thank you for the video!

[@d.a.tsun5104]

Sashiko, I read, was meant to 'mend' a worn fabric (boro). You patch the cloth with these decorative stitches. So the materials shouldn't matter. But for beginners, it's easier to use thin plain fabrics to get the feeling, to trace the patterns and to get used to holding and working the needle. I'm glad I came across this video. I'm a newbie too so I can learn from her experience. I don't have patience, my stitches are getting larger because I rush.

[@kirstenfelton7420]

I’d use it as focal pieces in something you wear or make. The front of a pillow or the top bodice of an apron or pockets on a skirt

[@OleanderStarr]

You used sashiko to make hanafukin. I think they’re used as cleaning cloths way back when in Japan. The sashiko stitches were both decorative and functional since they made the fabric more durable.

[@lwagner1723]

And they're often done with scraps from old clothes that you layered up. It's like recycling. At least that's what I've read.

[@liav4102]

Yes! Embroidery is about the process not the destination. It’s like meditation but you have something physical at the end

[@SeaSelka]

Absolutely my thoughts! I do this (as well as other types of crafting) because I enjoy the process sometimes even more than the result!

[@bummersheep]

Beautifully said! Now I feel like I should strive to be more mindful as I knit. 😅👍

[@teresaellis7062]

@@bummersheep 😂Don't worry about being mindful. If you enjoy knitting and you enjoy the end product, it is enough.😊

[@sarahkinsey5434]

@@SeaSelka I like quilting and cutting is my favorite part because of how methodical it is

[@BananaPantsChannel]

I like how you made a little gallery at the end! My KZbin-only knowledge on Sashiko came from learning about visible mending. My impression is that sashiko began as a way to mend clothes, so from that perspective, using what ever fabric you have is probably plenty authentic

[@tezzcan1]

I was just going to say the same, there is a Sashiko teacher on Domestica (sorry Skillshare) that has the history too.

[@auditoryeden]

So, re the idea of a quilt: the key would be to embroider the top cloth, a layer of batting, and the back cloth together. Sashiko is often thought of as a Japanese decorative quilting technique. I would probably get two pieces of fabric slightly larger than the desired size of the finished thing, the batting, and then literally just use that whole huge thing as my work piece. Then eventually when it's done you bind it and it's already quilted. Speaking of which I just had an idea for another quilted Christmas stocking design 😁

[@BeholdAlphaAndOmega]

Yes, you're talking about "quilt as you go," right? That's also what I'm thinking. Stitch the finished pieces to quilt squares of equal size, say 12 x12 or whatever, stich the batting and borders on each square, then assemble at the end

[@auditoryeden]

@@BeholdAlphaAndOmega That's also a good strategy, I was thinking more in terms of how to make a future quilted project, not a use for the samplers. Although why not both? Both is good.

[@jsmxwll]

i found that a longer sashiko needle and palm thimble really made the process faster on larger patters with no curves or shallow curves. i use shashiko stitches for visible mending pretty often so i am usually going for a larger stabilizing pattern to reinforce the mend rather than a straight embroidery.

[@moonbasket]

So fun! I used the persimmon flower stitch pattern to attach interfacing to the side of a bag I was mending and I love how it turned out.

[@eh3010]

One of the best parts of sashiko to me is how it goes hand in hand with boro boro to use up scrap fabric or make a weak fabric stronger.

[@loriparker2440]

I like the Folding Screen idea (called Shoji Screen in Japan) because it would show off both sides of the fabric. You can also press a piece between two panes of glass and frame it. That way both sides are available for viewing. A gallery display of these on a sliding door, to a patio or balcony, for instance, would look nice because people could see one side going out and the other side coming back in. At the same time, it would help prevent birds from flying into the glass doors. Of course, you'd want to make certain the doors aren't in direct sunlight so the lovely threads won't fade. I really like this technique and I appreciate you explaining it as clearly as you did. Nice video. Kuddos. PEACE

[@katesbespokehandmade]

On the quilt front, you could do what's referred to as "quilt as you go." Aside from quilting each block separately (which you've done), it has a technique for joining the blocks that would leave you with a double-sided quilt/ blanket. You wouldn't lose any of your stitching, could still easily display it, AND have a lovely handmade heirloom. Don't stress about there being blocks of different sizes. I have faith you'd figure out a way to cover for that.

[@suzisaintjames]

What to do with the blocks? Here's a couple of suggestions: 1. Sew them together into a summer "quilt" or bed spread. (No batting, no backing... just sewn together.) See if you need the smaller ones to make the size to cover your bed, you might not need all of them. If you do, then sew a strip of fabric on all 4 sides (called sashing) to make them all the same size. 2. In Japan they hang very short curtains at the top of doorways (for privacy). Each western door would probably take 2-3 squares and you probably have enough squares to make these curtains for all the doorways of your home (including closets etc.). 3. If you stitched them all together instead of a bedspread, you could make curtains. They would be so pretty with the light showing through. 4. My home doesn't have big windows, so I might hang the "curtain" on a wall as a sort of tapestry or art piece. You often see quilts decorating walls of country cottages. Sending lots of love 💖 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵. Take care of yourself and each other 😷.

