Expected to arrive end of July 2026 - pre-order now to make sure you get yours! (These will be launched in Japan in mid July and cannot be sent out from the UK before the end of the month - please understand there will be a delay to your order. if other items are required immediately, please place a separate order).
One of the latest additions to the range of useful placemat size hanafukin sashiko sampler panels from Olympus, 'hana mado' (flower window) arranges several traditional sashiko designs in a fun to stitch sampler format within an ornate hexagonal framework, on indigo blue fabric (first photo). The other new panels are shown in the remaining photos. All the Olympus placemat designs are the same size, so they can be combined into larger sets of your choice.
These pre printed panels from Olympus Thread Mfg. Co. are called 'hana fukin' with literally means 'flower cloth' and these new, rectangular ones are sized for place mats. They are printed in grey on indigo blue 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 (traditionally) 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 and add a layer of Thermolam heat resistant wadding later, if you wish.
This panel needs two x 20m sashiko thread, 40m, if stitched with a single thread. Double this for doubled sashiko thread. Of course, there is scope for playing with several different thread colours and coordinating some beautiful effects.
Stitching guide included in English, with easy to follow diagrams.
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!
Also available in white. White is currently the most popular in Japan, stitched with colourful threads, while the more traditional blue remains the most popular overseas.
Finished size approx 11 7/8 x 17 3/4in (30 x 45cm).
Marks wash out. NB - on the indigo blue panels, the marks have slightly less contrast than my pre printed sashiko panels and 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.
