These pre printed panels from Olympus Thread Mfg. Co. are called 'hana fukin' with literally means 'flower cloth'. They are printed in grey on indigo blue coloured narrow width traditional sarashi cloth (an easy to stitch traditional Japanese cotton cloth). Each panel is supplied in one piece with a plain area the same size attached, because they are designed to be stitched through both layers and the edges turned in to make a little cloth, but you can stitch the printed layer separately (as I have done).
Thread requirements - The (1) on the label indicates that to stitch this all in one colour, just one skein of 20m sashiko thread is needed, but they look great stitched in multicolours too. I'm stitching this panel at the moment (no stitching photo just yet!) with 20m Olympus Thread Mfg. Co. sashiko thread #53 to use as a cushion panel. It also looks lovely stitched in one colour, or in a solid pink thread. I am using the sashiko threads doubled for a bolder effect, apart from the flower stamens where it is a single thread for a more delicate contrast. It will be bordered and backed with one of the Olympus striped cottons, and made into a cushion.
'Sakura' (cherry blossoms) are associated with Spring.
Sarashi cloth is quite lightweight compared with other sashiko fabrics, but is very easy to stitch, super absorbent and wears well. It is one of the fabrics traditionally used for kimono underwear!
Finished size approx 13in (33cm) square.
Marks wash out. NB - the marks have less contrast than my pre printed sashiko panels. The fabric is indigo colour, not natural indigo, so the colour won't run.
Designed and made by Olympus Thread Mfg. Co. in Japan.
100% cotton.