[@cerwelt]

I am making Christmas gifts now, so most of my embroidery is focused on finished projects. I’m a task oriented grandma. I have all I need to start Sashiko, and even found a book with patterns at my local “Friends of the Library” bookstore. I plan on starting after the new year because my attention is on gift making. I can’t imagine trying to do 36 projects for a first effort. Amazing in the bewildering sense of the word! I just finished my first sampler, it was 11x16” and ended up way better than I imagined. I still think a quilt would be a good way to utilize the pieces you made. Unless you’re going to frame them all I can’t see them being much more than so much embroidery put away in a box. I’m very utilitarian minded so consider that. The Japanese used Sashiko to repair precious clothing or to embellish clothing. A single piece might have been framed and hung, but the art was utilitarian in nature. Are you going to do more Sashiko or are you through with it? I love exploring embroidery in other countries so I was excited when I read you were sharing Sashiko. Thanks for the hard work! Beautiful.

[@Dwynfal]

I love this! I'm not an embroiderer nor a sewist but I just mended some jeans with a shashiko-inspired patch. I had a pair of new-ish jeans I loved that ripped along the edge of the back pocket. I think the stress of always having my phone in that pocket, along with probably a weakness in the denim made for a long straight tear and left my butt hanging out. 😳 I put a patch of thin denim below and affixed it with a shashiko-ish design. Looks great and did the trick! I had to use the stabby method though; ain't no way I could do the sewing method through 2 and sometimes 3 layers of denim!

[@susanramsay4189]

Good for you! Not throwing jeans away or goin to an expensive tailor, but DIYing and saving a bit of the planet!!!

[@blissfulluxurylife]

0:21 ‘unauthorized trip to barns and nobles’ 😂😂😂😂😂😂 13:34 awww puppers ❤

[@danielletdg8423]

I love that you kind of set up an interactive art installation in your house. So much fun. I think you did a fantastic job! ❤

[@LilianaAvriel]

That store, Maydel, had kits with proper thread and the thinble youre supposed to use, from a really swell teacher who resides in Kyoto- Kazue from sashiko lab. They have the needles too that help stitch through a lot of fabric. I'm honestly surprised that you chose ordering fabric over kit, but good on you for doing the pattern from scratch. Def check out that sashiko teacher, her documentation is really amazing.

[@nevethangiel]

The sashiko thread I order online is actually thinner and tighter spun than dmc thread in my experience, and I much prefer it to embroidery floss. But you do you! I would have started with a couple kits rather than being like “I’m going to buy the supplies for 36 projects at once,”😂

[@GreenWhitePurple]

I agree, about the thread and about the kits. I’ve been doing some kits and Im trying to work up to drawing my own guidelines on fabric - I’ve never done that before. Will have to find some YT videos! But sewing Sashiko is very soothing.

[@jociegeertsema9487]

I've been looking up (I don't want to say researching) sashiko off and on for a few years now. I'm too afraid of actually sewing it wrong😂 I've had people ask "what's sashiko" and I say " ITS A JAPANESE EMBROIDERY TECHNIQUE THAT TRANSLATES TO TINY STABS!" I can't control the nerd brain

[@megmagruder7124]

Tiny stabs, that would have been perfect to combine embroidery and voodoo. When irritated at a mortgage banker during a loan processing. It would crafty, but secretly I would be doing tiny stabs to take out my frustrations. Heee 😂😆😆🤣 will have to share with coworkers. (I’m in FHA multifamily underwriting)

[@Haffina]

That would explain why the tattoo studio near me is called Sashiko 😂

[@lauramayer4896]

I like how you just went for it! I have been researching it myself--and experimenting a little. One thing I found that there is something called a sashiko thimble, which sounds as if it will help with your pain and calluses. Another thing I was told is that it's pronounced more like "sash-ko" rather than sash-EE-ko.

