This is a stitch-a-long (SAL) from Clare Bradshaw's FaceBook group. It was made up of 26 designs (including the border). I started in October of 2025 with the group, finished the border and started the first pattern (upper left) and it made me insane. I did not grok how to go about doing this at all and it got shoved into the timeout pile. I had downloaded all the patterns and in March of 2026 I picked out an "easy" pattern and worked it. Then progressed to more patterns and finished this in April. It did give me a boost to finish but I must say some of these patterns strike me as modern. Searching the internet is doing me no good, so I've ordered some books to help me determine what "flavor" each pattern is and if it is traditional or modern.
Finished Piece
Sashiko (translating to "little stabs) is a traditional Japanese embroidery technique using simple running stitches to create intricate geometric patterns, historically used to reinforce or repair indigo clothing. It is known for its practical, meditative, and durable nature, featuring thick, contrasting thread (usually white) on dark fabrics. Traditional patterns primarily featured geometric, nature-inspired motifs (e.g., wave, hemp leaf) that signify protective, lucky, and symbolic meanings. Originally developed in the 17th-century Edo period (approximately 1603-1868) for reinforcing, mending (boro), and warming clothing, these white-on-indigo stitched designs are now used for decorative quilting, home decor, and visible repair. This style of embroidery falls somewhere between counted and blackwork.
Traditionally, a dark evenweave fabric is the ground and a heavy-weight cotton thread. You can stitch through more than one layer to pad a garment or for warmth. Depending on the pattern, some of the patterns leave the blocks stiff, but very warm. While I have found some information on patterns, I haven't dug deep enough yet to determine stitch types and patterns that would be SCA appropriate (before 1650). More to come on this.
I used Aida cloth I had hanging around and size 12 cotton perle' DMC thread. The thread was almost too large for certain motifs based on the pre-determined box sizes and I should've used floss for those to keep the motifs crisp. The Aida had it's own issues as running stich is better on evenweave. I did break tradition and use 2-strands of 799 DMC 25 strand floss in the center of the piece just to bring out that part of the more modern looking motif. I can look at most of these and see mountains, waves and flowers, so I'm on the right track. More sashiko info to come!
Some progress photos:
Starting the border
I thought I had figured block 1 out and started on it, but it got a bit more complicated after this. It was the last block I completed on the piece. With experience comes some new insights on how to tackle the pattern.
So I tried some that appeared more "straight-forward" to me. I also liked the look of them a bit better, so that helped keep me going.
I stopped here to take a pic
Then here
I like it with some negative space (this could also have used a thinner thread or to be over 2).
Not a great pic, but this would've been "crisper" on a larger scale or with thinner thread
This is that same one - it's like tiny little waves...
I really like the look of the one on the bottom right
Fun with repeats
I like these two
Mountains and flowers...
Y right below that first one still staring at me.
Second to last one - also could've been neater with smaller thread. Reminds me of chrysanthemums
OK, I'll do this last one....
Another shot of the finished piece
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