Category: Sashiko Pattern

Japanese Dressmaker Tracing Paper 3

Japanese Dressmaker Tracing Paper for Sashiko

atsushijp Leave a comment

I have been introducing the same carbon paper, so-called “Chakopee”, the Japanese Dressmaker Tracing Paper. There is a note written in Japanese on the back of product package. Here is the translation of note on using the Japanese dressmaker tracing paper appropriately. For more information how to use the tracing paper, please refers the video tutorial (listed on the bottom of this article) of “how to transfer the Sashiko pattern”. The package of 5 sheets is available on this website.

 

 

The product is available with the Selection of 4 colors is available now. Pick the color which matches to your project.

  • – White
  • – Blue
  • – Yellow
  • – Pink
Japanese Dressmaker Tracing Paper 3 Japanese Dressmaker Tracing Paper 1
Japanese Dressmaker Tracing Paper 2 Japanese Dressmaker Tracing Paper 4

 

Notes on using Japanese Dressmaker Tracing Paper

The Pattern will be erased by washing the fabric with water.
Read it before you use it.
  • – Please try to use a small piece of fabric (which you plan to use) and the corner of this paper to test if the pattern washed off as you wish, wait until the pattern gets dried thoroughly, and test it.
  • – When you erase the pattern, please avoid using the Oil-based solvent such as Benzine.
  • – If you iron the fabric before erasing the pattern, the pattern may stay stronger and get more difficult to be washed away. Please be careful with that.
  • – If the pattern does not get washed away by just water washing, please try to wash with neutral detergent by hand. Please AVOID DRY CLEANING.
  • – You may experience the difficulty of transferring the pattern onto the thick and bouncy fabric such as felt. (The thick and bouncy fabric isn’t ideal for Sashiko.)
  • – After usage, please keep the paper in the bag, and avoid the high-temperature &high-humid condition and direct sunlight. Please reach out from children’s reach.

 

Personal notes from experience.

  • – Using a ballpoint pen with good pressure will result in a good transferring
  • – If you press your hand when you hold the fabric and pattern, the shape of the hand may be transferred as well.

 

Sashiko patterns with Kamon and tradition

Sashiko Pattern | Explore the Tradition

atsushijp 8 Comments

Among various reasons for Sashiko’s popularity, I believe that the beauty of geometric Sashiko pattern is a significant reason why people felt in love with it. Including the traditional Sashiko Pattern, we have uncountable numbers of patterns to enjoy. In fact, the pattern can be anything you would like to try.

Here is a brief directory of Sashiko Pattern we often use.

1. Traditional Geometric Pattern

Needless to say. Many traditional patterns became like a representation of Sashiko. Some people refer Asano-ha patterns as Sashiko even without stitching. Among many geometric patterns, these four patterns would be the most well-known patterns.

  1. Asano-ha (麻の葉）/ Hemp Leave
  2. Higaki (檜垣）/ Japanese wooden fence
  3. Seikai-ha （青海波）/ Ocean Wave
  4. Shippou (七宝）/ Seven Treasure (Lights) (of Budda)

Sashiko Pattern Traditional

Not only they are beautiful, but the patterns are well thought to practice Sashiko stitching. I always recommend starting Sashiko practice with one of these traditional geometric patterns.

*A set of these patterns is available in our online store / Etsy store for PDF download.

2. Modified Geometric Pattern

The Japanese kept satisfying their artistic desire by modifying the traditional pattern without damaging the beauty in geometry. We can find many advanced and complicated yet simple and geometric patterns used on Sashiko and other Japanese art forms. Usually, these modified geometric patterns have the base. For example, the pattern in the photo is based on Asano-ha pattern and adding a sense of arrows.

Sashiko Pattern Modified

These patterns may require more advanced skill to get a good Sashiko result. However, the basic of stitching is the same. We do not change how we use our basic tools like a thimble and needles, we just think how we can stitch efficiently.

 

*A set of these patterns is available in our online store / Etsy store for PDF download.

3. Grid Pattern

We often use a grid (pattern) on the fabric to make Sashiko stitching. In order to make Hitomezashi stitching, the grid must be on the fabric. For the patterns with using a grid, the number of the possible results is infinite. We enjoy the process of making these Hitomezashi stitching. The most famous Hitomezashi would be “Kakino-ha (柿の葉）” pattern.

Sashiko Pattern with hitome Sample

4. Kamon Family Pattern

Kamons are emblems used to decorate and identify an individual or family. Its symmetrical pattern in a circle amazes me a lot. It is my goal to use more Kamon patterns on my projects. They are just stunning.

Sashiko Pattern with Kamon Sample

5. Create your own Sashiko Pattern

Sashiko Patterns Create by your own

Sashiko pattern can be anything you would like to work on. It can be just a series of simple lines or your own drawing. No limitation and no regulation. Enjoy Sashiko!

Mylar Paper

Mylar Paper | Best Supply to Transfer Material

atsushijp 1 Comment

In Sashiko stitching, it is very important to learn how to transfer the pattern on the fabric. I repeatedly mention it because the well-transferred pattern on the fabric will result in a good Sashiko stitching. In the process of transferring, using the mylar paper is a key point to avoid mistakes.

Here are the video and the article of how to transfer the pattern.

 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty04Wf9cWnM)

 

We used to use Cello Sheet (with the struggles)

To be honest, we didn’t know about the mylar paper until 2013. We used to transfer the pattern by using thin Cellophane sheet (Poly sheet). We had to discard the cello sheet everytime we used and it was difficult to use them. We kept doing it because we had a professional for the process of drawing and transferring the pattern on Sashiko fabric. She was an artist in that field. It was challenging to transfer pattern accurately even for a person who has a bit of experience, like me.

 

When we decided to share the process and technique of Sashiko, we thought of this troublesome process. We wanted people to learn how to prepare the fabric by themselves. However, the materials and process would be so challenging that some of them may be disappointed by the low quality. We even once decided to Not to provide the D.I.Y Set because of the issue.

 

Then, we found this mylar paper

Then, we found this mylar paper. A supreme quality and good thickness make the transferring process so easy. We are now comfortable to share the process so everyone can enjoy the preparation. It is fun to do Sashiko stitching with your own favorite design.

 

Mylar Paper 2

The Size: 16.5″ x 11.75″

 

It is even printable with a laser printer (Not an ink-jet printer). Enjoy the preparing process, and Enjoy Sashiko even more.