[@annedavis3340]

​@@lauramayer4896 well, yes, and no. In Japanese every syllable except for "n" has a vowel at the end of it. This is why it can be difficult for them to pronounce some English words, as we don't have vowels after each consonant. They can and do quieten the pronunciation of vowels sometimes, think of whispering the vowel rather than pronouncing it clearly and deliberately. In pronouncing Sa-shi-ko you'd at bare minimum be saying sah-sh(i)-ko. (The "i" sound rhymes with "she", and the "shi" syllable is pronounced, therefore, exactly like "she", so pretend you're leaving the "e" off of the english word "she") Still 3 syllables, and even if you don't say the "i" you still want to think about it (hard to explain in text, it's still there in your breath even if you're not voicing it) 😊

[@SmolYui]

@@annedavis3340 mhm it's hard to explain, but yeah you are still saying sashiko but that i is almost fully dropped in casual speec, you do say it but it like you abruptly cut it off while saying it, wow it is hard to explain hehehehe, it very common thing in japanese, but you can still say sashiko fully pronouncing the i and still be correct it just sounds quite formal and technically theres also an "m" sound too thats said without a vowel in some cases atlast in some words i've learned in mahjong

[@jacquelinebergman6431]

I'm super impressed that you completed the whole book! They are beautiful! If you love both sides, you could use some which are the same size to make a beautiful folding screen room divider. I also think you could make some cool bags out of them with some clever folding that would show both sides. It would be fun to see you incorporate these embroideries into a piece of clothing, like a jacket or maybe a reversible vest. You could also sew some squares together to make a beautiful table runner. A roll-up or fold-up holder for art brushes or pencils would also be lovely made with these. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with them.

[@susanramsay4189]

It's really cool to hear all these creative ideas. It does my heart good.

[@kalieris]

That dress at the reveal is absolutely gorgeous on you. The color, the drape, the fit - just **chef’s kiss**. I started doing sashiko a month or so ago, and have been doing it freehand because pattern transfer is inexplicably hard for me. (Although I did buy a light pad while watching this video, so I guess I’m going to have to start thinking about making the actual correct patterns now, huh?) I wimped out and have been using thimbles, lol. I’ve also been using soft crafting felt as the base, because I’m too lazy to sew layers together. It’s really the most pleasant-feeling embroidery experience I’ve had, so I’m kind of excited now to do it closer to “correctly.”

[@ginninadances]

I agree on the dress. It's very princess-like

[@KTCoope]

Using a thimble isn't wimping out, I've been doing sashiko for a few months now and can't imagine not using a palm thimble, it feels like that would give you such hand cramp! I've not used a lightbox either, I draw the patterns directly onto the fabric (using grids etc) and it's totally fine :)

[@showandtellmeg]

I 100% agree about enjoying the process. There are some things u make because I want the finished item, and sometimes a certain part feels tedious and I want it to be over, but I generally love making things with my hands and the time I'm taking to make whatever it is will pass anyway and otherwise have nothing to show for it. So I knit complicated sweaters in tiny yarn and I love every minute of it. People always tell me they don't have the patience either and I always try to explain how meditative it is.

[@ElizabethSampson]

Make a jacket, skirt, shirt, or outfit out of them. They are so beautiful! Congratulations on this accomplishment!

[@bittersweet3-]

It could be reversible.

[@rhonddalesley]

A kimono would be perfect because it’s all straight lines so most of the squares wouldn’t need to be cut and the stitches would remain secure (although that’d depend on the size though 🤔).

[@monikasturm2575]

Stick it in your purse?!? But you have pockets in pockets! You don't need no stinking purse. Now you can carry a cute lil craft tote. 😂

[@monikasturm2575]

Oh wait was this filmed in the old apartment? Ok you still had a purse back then since pockets in pockets weren't born yet.

[@akhagee4707]

As soon as she said "on set" I knew it was prior times. Because she didn't do that kind of work during the strike either.

[@juliekustom4859]

😂😂😂

[@monikasturm2575]

@@akhagee4707 yeah saw the balcony and was like wait that's not the new house.

[@nydiaotero314]

😂😂😂😂

[@vickierayhill4637]

The squares would make a great summer bedspread maybe joined together with colored bias tape, or just strips of matching colored cotton like a windowpane.

[@janewarnock8855]

I love the sashiko squares, but I had to laugh when you said you made a rule for only 3 projects on the go at once. 🤣🤣 I try to stick to 2 : 1 for home, 1 for taking out with me! It is so hard when there are so many ideas out there!

[@leoniemcewen7578]

Lovely, great work, what about a coffee table book so people can sit down and look thorough them, maybe name of pattern labels, hand stitched of course..

[@julianachandler2975]

Beautiful. Impressive achievement. Even though I hate the thought of anything possibly damaging these, I also like the idea of them being used and enjoyed. Because of that, I think a coverlet (like the kind that you sit with on the sofa) where you could just stitch them together without a backing, could be great. Also, if you don’t mind cutting into them 😬, you could make a kimono type robe. Just my 2 cents.

[@susanramsay4189]

Your two cents just adds to all the wonder creative ideas listed here. Thanks.

[@gingerdunbar3428]

Hi, Charlie! I bought that book and a kit from Amazon back in August. You have inspired me to stop procrastinating and get to it! Thank you!!

