This listing is for the PDF download of this pattern. You do not need to print it off to use it.

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This scrap cushion, stitched with the sashiko pattern 'asanoha' (hemp leaf), may remind you of boro!

From the pattern cover -

This asymmetric patchwork of squares and rectangles is easier to make than it looks, thanks to part sewn seams, and makes the perfect background for the popular sashiko quilting pattern asanoha (hemp leaf). I used blue, brown and cream to echo the colours of the Japanese countryside in traditional fabrics. It is also suitable for collections of checked and striped “country style” flannels. The finished cushion is approximately 21ins square. Skill level – intermediate. 
 
Shimacho literally means “stripe book”. These were reference scrapbooks kept by country weavers, often women, who pasted fabric pieces of various sizes into old copybooks or onto long sheets of thick paper, stored folded into a concertina shape. Fabrics were predominantly indigo dyed, so the colours range from off-white through pale blue to blue-black, with ochre browns and yellows, which could also be dyed by boiling indigo. Stripes, checks and kasuri (Japanese ikat) were all included – from tiny snippets of fine stripes to larger pieces of pictorial kasuri. It is likely that these selections included samples that inspired the weavers, as well as pieces of their own work. In the cushion patchwork, the complex and now rare e-gasuri (picture kasuri) fabrics have been replaced with printed fabrics with similar traditional motifs. A Tokyo station pavement inspired the patchwork pattern.
 
You Will Need:
 
assorted fabric scraps of your choice – include stripes, checks, woven and printed patterns
machine sewing thread to tone with fabrics
fine sashiko thread in cream of a colour of your choice
thin wadding 22in square (optional) – try “request” weight cotton or 2oz polyester
backing fabric for patchwork 22ins square (not visible when complete)
cushion backing fabric 22in square, to coordinate with patchwork panel
closed end zip fastener, 20in long
cushion pad 22, 21 or 20 in square
sewing machine for patchwork and cushion assembly, with quarter inch and zip feet
quilter’s ruler, cutting mat and rotary cutter
 fabric marker of your choice
 crewel/embroidery needle or fine sashiko needle
 basic sewing kit
 
 
This listing is for a pdf file download, not the printed version of the pattern. 

File size 17.3MB