For Sashiko stitching, preparing the pattern on fabric is straightforward. In fact, as shown in the 6 Minutes Video of Transferring Kamon Pattern for Sashiko, transferring a Kamon pattern takes only about six minutes with the right tools.
Here’s what you’ll need & exactly what I used on the video:
- Carbon Paper (chalk paper with a carbon-coated side to transfer the pattern)
- Mylar Paper or Similar Plastic Sheet (to protect the carbon paper, allowing for repeated use)
- Kamon Pattern on Paper (Some will be available on Patreon)
- A Pen to trace the Kamon (Any Pen is fine – I prefer to use “Red Colored” Pen).
- Safety Pins (To stablize the materials)
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Video of Transferring Kamon Pattern for Sashiko
As the video shows, it’s quite simple and doesn’t require much skill. All you need are good tools and supplies to make sure your time isn’t wasted. This is just the process of preparing the pattern, not Sashiko itself. However, it’s a very important step to fully enjoy Sashiko.
General Tutorial on “How to Transfer the Pattern on Fabric for Sashiko”
Learning “How to Transfer the Pattern” is crucial, no matter the type of pattern you’re working with. While some geometric patterns can be prepared without this step, I encourage all Sashiko practitioners to master the process of using transfer paper and the appropriate tools. This skill ensures that any pattern can be accurately prepared, enhancing the quality of your Sashiko stitching.
For more detailed guidance, you can find a separate article I wrote in 2017 below.
A common question I receive from those interested in Sashiko is this: “Which is better—using preprinted Sashiko fabric or transferring patterns onto the fabric yourself?”
In my experience, transferring the pattern yourself is the most rewarding approach, and I always recommend it. Why? The process not only enhances your skill but also allows you to take full control over your project. Sashiko, at its heart, is more than the act of stitching. It’s a deeply personal journey of creating something uniquely yours, selecting and arranging patterns that truly resonate with you.
When you transfer the pattern by hand, you add a personal touch that simply can’t be achieved with preprinted fabric. The process is not overly complicated and can be done with basic materials like transfer paper and tracing tools. By preparing your own pattern, you engage more fully with each part of the Sashiko process, transforming a simple fabric into something entirely your own.
In embracing this step, Sashiko becomes more than just the final stitched design—it’s the entire process, from preparation to completion. This is why I encourage anyone, from beginners to advanced practitioners, to learn and appreciate the art of pattern transferring.
Other option is to purchase the fabric with pattern preprinted.
While I highly encourage you to learn how to transfer patterns onto fabric by following “A Video of Transferring Kamon Pattern for Sashiko,” there’s nothing wrong with using pre-printed fabrics. When working on a large piece with a complex geometric pattern, I understand that preparing the entire pattern yourself can feel overwhelming.
To make things easier, we offer fabric with pre-drawn patterns, created using a silkscreen technique and printed with water-washable ink on indigo-dyed cotton—the ideal fabric for Sashiko. These pre-printed fabrics provide a convenient way to practice Sashiko stitching, particularly with Unshin.
One suggestion I’d like to make, however, is to avoid pre-printed patterns where stitch sizes are already defined. Such markings can disrupt the natural rhythm of Sashiko stitching. Instead of following printed dots or lines that dictate stitch size, try to find your own rhythm and style in each stitch. This approach will allow you to truly connect with the art of Sashiko and make the process