[@Palitato]

Subscribed for cool crafty content, but also for heckin' cute pupper. Please make sure pupper is paid appropriately in treats for their participation in content creation.

[@LoriPeace]

An unauthorized trip to the bookstore? Does Mat have to authorize your trips now? LOL Halfway through -- this is fascinating! I used to do cross-stitch back before my daughter was born, and I still have all the stuff for it, tucked away upstairs. I keep thinking I should get it out and work on it again, but I've got too much stuff spread out all over right now from all the other unfinished projects I've got going on -- must resist the urge... must resist... it's a good thing it's all upstairs and I have a hard time going up the stairs. 😉

[@gettheetothestitchery]

Haha no, I have to authorize my own trips! Caught myself by surprise with this one - I was in the store before I could tell myself I did not need any more books. XD

[@ghostsandcoffee126]

I feel like those lovely boxy kimono-esc spring/autumn jackets would be a great use for these! Absolutely lovely work on all of these patterns! 😍

[@Sue_Shiko]

This looks like such a fun project! For anyone interested in sashiko, it's really worth getting the proper supplies -- needle, thread, and thimble. "Sashiko" encompasses the method of stitching, not just the end result. I recommend Sashiko Story here on KZbin for those interested in exploring more. It's a great craft, and with the traditional stitching method it's easy to stitch for hours without getting tired, since the action is in the movement of hands and arms, not fingers.

[@lullabybits8263]

I think this would be a perfect technique for embroidering the hem of a skirt, since the back looks clean as well that’s perfect for something that might flip up and be seen

[@ponderosityjay8132]

A throw size quilt at 6x6 pieces would be great and doggo/couch pretty size. It could be backed with scrap fabric a la what Shannon Makes just did on her channel. That seems like a very you project. You could also make 4 tote crafting bags/totes with a canvas lining. They are throw pillow sized. You could also make them fancy lined drapes.

[@LoriPeace]

But you're still talking about backing them with something which would cover up the beautiful work she did on the back.

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

I love the journey most. I am working on my first EPP hexagon project and started from the center out. It started with a yin yang symbol and keeps growing and now approaches a 60" star. That big, I decided to elongate it into a twin spread. Kept working while I designed the ends. Then I like the ends and designed the backing. I will hand quilt it. I consider it a Zen Meditation. I am almost finished with my latest cross stitch project, so pretty. It is a blooming redbud leaning over water in front of a full moon. My third project is turning old jeans into a skirt. This afternoon I ordered the fabric. Ugh. I have looked and looked for thrifted fabric. The problem was deciding what I wanted first. Wrong wrong wrong! I bought Aida and thread for a tapestry next. Gotta finish another couple hundred stitches on the tree 😊

[@ameliabowler4876]

Are you so so proud of yourself? Because this is an amazing achievement! I couldn't look away as you revealed the final set, and the most intricate patterns looked so cozy and luxurious.

[@joyteale6897]

Lovely watching you progress through all those stiches. I am a complete beginner and I found this very encouraging..

[@vernieplummer5148]

Is there anything better than the moment when you get all done and you can hang up your work and look at it? I do the same thing. I got sick and tired of how uneven my stitching looked, so the way I remedied that situation was to sew an entire quilt top in squares of paper piecing. Just like you, I did that while on a very long trip where we crossed the country and visited all of our friends and family. I do still remember where I was when I did certain ones. After I sewed the back onto the quilt top, I wanted to learn how to quilt with a regular sewing machine, so I quilted the whole thing on my normal machine. The entire quilt was a learning experience and it’s on my bed now. I can look at it whenever I want and enjoy it.

[@yochva]

Regarding the quilt: Connecting the squares would be a fantastic way to highlight bordering and connecting stitches! It could be a summer coverlet. Since each square is already two layers, it's already summer weight. And you can use plain strips of the fabric to make smaller squares the same size as the largest ones.

[@lenoragood9238]

If you decide to make a quilt some day, do your sashiko on quilt squares. I've always done it on two pieces of whatever quilt fabric I'm using. Usually, my name in kanji, for the lower right corner, but also in random or planned quilt squares. I learned it using Pearl 8 cotton thread. You are hereby commended for doing all 36 in the book. There are lots more patterns, or make your own. And I love the idea of a folding screen with wooden frames for your work. You could even put glass on both sides to help keep the dust, etc. off. Well done!!

