Stitching a Zokin without using knots for beginners - some useful tips for making a Sashiko Zokin!

[@nancy-katharynmcgraw2669]

Excellent details for reproducing these steps + starting and stopping with no knot are shown! Many thanks! Great camera work, along with the subtitles in American English, are much appreciated! I also thank you for having clean hands and fingernails for all of your videos! It all adds up to a professional video! Thanks for your research and ability to share with us!!!

[@thegreenwrapper]

I struggled a lot to explain the process in English. I’m so glad to hear that. Thank you so much💕😊

[@Judith-wq2jp]

Yes, thank you very much! I am stitching a kawandi with visible stitches on both front and back; I was wracking my brain for the proper technique to have no visible knots when I found your video. What perfect timing! Thanks again!

[@thegreenwrapper]

@Judith-wq2jp Thank you💕💕 I’ve never tried kawandi😍 There are so many things I want to learn❤️❤️

[@lesleyannjacobs1383]

I am from South Africa and am Afrikaans speaking. In our culture we also use cleaning cloths for many different purposes. We have a word for such cloths that is used so commonly that people of other South African languages (we have 12 official languages) also often use this word. The word is "lappie". Means piece of material used for cleaning.

[@thegreenwrapper]

Wow, thank you so much for sharing💕💕 I really love learning about other cultures and finding something in common❤️ Those things connect people more closely. I’ll search about lappie and try to learn more about your culture as well. Thank you so much😊

[@wicakaro6046]

In german we say 'Lappen'. Putzlappen for cleaning, Spüllappen for doing the dishes, Staublappen for a duster.

[@thegreenwrapper]

@wicakaro6046 That’s so interesting💕💕 Thank you for sharing😊

[@mariakotze7317]

Ek ook!

[@lesleyannjacobs1383]

​Ons is goed geleer! 😁😁

[@denisekay4292]

I'm taking this up as a therapeutic hobby. I winged it with my first embroidery and my dishcloth is precious to me.

[@thegreenwrapper]

It’s really calming somehow😊

[@deannesherriff3247]

At the moment I’m making zonkins from some old linen pillowcases I inherited from my mum in law. They must be 50 years old, but although the fabric is thin it’s very soft and absorbent. I’m making them as Christmas gifts for my dear friend. Each stitch has love in it! 😊

[@thegreenwrapper]

Oh wow, 50 years old😍 They will be amazing gifts for Christmas💕💕

[@MoovinOnEstateSales]

I'm so happy your video showed up in my feed! We have a 3 day event where I'll have to sit for long hours (not something I'm good at doing), I have a lot of double gauze & embossed terry cloth scraps left over from making baby gifts that I've almost thrown out because I didn't know what I'd make with it - this is a perfect way to use it up and entertain myself! I also need new cleaning cloths and will have plenty to gift as well. Thank you!

[@thegreenwrapper]

Oh that’s perfect😊 Happy stitching💕💕

[@marijkeschellenbach2680]

I read somewhere that children in Japan take a Zokin to school to wipe their desk down and I wondered if this was still true. I think it is a wonderful idea👍

[@thegreenwrapper]

It is true! Cleaning time is part of our school life😊 Eveeyone has to bring a couple of Zokins to school. We use some for cleaner surfaces like desks and some for wiping floors👍

[@paperdoll1982]

I just found a bunch of old flannel receiving blankets so I will be repurposing them with help from this tutorial. Thank you! I’m very Inspired!

[@tammygant4216]

That sounds like a wonderful idea!!!

[@thegreenwrapper]

That’s wonderful💕💕 I read that flannel is not particularly absorbent but my Zokin has been so far so good👍

[@zaadiavaline9956]

@@thegreenwrapper~ It depends on the material content of the fabric. Cotton flannel is absorbent, yet the fibers of polyester flannel are not; so I would choose cotton flannel or other natural fabrics, in this case. Otherwise, I love upcycling gauze & old fabrics, as well. Thanks for your skillful Zokin stitching demonstration, btw. ~ I enjoyed your video. ❤

[@thegreenwrapper]

Oh thank you so much for the information. I suppose my flannel is cotton as it was a bed cover. I’ve been using it since then and it’s been pretty good😊👍

[@konetashelton4130]

My past 4 hours tonight...I drew this exact pattern and just now completed it. ❤ Smiling to myself and sending gratitude to you for sharing this video.

[@thegreenwrapper]

Oh that’s so lovely😊💕💕 Thank you so much❤️

[@cathys949]

I love that pattern! It's lovely to make things look appealing that have a humble everyday use.

