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| Completed sampler. |
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I recently completed an Olympus-brand sashiko sampler in the traditional pattern called juji-tsunagi, which literally translated means "filled with groups of ten." The Japanese character for the number ten looks very much like the Western alphabet lowercase "t". By stitching a field of linked "t" symbols this pattern invokes prosperity - may your fortune increase tenfold.
I chose to stitch the sampler, ordered online from my wonderful supplier,
Miho, in two colors, Olympus # 10, a denim blue, and Olympus #5, a mustard yellow, which is one of my favorite colors in their range. This is going to be a teaching sampler, and the two colors will clarify the exact stitching sequence, which is very straightforward anyway in this pattern. I also just like the combination of blue, yellow and white.
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| Blue stitching complete, braided skein. |
When I've taught sashiko before, the biggest challenge seems to be with beginning and ending a line of stitching using the backstitch approach. So the stitching in this sampler, which is a teaching demo, starts and stops with just simple knots. To end the stitching I used a "needle knot;" my recent attempts at shibori dyeing have improved my skill in this detail, which is similar to making a French knot in embroidery.
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| To form end knot, loop thread around needle. |
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| Tighten loop. |
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| Using fingernail, hold loop at fabric surface, pulling thread through. |
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| Knot complete. |
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| Completed sampler, right side (left) and reverse. |