[@cindiadkins9510]

i love cross stitching and i do use it as a way to relax but i do get to a point im so excited for the piece to get done that i get like “i gotta get it done” but then i can also start a new piece after

[@tangerinejukebox]

"I google it, watch 23 disconnected seconds of KZbin videos and dive in..." I've never felt so seen 🤣 The urge to jump in is just too strong sometimes, but it's great to see you've given sashiko love and time :)

[@lizvanwessem2055]

Here's my thought: you know those multi-fold (usually at least 3) room dividing screens? I would try to find some frames that have glass (or similar to protect the fabric) on both sides. Put the sashiko into the frames, one each, then create larger frames, enough to hold, say, 6 of the smaller frames within it. that would be one upright of your screen. Unless Matt is very handy with tools (and from something you said on Instagram it sounds like he's WAY too busy ATM for this) you'd probably need to get a carpenter - but if you make 6 of those uprights, with 6 pieces of the sashiko in each one, connected with hinges, you've got a really large folding screen that will allow for anyone to see both sides - it would look great in your living room, it's a big enough room to hold that kind of large piece of furniture. Alternatively, you could do something similar but treat each one as a cupboard 'door', maybe for something like those ikea cube storage things (I googled, the Kallax things), but again, focusing on the idea of having each one inside a double sided glass frame to allow you to see the back of each piece. This may actually work quite well if you want something that is slightly see through but not completely, if you leave the glass clear around each sashiko panel. Could work really well for storage for your craft room? Hope that I've explained myself sufficiently well and this makes sense? I'd send links but youtube won't like that.

[@linellcorban4194]

The room screen sounds really good. You could alternate the pieces- front/back to both show the backs & have the finished fronts on either side of the screen...not sure I explained that well!😆

[@sarahhatley4944]

It's quilting, you now have some great skills in hand quilting!!!

[@prosie1968]

That’s an amazing progression! I hope you make it into a quilt. I’m surprised you don’t mention sashiko needles or the palm thimble that helps you rock the stitches back and forth rather than using just your fingers.

[@cazkiwinz4300]

Ty for taking us on this journey…. I love progress videos rather than just showing off the end result… so much more fascinating 🤗🤗🤗

[@kriskossack7231]

I think I can understand patience comments. When working on a big project that seems like you are not getting anything done, I always have a small project to do so I can feel that instant gratification of having completed something. Just my 2 cents. For the embroidery squares, why not make them into curtains. Line of heavily embroidery than a line of less embroidery. It would be cool to look at with the sun behind it.

[@GoblinGhouls]

I like the idea of a sashiko blanket or curtain... You could frame them with some cotton ribbon to give some wiggle room for the varied square sizes. I think that'd be lovely! For future sashiko projects...i use it as a way of mending and reinforcing clothing! The extra thread through the fabric stabilizes it. It looks cute and decorative over areas like where I've ripped holes in the knees or at the back pocket, but can also be discrete for when the crotch wears through. This really extends the life of my jeans!

[@katrineknudsen4231]

I am from Sweden and I have always done crosstich, dispute stitch and needlepoint without a frame. It is the way I was taught and it means it is very portable.

[@bellehollins]

Your timing is impeccable. I desperately needed something focus-intense to keep my mind and hands busy the last couple of weeks and you gave that to me with this video! As far as new hobbies go, this was pretty cheap if you don’t mind not being picky about authenticity. I have been sending this to everyone I know! ❤

[@Famr4evr]

This is actually so amazing!! I think that it is such an awesome technique. I'm glad you were able to find the fabric to use and then share this new talent with the rest of us.

[@raynbeauheathercheng7721]

30:35 the term is called SMOCKING, a type of stitching. It shrinks, the fabric, as you're saying & it looks like the dark blue one that you embroidered. If you sew several strips of material between your squares, you would be able to make a quilt, that would fit your bed; but you could also make some cute curtains OR a dress with all of those squares and then the public would see your squares!

[@missKiran1234]

You're amazing ❤ You accomplished so much 🎉❤ Such a relaxing type of embroidery with just the running stitch 😊

[@marionlyding7935]

Okay, you have me "wow-ing" here! So proud of YOU! WOW! Beautiful work! May this lift you wherever you see yourself go. Love your determination! You go, girl!!!!! Lotsa love from New Mexico!

[@BethAge95]

Was very cool to see glimpses of your journey learning this beautiful embroidery technique! Loved the presentation in the end! The pieces on the line and you twirling in between was just magical!

[@debmarabito2486]

The stitches are the same as if you were hand quilting a quilt you made. I did one, and decided it was too much hand work for someone with arthritis. Yours is wonderful. Good luck getting them all done.

[@KEEN.J.M]

Make them onto a book for your coffee table. Embroider the front and rear cover as well as the binding. Use those pieces to cover wood panels for the cover. Bind all your panels together on one edge. Assemble cover. Stitch through hinge between covers and spine to secure all.