[@thegreenwrapper]

Thank you💕💕 I’ve started using them and it makes me feel good😊

[@joanneoakley3581]

Thank you so much for all your wonderful videos, they are so helpful, informative and inspiring!! I've fallen in love with Sashiko after watching your videos and am really enjoying making some little purses with the designs on them. I love this pattern too and am addicted to making Zokins now so I'll be making one with this design next! Please keep up the good work and wishing you much joy and happiness always! Love Jo xxxlolxxx💞

[@thegreenwrapper]

Thank you so much💕💕 Your comment means a lot to me❤️ I’m learning a lot from all the messages and comments. I’m so lucky to have such a warm community who helps me learn more😊

[@lesley4928]

Thank you very much for your wonderful videos! I so appreciate the time and effort you have put into these tutorials. I have bought some Sashiko thread and needles, and am repurposing old teatowels and flannel pyjamas for Zokin cloths. I am very grateful to you 🙏💖 Thank you and best wishes from New Zealand.

[@thegreenwrapper]

Oh that’s amazing💕💕 Thank you so much😊

[@raquelrodriguez9840]

Now I know what to do with some old clothes! I wanted to transform them into cleaning rags, but my partner gets sad anytime he sees them (because his favourite shirts are worn out and he can no longer wear them...). If I embroider them with those beautiful designs, he won't be able to complain! 😄 Thank you for linking that sewing book, it was lovely to look at the Home Economics projects and patterns. Please, do link other books you find on the subject! And thank you for taking the time to teach us all.❤

[@thegreenwrapper]

My kids love wiping with the Zokins made from their old clothes😊 My husband uses zokins from his old tshirts too. It feels so nice to be able to use them than just keeping them in a box somewhere👍

[@junkabella6324]

I am currently going crazy over sashiko and zokins (my current ’tism ride) and your videos are the best cure for my itch! :)

[@thegreenwrapper]

Oh that’s great😊💕💕

[@deborahmeyer-y4m]

Great video on how to start and end with thread. I love this design. Thank you!

[@thegreenwrapper]

Thank you💕💕

[@creepycutiecrafty]

Thank you for explaining so clearly how to start and stop without knots. It’s one of the things I have most trouble with! The finished zokin looks so tidy and pretty. They’d make excellent placemats as well as dusting cloths.

[@thegreenwrapper]

Thank you💕💕 It took super long to edit this video and I was not sure if my explanation makes sense. So I’m glad to hear that❤️ I thought second one looked like a placemat too😆 I’ll use some cleaner ones in the kitchen and some for cleaning floors (you know we have cats and they are messy eaters so cleaning wipes are essential😹).

[@creepycutiecrafty]

@@thegreenwrapper cats just don’t care - yet always look immaculate. How is that possible? 🤣 The explanation was very clear. It’s such a useful skill to learn!

[@thegreenwrapper]

I gave up on removing cat hair from my fabric when I shoot a video because they anyway sit on it while I’m shooting 😹😹😹

[@creepycutiecrafty]

@@thegreenwrapper it’s how they show affection! 🤣

[@VeretenoVids]

Thank you--I've always struggled to make neat knotless starts. This was the most helpful illustration I've seen.

[@thegreenwrapper]

I’m glad to hear that! This is the way I start often, but it’s not the only way. You can modify it for your project😊

[@laetitia7384]

That's a nice pattern simple and efficient !

[@thegreenwrapper]

I agree👍 It’s really efficient and practical yet beautiful💕💕

[@DeniseCestmoi-y6e]

I started making these after watching your videos. I use "double gauze cotton" for the fabric because it has a nice soft texture and I use the cloth for applying skin lotion. I also made one for washing dishes but I used muslin for that one. Thank you for teaching this technique.

[@thegreenwrapper]

Oh, that’s fantastic😊 Thank you so much for sharing💕💕

[@Sunshine-se6yn]

I watched this video as you recommended and I learned a lot. I especially like the needle test for the fabric. Thanks so much!

[@thegreenwrapper]

Oh I’m glad😊💕💕

[@rockymtnpenny]

Thanks for directing me to this video! It is full of useful tips!

[@thegreenwrapper]

Oh I’m glad to hear that😊

[@tammygant4216]

Wonderful!!! I thought I had a pretty good understanding from your last video, but this took my knowledge up many steps. I understand the general idea of the starting and stopping without a knot but I will watch a few more times to be sure. I'm so excited to make a Zokin, BUT I promised myself I will finish my current project first, so I'm going to go work on that now so I can try this very soon! Thanks again. Great video!!!

[@thegreenwrapper]

Oh I’m glad to hear that💕💕 This is just one of the ways to start and finish and I tweaked a little over time to be more secure. There are many ways and you can find the best way for you. I do differently depending on the project too. There’s a video showing some other ways.⬇️ SASHIKO How to start and finish stitches without making knots - Sashiko for beginners Part2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/a53PiYyjaJ2lrbM

[@RayneLainey]

Thank you so much for this video! I've already made one Zokin and loved it. I think your English was wonderful❤

[@thegreenwrapper]

Oh thank you🥹💕💕

[@jhjln8712]

I love your technique for stitching without knots. I will definitely be trying it!

