People often have a question how to transfer Sashiko patterns onto the fabric. Yes. Sashiko isn’t always about stitching. Preparing the fabric properly is a very important aspect of Sashiko.
Here is a tutorial how to transfer Sashiko Patterns by using a carbon paper
An easy and accurate way to transfer Sashiko patterns is to use a carbon (transfer) paper. Using proper tools will result in beautiful patterns on fabric. Here is a list of tools and supplies you need to follow this tutorial.
- Fabric *1
- Chakopee Carbon Paper (Transfer Paper) *2
- Mylar Paper *3
- Pattern *4
- We, as Sashi.Co, mostly transfer pattern on the back side of fabric
- We use Japanese Mylar paper. However, any Cello/Poly paper should work. It should be strong enough to hold the pressure (prevent being torn.)
- A regular copy paper is fine. Since tracing require a strong pressure, the pattern paper will be discarded after a single usage.
The necessary materials above are available on this website. Check the purchase list.
Layer fabric and papers in proper order
A video will explain about the layers well, but here is the order of the layer. The number is the order to place the fabric and/or papers on the table. (Bottom to Up after completing it)
- Fabric
- Chakopee Paper (Shinning side facing down to fabric)
- Mylar paper
- pattern
Securing the all 4 layers. A tracing process with strong pressure can shift any layers.
Make sure to pin the 4 layers you made now. I usually use safety pins, but any kind of pin should work. Even clips would be fine as long as the layers are secured from shifting. Another tip is to NOT to pin it at one corner so that you can check the pattern in the middle of tracing without shifting the pattern.
Transfer Sashiko pattern by Tracing
I usually use a red-colored ballpoint pen to distinguish the line I traced. You may use any kind of pen (a pencil may be weak for the required pressure), and tracing tools such as a tracing wheel. Make sure to trace strongly enough to push the tracing paper onto the fabric. You may check the results in the process untiil you understand that required pressure. The pressure is depended on the Cello paper you choose.
Check the result. Support the weak transfer.
You should see the white line on the fabric. (You may see different color if you purchase the different tracing paper.)
If you find some lines with weaker chalk transfer, then use a white pencil (or chalk pencil) to support the line. In the process of Sashiko, the pattern may vanish because of sweat from hands or friction of fabric. Use the pencil as you need.
And Sashiko Stitch!!
After that, Enjoy the Sashiko Stitching!
Keep it in your mind that I usually transfer the pattern on the back of the fabric. Since the patterns will be washed away, you can, of course, transfer the pattern on the front side. It is up to you, but for some reasons, I keep transferring the patterns on the back.
Leave the comments on Youtube Video if you have questions about transferring the pattern. I will try my best to answer it.