[@busybeenature9092]

I have been doing embroidery my whole life since my childhood. Learned from my mother. And had a great time making others learn too. But the whole world is full of different styles to offer in embroidery too. It’s fascinating. I loved your work. You have really done a great job. It’s about love and passion, not about patience. We enjoy what we do. Isn’t it? Thanks 🙏

[@brennagarten317]

I don't know how much you would enjoy doing more of the same, but organizing all of the squares by size, then working on the idea of what to do with these 12 large ones, these 12 medium ones, and these 12 smaller ones....I see 3 beautiful hangings of different shapes in 3 different rooms or on 3 different walls. Mondrian. Neutral borders to not take away from stitches. I love this post of yours!

[@kbrooks1808]

You're thoughts on why you embroider and don't need patience makes total sense! You could put the sashiko together into curtain panels for your house!

[@megandcochrane]

As someone who has the tendency to purchase all the stuff I’m told I’m required to do the thing correctly - before even checking to see if I like said thing - I applaud your ability to use what you have and make it work. ETA: maybe mount the squares in acrylic frames so you can see both sides but don’t have to worry about dust, dirt, or dog hair ❤

[@BiahPan]

The bit at the end where you hang up all of your work and admire it made me emotional. I'm an artisan and sometimes it gets so tiring I forget to do that simple thing. Admire my own work.

[@judidavieswebb]

Sashiko is relaxing, taught myself lash year, used cotton fabric and floss till I got the hang of it. I now have the needles and thread to do it properly. Good destressing exercise.

[@julieanderson4678]

Great! Nothing wrong with giving credit where credit is due. Plus it may peak people's interest in learning and appreciating more about other cultures especially in these times. Thanks for sharing.

[@Accentline1145]

Embroidery floss is a great sub if you're doing something decorative, however if you're doing mending I recommend getting the Sashiko thread. It doesn't separate into multiple threads easily, it's tighter spun, and it's overall a sturdier thread. I've done mending with embroidery floss and it just doesn't hold up long term on something like pants.

[@I.m-Me]

@gettheetothestitchery - 1) They're beautiful. 2) I think you'd also enjoy smocking, which is equally regular and detailed. 3) Suggestion for your sashiko pieces: If you want them to all be the same size for a project you can attach borders around them, either making them all the largest size or giving them all a border and then cutting them to a uniform size. That especially shrunken one would look good framed in blue, for instance. 3)A) List of reversible square items that wouldn't need to cut the embroidery: - a light throw sheet/blanket - comforter cover - square shawl (usually folded into a triangle when in use) - scarf/rectangular shawl

[@I.m-Me]

I'm not sure if it'd work, but I keep dreaming that one day I'm going to take a bunch of squares, maybe kerchiefs, turn them diamond-wise, and make a skirt. Possibly a dress. You could gather it, but I kind of want to just double the squares wherever I want more flounce 🤔 Anyway, the hem would be fun and I wouldn't have to worry about it being imperfect.

[@gettheetothestitchery]

Ooooo smocking has been on the list for a while! It's moving it's way up!

[@I.m-Me]

@@gettheetothestitchery A friend of mine did it once about 20 years ago. It was beautiful and very 3D, (at least 1 cm, I think?,) and it kind of turned excess fabric into a slightly elasticized, colorfully accented gather? Enjoy!

[@creepycutiecrafty]

I love the finished cloths! Sashiko is so painful at the start, but so addicting - and I’m really glad I invested in a palm thimble to help. (Before that I just pushed the needle I. Using the wooden tabletop! 😂 ) I used to think that finished sashiko pieces look so delicate and beautiful that they had to be for display, but having watched quite a few other sashiko artists on KZbin (TheGreenWrapper is my favourite!) using them as cloths around the house is appropriate - and gives a good reason to continue the craft to replace them when they wear out! I’m planning to use sashiko to repurpose old tea towels or other fabric that would otherwise be thrown out. Amazing video and so interesting to watch. Your work is so neat!

[@margaretwalker5697]

I've ordered from Maydel several times they are a great small business to support glad to hear you had the same experience!

[@lizcole2867]

If you haven't "done" anything with your beautiful squares yet you could make them into a fabric book. Wonderful memories to wander through as you would with a photo album. Congrats on finishing all the patterns. I'm sure I wouldn't have been able to .

[@Llz1234]

Stapling them to a wood frame, turning them into canvases would make really pretty wall art

[@angelamatthews8190]

I love these! I feel like embroidery is basically a fidget toy, or doodling with thread.

[@michellejaggard9657]

If you decide to buy more fabric try "Home Spun from a quilting shop. Misouri Star Quilt Shop, Fat Quarter Shop, Etsy Shops. Your local quilting shops, Jo-Ann Fabrics? I only mention this because I don't know where or what size town you live in. Home Spun is a looser weave fabric, but still 100% Cotton and comes i a vriety of colors. I don't like to wear a thimble so I put two small layers of blue masking tape on my thumb or a leather dot you can buy in a package that you peal off the backing and is reusable many times, just stick it to the pad of which ever finger or thumb you need. Oh MY GOSH! I am so impressed! How beautiful. How dedicated to learning a new craft. I think you should frame them, they are works of art.