[@thegreenwrapper]

Thank you💕💕

[@Graasland]

Just made one like this (by hand) from an old work T-shirt that was beyond mending. One more to be made from the other panel. Thank you!

[@thegreenwrapper]

Oh I’m so happy to hear that😍 I’ve got an old video about T-shirt Zokin here, just in case👍 Repurpose your old T-shirts and clothes as Japanese style reusable cleaning cloths - DIY Zokin kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6CpaGCmo9OGrtE

[@pacaluvr7963]

Great video. These will be easy steps to follow. I’m looking forward to making these…love the reusability of these. Thank you!

[@thegreenwrapper]

Thank you💕💕

[@sandrahickey3593]

Thank you for your detailed how to draw the pattern. I think I got this one.

[@thegreenwrapper]

Oh I’m glad to hear that👍💕💕

[@SharonLeeCreative]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I look forward to trying this pattern. 😊

[@thegreenwrapper]

Thank you! Please try it. It’s easy to draw and beautiful😊

[@leannarandall]

Great tutorial!

[@nemunemu1]

こんにちは！ 私も刺激されて雑巾、ふきんをチクチクしています。 介護中なのでまとまった時間がなかなか取れず　パターン無しで好きに刺してます。それでもとっても楽しいです。慣れたらパターンも書いてみますね。 国会図書館の明治の本の紹介ありがとうございます🎉 目の付け所がスマート！！ それと異国の方々のコメントがとても楽しく勉強になります。 ドイツ語でラッペンというのですね？！孫娘との話題が増えます（笑） 沢山お話したいですよ！（笑）また越させてくださいね❤ 今日もありがとう❤

[@thegreenwrapper]

こんにちは！雑巾って日常的に使うものだし、適当に縫えばいいんですけど、ちょっと工夫を凝らすと使うのも楽しくなりますよね😊　ただの雑巾ですが、世界中の皆さんからいろいろとポジティブな反応をいただいて、嬉しい驚きです。ドイツも然り、いろんな国に似たようなアイデアや習慣があることも知れて、私も勉強になっています。 介護中なんですね。ちくちく針仕事が合間の息抜きになりますように。

[@nemunemu1]

ありがとう！息抜きと至福ですよ！あなたのお陰様❤らぶゆ

[@debishimamoto3704]

I like the pincushion you have in this video!

[@thegreenwrapper]

Thank you! I made it in this video here⬇️😊 Handmade Sashiko pincushion with small scrap fabric! Japanese Otedama-style sewing project kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4uXc2qJiqp1nck

[@DonnaWilliams-y5o]

These are great instruction, Thankyou. I’m just beginning to learn this & I thought I would make some face wash cloths, as I usually use buy dish cloths which are light & easy to wash, but making them with thin fabric & stitching them with sashimi will be very pretty.

[@thegreenwrapper]

It’s for practicality after all. I think it’s best to apply it for what you need💕💕

[@RS13290]

It's too good 👌

[@thegreenwrapper]

Thank you💕💕💕💕💕

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

Very nice, thank you.

[@thegreenwrapper]

Thank you💕💕

[@mariadeliacaraccio1146]

Gracias, una maravilla!!!!

[@thegreenwrapper]

Thank you💕💕😊

[@patriciaaroza2745]

Son tan lindos que da pena usarlos como trapos de cocina.Los usaría como agarraderas o posa fuentes por ejemplo. Saludos desde Argentina 🇦🇷💗💗💗.

[@thegreenwrapper]

A pot holder with Sashiko is a good idea😍

[@caffeevid]

I love your videos! I watched one video yesterday and already made my first sachiko zokin today! Question: so this method without knots is really secure enough? It won’t come apart in the laundry machine?

[@thegreenwrapper]

Hi! I really understand that this doesn’t look very secure. I thought the same when I first learned it😊 The back stitch works like a back stitch on a sewing machine. You don’t make a knot with a sewing machine but the stitches are pretty secure when you use a back stitch. Also, with Sashiko, a thread usually turns to many directions (it doesn’t stay as a straight line) and this makes it hard to pull out the thread even if you want to. I’ve been washing them in a laundry machine and drying them in a dryer since I made them in this video, but the thread hasn’t come off yet. Until you make a turn after changing threads, it can come off when you pull out, so you need to be careful not to pull it too much. Once you’ve made a turn, it should be secure enough. I’d recommend practicing it with some scrap fabric to feel comfortable with it😊

[@caffeevid]

@@thegreenwrapper Thank you so much for your speedy, personal reply! Wonderful. I will try it just as you describe. I am thrilled - truly thrilled - to discover your channel and begin this wonderful journey. My young child watched in awe as I made my first zokin today and wants to learn as soon as she can! What a gift you’ve given us.

