The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook

by Susan Briscoe

- Easy-to-follow instructions for creating beautiful, elaborate designs with more than 90 Sashiko patterns
- 33 projects incorporate different designs and techniques
- Features a full-color inspirational gallery of Sashiko work from contemporary textile artists.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, Quilting, Sewing, Japan, Art

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[H (no longer expecting notifications) Balikov · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Boy Scout my mother sewed my merit badges onto my uniform. My thread and needle skills have not improved since then. My interest in Briscoe’s book does not come from my interest in creating my own sewing projects. I find many aspects of Japanese culture and history interesting and puzzling.

I enjoy covers such as this one for their designs
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And I go out of my way for certain types of Japanese art
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

So when I came across this book on Kindle, it was cheap enough and I was curious enough to order it. I was not disappointed. Briscoe is a skilled author (as well as teacher) and she supplied:

The historical background I craved;

"By the Meiji era (1868–1912), sashiko was established as winter work in northern farming communities, when heavy snowfall restricted outside activities. Hand sewing was vital to a rural domestic economy and skill in sashiko was essential for a young girl wanting to make a good marriage."

A look at how this “domestic art” was presented;

"Household textiles – kotatsugake (table cover), zabuton (floor cushion), thin kakebuton (futon quilt), futongawa (futon cover), furoshiki (wrapping cloth), noren (door curtain), kinchaku (drawstring bag), komebukuro (rice bag) and fukin (cleaning cloth – see below). Clothing – donza, noragi and nogi (work jackets), hanten (short jacket), sodenashi (‘without sleeves’ waistcoat), sorihikihappi (sled-hauling waistcoat), maekake (‘front wear’ apron), tekkou (hand protector), kyahan (gaiter), tabi (sock), agudokake or akutogake (heel protector, worn with snow boots), warajikake (toe protector) and kōgake (instep protector, for straw sandals)."

And its relationship to both Japanese and other cultures efforts;

"Old sashiko combines fabric in two or three layers, with the best cloth on the top, and even the most complicated patterns are made with simple running stitch. Today, it may have only one layer or include polyester or cotton quilt wadding (batting). Layers of old, worn fabric were formerly used instead of wadding, so vintage sashiko is much flatter than traditional Western quilts. The stitches themselves create the textured pattern, sitting on the fabric surface. The patterns in this book fall into two main groups – moyōzashi (pattern sashiko) and hitomezashi (one stitch sashiko) – and can be used together on the same project to great effect."

A strength of this book is the profusion of design patterns in color;

"Traditional sashiko was usually indigo and white. This characteristic look was a response to Edo era sumptuary laws which prohibited the lower classes from wearing brightly coloured clothing and large patterns."

I appreciated how Briscoe reviews the many sources there were for inspiration;

"Hiragumi manji tsunagi (linked manji) This is based on a Buddhist symbol. Manji are found in temples and on Buddhist art, and are even used on maps to mark temple locations. It originates in ancient India, where it has a common origin with the swastika but with a completely different use and meaning. Manji signify the source of life and the universe and symbolize the Chinese concept of Yin and Yang, with the central cross reflecting the power that gives birth to everything. The hiragumi manji tsunagi pattern also resembles the well-known modern patchwork block, Card Trick."

There is a wealth of information that can be gained from a culture’s arts and crafts. This book is a gem and one that I feel lucky to have come across.

[penny shima glanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that I'm fascinated by Sashiko would be an understatement. I am in love with it. I've not posted many pictures yet of my work in this medium because I'm still learning and this book has definitely lowered the learning curve! Why? It's in English! My Japanese is very limited and while I've picked up more and more over the years, it's nice to see such a well researched work. Sure, many of my Japanese language Sashiko books have the same patterns, it is nice to see them in English. Ms Briscoe has written a wonderful book incorporating techniques, tips, history, culture, and varied design. I'm very happy I stumbled upon this book in the bookstore and am not upset to have paid full price for it. It is a valuable resource on my shelf.

[Farmer Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was interesting with some history, project ideas, and a nice stitch dictionary. They stuck to traditional supply suggestions, so items that were locally available took some additional research. I ended getting about $30 in supplies. The only thing I special ordered were the sashiko needles. For the rest I decided to go with 20 weight crochet thread, a quilters ruler, heat erasable pens, and a few fat quarters to practice on. I like how few supplies you need and how economical this craft will be. As soon as everything is here I'll start practicing my stitching and I'm hoping to be able to make use of my new skill for Christmas presents.

[Deanna ✰ ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this resource. In part historical reference, part how-to instructional guide, this book by Susan Briscoe has been really inspiring and given me a good understanding of how to approach sashiko stitchwork. I've bought lots of supplies, can't wait to get started!

[hope h. · Rating 5 out of 5]

super informative and thorough exploration of traditional sashiko patterns...currently working on testing out a traditional hemp leaf pattern using the diagrams in here and WOW it is so fucking hard but super fun! a great wintertime handicraft

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was very good- I have another book by the same author on the same subject, but this one is much more useful, and contains much more information about sashiko and how to do it.

[Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

RIP Chieko Hori

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Pattern Resource

I took a sashiko class & the teacher recommended this book as a resource for sashiko patterns and some projects. This is not a book to start from the beginning and work your way through. Look for the patterns described as easy, and start there.

Diagrams show how to build the patterns and pictures show the final result. There is a chapter with pictures of completed projects, as well as projects scattered throughout, and an extensive bibliography for those who want to delve deeper.