[@SoMagicalMichele]

I've had people say that patience thing when I take my knitting/crochet out. The only time I need patience is when it's a HUGE project and I'm just pushing through because I lost interest. I find it interesting at how people think about hobbies.

[@Lisa_Flowers]

Speaking as someone who also engages in a time consuming hobby that is viewed as requiring a lot of patience (funnily enough, knitting lol) - I do understand where people who make 'pateince'comments are coming from. I LOVE knitting and crocheting, the process of doing it is incredibly relaxing and creatively engaging, but I'm also a pretty impatient person who gets bored easily. So often I feel the really intense urge to race through projects, even if I generally prefer knitting big sweaters on the tiniest of needles with the tiniest of yarn. It's a mixture of excitement for the finished products and a desire for something new. It's also why I have several projects on the go at once. Some people are process makers (like you) and some people are product makers - they make something primarily because they want the finished object, the process is a bonus (or sometimes a chore!). Many are like me, somewhere in between.

[@angielovett4159]

I would totally sew them all together as a summer quilt! No batting, no backing. I’m a improv quilter and I would just add thin sashing to even them up, just enough (not on all of them, but only where needed). I would also keep them in the order you did them. So you could ‘read’ the progression like words on a page.They are epic! I love you did the whole book! Awesome goal and great video! Loved it 🥰⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕

[@stitchann]

I was thinking a coverlet for the bed, just sewing the squares together so that both sides show. I some are a little smaller you could use a big of extra fabric around the edges to make them all the same size. Or how about a jacket. Even if you never make anything our of them, they are beautiful. Truly beautiful. I just found your channel . Love it.

[@danielowens2601]

Such a well deserved Like for this video. The video quality, the presentation, the honesty, the beautiful work! Really well done!

[@terridean4784]

You can sew them together as wall art. You might need “coping strips” of fabric around some of the squares to bring them all to the same size.

[@clivesmith9377]

You could use an embroidery frame to stretch the fabric. It make stitching so much easier and enjoyable.

[@colleennewman3292]

What a beautiful video! I love how you decided to display them on the clotheslines, too.

[@slackstation]

I don't sew nor embroidery but, I really enjoyed this video far more than I thought I would. Kudos to you on making it through 36 patterns. They look beautiful. For my two cents, they probably would make great handkerchief gifts as is. A beautiful geometric pattern pocket square? Yes, please! Either way, thank you for an entertaining 35 min.

[@4-kathryn]

It would've been awesome if you started the project as a triangle shapes and made them to work as a hanging celebration banner for various events. The only other idea I have for them as they are the square shapes is for wrapping up something tiny like mini hand soaps or mini perfume bottle to gift to your friends. Receiving something handmade is pretty neat if you ask me.

[@emilyrln]

You could make them into a tablecloth or table runner and napkins! Maybe a long row of squares, or two rows either aligned or offset like bricks, and more pain sashiko fabric on the top and bottom to cover the width of the table with a nice drop (in the case of the table runner, probably just one row so there's room for plates on either side).

[@alice.lefthandedscissors]

Wow, this is so impressive! What a fantastic video and congrats on finishing such a substantial project! As I saw them pile up, they looked like tea towels, but maybe it's not the right fabric for it. I also really like the garland idea like how you displayed them at the end!

[@Casey-ip7ug]

You can make reversible bags and pouches. Curtains or a gathered skirt could work. The less busy pieces woud be on the top while the busier ones were at the bottom.

[@arabellalunkes4532]

Omg! That is awesome! I am a serial quilter, and I can’t help it. I would do therapy for it but quilting is a therapy in itself, and I much prefer to spend that money on quilting supplies. So the summer is coming and husband wants to go camping and I’m like, what about my quilting… I mean, I avoid people so I can quilt more. So needing portable needle work I started to search and found redwork and I love it. Then this sashiko popped up on my you tube feed… Thank you for this great video, I agree in not spending too much on it , your tips are fabulous! I wonder how it looks after washing?

[@elizabethrobbins8580]

I have that same book but haven't done more than 1 from it. I got the floss but I couldn't bring myself to pay for the fabric. What I did was go to Walmart and bought some thin cotton dish towels. It worked great. The towels are single layer, 100% cotton towels. They don't come in anything other than white but since they are cotton, they are very dyeable.

[@NekoArts]

Ooooh, this looks really interesting. I might have to give it a try. I recently started cross-stitching again (for the first time since I was a child) and I can relate to what you say about how it relaxes you and keeps your hands busy. I've found that anytime I sit down to watch a movie or show (or KZbin), my hands get restless and I feel like I need something to do. So cross-stitch has worked great to keep me occupied while at the same time still being able to focus on whatever else it is I'm watching or listening to. I realize that your sashiko-project might be over now, HOWEVER, I just so happen to be living in Japan so if you find yourself in need of any of these things (whether sashiko or something else) I might be able to help you out. Lastly, I just can't get over how cute your sewing-buddy is. Give him an extra smooch and a hug from me.