[@keerthanashanker8489]

Hi! I love all of your videos. I made sashiko coasters and they were a success. Would it be possible for you to demonstrate how to do you handsew mitred corners for furoshiki since sarashi cloth isn't easily accessible in my country? This is just a suggestion ofc. The way you demonstrate is so easy to follow!

[@thegreenwrapper]

Thank you for the suggestion😊 Also, there’s a video about substitutes for Sarashi, if you’re interested💕⬇️ Are there any substitutes for Sarashi? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eX3YeZZ4qrl_h8k

[@keerthanashanker8489]

@@thegreenwrapper Ah, thank you so much!!!!!

[@marijkeschellenbach2680]

I always appreciate all the helpful hints you show every time you do a project because it helps "burn'' it into my brain. One of the things I sometimes struggle with is the direction of sewing some of the more intricate patterns, like the tortoise shell which I am working on now. I know it is about saving thread but it seems that oftentimes it leaves large loops on the back. Should I be stitching/passing them between the two layers?

[@thegreenwrapper]

All the Kikkou (tortoise shell) patterns are tricky and I always struggle as well😅 Some of them don’t seem to have any shortcuts. If it’s not too hard to run the thread between the layers, maybe that’s the easiest way? Some books suggest to stitch one hexagon at a time and cut thread often (which I’ve done once to stitch on a furoshiki and took forever). Have you watched this one? I tried to figure out different ways of stitching some Kikkou pattern⬇️ How do you stitch these Kikkou (hexagon) patterns with Sashiko? Kikkou/Juji-Kikkou/Tsuno-Kikkou kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHure2pqnqqDbZI

[@aliciar4715]

Thank you for the tutorial, I look forward trying to make a zokin. I have a question about the pen marks, do them disapear with use?

[@thegreenwrapper]

Hi! I use erasable markers for drawing lines. There are often a water erasable type and a heat erasable type. You can remove the ink by washing or ironing depending on the marker😊

[@bluestar.8938]

Thank you : )

[@thegreenwrapper]

Thank you💕💕

[@rajiprabhakaran4940]

Fascinated by your artistic presentation… I am very keen to try my hand at this. But where to get double gauze material from? Can any one tell me please

[@thegreenwrapper]

Hi😊 Gauze is very common in Japan and I see them often here in Australia. It seems to be called muslin as well but some muslin are not quite the same as gauze. However, it’s not particularly common to use gauze for Zokin and you can use other absorbent materials👍

[@hadiel6894]

Bellissimo tutorial,grazie ,amo questo genere di lavori perché parlano anche di riciclo e riuso senza dover comperare nuove salviette per le pulizie,solo una domanda:usi anche le magliette di cotone(t-shirt) per creare queste salviette o solo i canovacci vecchi?grazie ancora❤

[@thegreenwrapper]

Thank you so much😊 Traditionally, we didn’t have T-shirts, so we didn’t use them, but I do make Zokins from t-shirts as well. The material is not easy to stitch by hand, so I use a sewing machine. Here’s the video (but it doesn’t have subtitles yet). ⬇️ Repurpose your old T-shirts and clothes as Japanese style reusable cleaning cloths - DIY Zokin kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6CpaGCmo9OGrtE

[@suzisaintjames]

Do you think more stitches makes the zorkin last longer or it doesn't matter? 💕🌞🌵😷

[@thegreenwrapper]

The general idea of Sashiko is the more stitches, the stronger the fabric gets. So, more stitches may help if the fabric is worn out already. It takes time to stitch a lot though. I’d recommend starting with simpler stitches first and add more stitches later if needed😊

[@aricafong1817]

Can you machine wash these or are you washing them by hand before snipping the thread ends?

[@thegreenwrapper]

You can machine wash them (I even tumble dry them, as they are just for cleaning). I usually soak it in water after stitching to remove the ink of a water-erasable marker. I usually cut the ends of thread after drying it, just in case the thread shrinks a bit through washing.

[@AriwulandariWulandari-gz7pg]

I like your videos, can you add Indonesian subtitles to each of your videos? Thank you 😊😊

[@thegreenwrapper]

Hi! I will add Indonesian😊 Also, if you go to Setting on the screen, you’ll find the Caption setting where you can choose Auto-translation. Can you see if it works for Indonesian?

[@AriwulandariWulandari-gz7pg]

oh sorry I wasn't careful, I've found it... thank you ☺

[@thegreenwrapper]

That’s great😊 I’ll add Indonesian from next video👍