This kit, including pre printed coaster panels, medium sashiko thread in five colours, a sashiko needle and instructions, makes five gorgeous hitomezashi (one stitch sashiko) coasters, perfect for a gift or just to keep for yourself! The fabric is Olympus 100% cotton sashiko cloth in cream, which is very easy to stitch (this is the same fabric I use in my sashiko classes). The instructions are in Japanese but mainly pictorial, so they are easy to follow (you can use the Google Translate smartphone app to 'read' the text if you wish). Just remember, measurements are all in centimetres, not inches.
Hitomezashi is sewn as straight rows of running stitch, going back and forth across each pattern vertically, horizontally and diagonally, rather than stitching around each part of the pattern separately. It is quick and easy to do. The patterns in this kit are contemporary designs rather than traditional patterns, so they may be completely new to you, even if you have stitched hitomezashi before. A great way to learn some new patterns. There is another kit with a different pattern selection, on the same cream sashiko fabric, which would coordindate nicely with this one.
The making up instructions show you how to hem the coasters all round, but you could add your own fabric for a backing panel, 'bagging out' each coaster once the backing is sewn on. This is the method I use for my coasters in 'The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook', 'Simple Sashiko', and other books.
Finished size for each coaster is 12cm (4 3/4in approx) square, with a stitched area of 10cm (4in approx.).
Marks wash out.
Designed and made by Olympus Thread Mfg. Co. in Japan.
100% cotton.