[@raveniltotoro9877]

Wow, amazing!!! I think I will try out sashiko. I would totally use those beautiful squares as wrapping fabrics. I started sewing quick and easy fabric squares to use as gift wrapping fabrics (Furoshiki gift wrapping) and ran into your video. Now I know I'm gonna sew simple squares and then do Sashiko embroidery on them =)

[@CrimsonVipera]

They can be made into tote bags. Or reversible cushion cases they could close with ribbons or buttons. Or... OR! Knot and loop closures!

[@bessbird]

To make a quilt, or even a thin throw (picnic blanket?) put a border fabric around each piece and then square them up.

[@jjmetrejhon1743]

I love this video. I'm really interested in sashiko and might give it a go myself at some point in the future but I really love your attitude towards learning and persisting, and how kind you are as well. You come across as such a lovely person (and also the comedic zooming in on objects is hilarious)

[@ghostwinner21channel]

I've never done embroidery yet but have done knitting and crocheting, and this year (2023) is the first time I've tried them. I've mastered basic knit stitch adult beanies in knitting finishing them in 16 to 18 hours each and been on and off a British single crochet stitch blanket since June and been working 3 to 6 hours a day on it. I don't have great attention focusing and patience but the projects that I've done are something else. I'll eventually get to embroidery

[@aniafaery]

I get the "I don't have the patience to crochet" a lot when I'm working on something around other people, and I think it's that people don't necessarily realize that fiber arts of that type (embroidery, cross-stitch, knitting, crochet, and probably others that I don't actively do) are extremely zen. They occupy your hands and enough of your brain that the other ten thousand thoughts that normally crowd your mind (or maybe just mine) are quiet and you can just...relax. It's meditative. Sure, there are times where you've been working on a project for a month and you're two rows away from the end and you get impatient, but in general, the much longer chunk of project time is just you relaxing and maybe listening to an audiobook or watching something on TV that you've been meaning to watch but your ADHD wouldn't quiet down long enough for you to binge it.

[@skwervin1]

I am autistic and ADHD and my crafts save my mind. I knit, crochet, paint, embroider, bead, cross stitch, chainmail, tambour embroidery, colour with pencils,and a few other things in a sort of rotation. I will do a particular craft for anything from 2 to 6 months, complete a bunch of projects, then move on to another one for a while and so on. Mind you while I am knee deep in that craft eg. crochet, I will still be doing bits of knitting or sewing or whatever as things pop up. I have knitted, crocheted and embroidered since about the age of 6 so that makes it over 50 years. I'm often finding new types of embroidery to try out and this looks like another that will be on my list. While I am doing them, and I have mastered the technique enough that I don't have to keep looking it up, I enter a type of flow and time flies. In that state, I can write mental novels, plan events, star in my own movies or just day dream. Sometimes the answer to something critical will bubble to the surface while in that state. I call it taking my mind off the hook and just letting myself BE. I used to freak my ex hubby out when I would be doing a complex knitting pattern from memory, watching a TV show, reading a book and following his conversation with his mate all at the one time. This is I wasn't doing it consciously - I just did it. I used to get told off for talking in class and get asked to repeat what the teacher had said which I would do flawlessly which would piss them off. It's something my mum and sister could also do!

[@phoozchic]

Your Sashiko panels look beautiful hanging on the lines! Nice work!

[@eva_unrast]

I can subscribe to every word you say about the process of embroidery and the patience it supposedly requires: my family claims, not entirely without justification, at every suitable and unsuitable opportunity that by the time patience was handed out in heaven, I was probably already gone. Nevertheless, I like to keep my hands busy and enjoy sewing quite complicated and very tedious things, knitting, drawing, painting, crocheting... because it makes me feel good to do it. If the project turns out great in the end and I can hang a picture on the wall or wear a great new piece of clothing or something, then I'm happy about it. If not, so what? One of my (usually three 😅) projects is finished and I can start a new one, yay!

[@denasewell]

A quilt would be awsome just do a traditional hand tied style quilt after you sew all the squares together then with cotton fabric backing and cotton batting

[@1daySomeday]

Ok back again with more ideas USES FOR THE embroidery patterns!!!! besides making mini tote bags, pages for slow book journals, pillow cases etc, but also DOLL DRESSES AND SKIRTS! also those patterns would make fantastic interior liners for jewelry boxes , interior linings for hard back books, mini satchels with a drawstring. If i have more ideas for those pieces, i will be sure to come back and post it asap!