All the patterns list the Japanese name and English translation. They also include historical or cultural notes.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Have had it for a few years now, and found it a great source for learning sashiko technique and design. I often refer to the stitch pattern guide at the back to make my own designs.

Because I was already a sewer and learned the sashiko basics from a friend (here in Japan), I haven't made any of the projects in this book exactly as written, but I would say they look easy to follow.

Sashiko is a lovely craft, and fairly easy to pick up if you have the patience for hand-stitching.

[cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite what I was expecting (it is arranged differently than similar books) but it is well researched written and I can see why an anniversary copy has just been released (mid 2025). As a beginner, I needed more basic information, especially regarding proper stitch lengths, tricks for making the correct stitches, which patternscare best for beginners, and info regarding thickness of Sashiko threads/where best used, etc. Overall, a really nice book.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, saving pattern names so I can find favourites later

Moyozashi patterns:
- asanoha (hemp leaf)
- kuzure asanoha (fragmented hemp leaf)

Motifs:
- Sakura (cherry blossom)
- momiji (maple leaf)
- ume (plum blossom)

Hitomezashi patterns
- komezashi (rice stitch) and variations
- kagome (woven bamboo)
- jijuhisikaha (woven cross diamond)
- sugizashi (cedar stitch)

[Jenny K · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very comprehensive source, though I know nothing about the subject matter. As much a history as instruction manual. Actual instruction only occupies a few pages and doesn’t seems very easy to follow. Lots of charts with different patterns.

[Julie Capell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful explanation of the history of this art form along with excellent instructions on how to do your own sashiko. I'm a bit disappointed in the Kindle version, it's a little hard to see the illustrations.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful source about the history of Sashiko! Great examples with many, many guides and illustrations to get started on your Sashiko journey! Read this in a week and now to get started with the stitching.

[Sparrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valuable for the pattern library alone, but the projects weren't very detailed (they tell you to choose a pattern from the library and then how to turn it into a finished object. Wasn't what I was expecting but was very informative.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great reference with high quality photographs, detailed descriptions, and some history. Sashiko is a delightful hobby and if you're getting into it, I think this is a valuable reference to have.

[Pinar · Rating 5 out of 5]

şimdiye kadar gördüğüm sashiko kitapları içinde en iyisi.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good illustrations. Lots of patterns.

[Laroy Viviane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Génial. Surtout la bibliothèque de motifs.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have any interest in learning Sashiko, this really is the ultimate sourcebook. It's more like an encyclopedia of techniques and patterns, but full of so many. A great book to have for reference.

[Aimee]

Great guide with lots of information, and over 100 stitch patterns/motifs. Much more comprehensive than the other sashiko book I got before this one.

[Soc Page]

comprehensive information, charts and pictures of sashiko patterns.
pattern for jacket, bag, pillow

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the history and techniques of Sashiko embroidery.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

if English is your language, this is the sashiko book for you: over 100 patterns & many projects

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

well done

[Tam G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice encyclopedia of stitches in back.

[Carolyn Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. I am looking forward to the author s new release .

[Amiee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a treasure! I'm ordering myself a copy to keep as a reference, something I rarely do in these days of ebooks. But the info is detailed and there is so much to learn about which fabrics and tools to use.

But the best is the sheer number and variety of sashiko patterns, explained in more detail than any other book I've tried so far. I particularly enjoyed the English translations of the pattern names. They aren't always included elsewhere and I have been curious how they match with the visual art. The pattern names stay the same, so are noteworthy. If a person says they're sewing a Lincoln log quilt, I can picture it. Now I can do the same for sashiko patterns.

I think this might be the only sashiko book anyone really needs.

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘In the 21st century, sashiko continues to evolve.’

Sashiko (the word means ‘little stab’) is a traditional Japanese quilting technique which uses a simple running stitch. Originally the technique was used to combine two or three layers of fabric to create warm, economical clothing. Today its use seems to be mainly decorative.

My first introduction to sashiko was earlier this year, when I saw some sashiko panels on my first visit to a local quilting store. At that stage, I was looking at fabric for my first machine quilting project, but was very attracted to the potential (and portability) of sashiko. I’ve since completed my first sashiko project (a small tote bag featuring a wave pattern) and am keen to learn more about the history and techniques of sashiko stitching.

I bought this book after reading a number of reviews, and I’m delighted. The history of sashiko is interesting, the selection of relatively simple projects provides opportunities to practice the techniques, and the different patterns (over 100 are included) provide plenty of inspiration for the future.

This is a great guide for those of us starting sashiko stitching: there’s information on fabric and thread selection, as well as advice on how to mark and stitch the patterns. There are plenty of diagrams and photographs to assist as well. The ten projects include table mats, a table runner and tote bags, as well as cards and cushions: there are plenty of possibilities.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve thought about doing a sashiko project for years, but I’m not sure my niece even knew that when she dangled her copy of this book in front of me a mere half an hour before I departed from a three-day visit. Luckily I was able to get it through Prospector. Good beginner book with historical information and basics about supplies and procedures, and beautiful projects to inspire the reader.

It turns out that sashiko supplies, especially the thread, are hard to find – this book was first published 25 years ago, and the two US sources listed no longer carry them. The New England Quilt Museum via its Etsy store seems to have the best selection of thread, and I’m now planning my project while waiting for my ship(ment) to come in.