Pattern Archives - Upcycle Stitches

I frequently get a common question when I talk about the process of preparing the Sashiko project. “Which is better, to get Sashiko Pattern Preprinted Fabric or to transfer patterns oneself?”

My answer is always on the one with transferring pattern by yourself. Why? It is simply more fun when you have better control on your own Sashiko project. Sashiko isn’t only about stitching. It is about making your own favorite item with stitching your own preferable patterns. Therefore, I recommend learning how to transfer the Sashiko pattern onto your fabric. It isn’t difficult at all.

Step by Step tutorial in how to transfer pattern

How to transfer Sashiko Patterns on to the fabric

Easiness of Sashiko Pattern Preprinted Fabric

At the same time, however, I understand it seems like easy to just purchase the Sashiko Pattern Preprinted fabric. You can start stitching right after your package arrives.

There are many options available in the market. Especially for those with Japanese semantics patterns are very popular. When we had a shop in Japan, it was one of the best-selling items in the DIY section. Upcycle Stitches LLC carries some Sashiko Pattern Preprinted Fabric, too. Regardless of my preference or recommendation, I would like to follow the customers’ need.

Please do not ignore, however, that it is quite simple to transfer the pattern on the fabric. Although it may take a bit of practice to make it neat, the practice will be rewarding in your long journey with Sashiko.

Upcycle Stitches provide the tutorials online

Well. Yes. It may be easy for me to say it. I understand your worries.

Therefore, I uploaded a free online tutorial video how to transfer the Sashiko pattern onto the fabric. In the video, I introduce all the necessary materials to process it. Upcycle Stitches even sell the DIY kit for the practice of transferring the pattern with a reasonable budget.

Once you get used to it and keep the essential items in your box, it is completely up to your imagination to have Sashiko pattern on your Sashiko project. I want you to enjoy the freedom and the result with it.

Silk Screen the pattern for the bigger project.

The more I introduce Sashiko among my workshop participants, the more we understand the needs for Sashiko Pattern preprinted Fabric. Therefore, Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya and I start considering to invest into silk screen printing. This allows us to prepare a bulk number of pre-printed fabric for customers without adding enormous variable (labor) cost.

It is, however, going to be a big investment, and we would sincerely appreciate your support on our Patreon page. You will get the exclusive deals there, too. Also, we would like to know what kind of patterns would suit to the U.S. market. Would you prefer the traditional geometric patterns? Or something I like such as Kamon family patterns? I wouldn’t make the picture based patterns since the customers’ preferences would vary a lot.

A.Traditional Geometric Pattern

B.Kamon Japanese Family Pattern

Please let us know by leaving the comment. Which do you like better? Geometric or Kamon?

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.

Asano-ha (麻の葉）/ Hemp Leave

Higaki (檜垣）/ Japanese wooden fence

Seikai-ha （青海波）/ Ocean Wave

Shippou (七宝）/ Seven Treasure (Lights) (of Budda)

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.

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.