Sashiko Stitching by Machine

Sashiko is a popular hand-embroidery technique that originated in Japan. Most commonly, it involves white stitching on an indigo fabric in geometric patterns. Often, sashiko is done as all-over patterns that cover a whole area of fabric.

The long, separated stitches of sashiko give it a unique look that normally can only be achieved by hand. But, with the right tools, you can get this look on your sewing machine!

I did this project on the BERNINA 475, but you could use any BERNINA with a hand-look quilt stitch.

First, gather your supplies.

Sashiko_Supplies

For this technique, you will need a paper pattern of your sashiko design. You can draw your own, or trace one from a purchased sashiko pattern. Or, if you want to give this technique a try, you download this free pattern, featuring the classic “orange peel” design.

Materials for the Sashiko Technique

Once you’ve gathered your materials, you can prep your fabric. Spray your backing fabric with temporary adhesive spray.

Sashiko_spray

Then layer your batting on top.

Sashiko_batting

Spray the batting with adhesive spray, and then add the top fabric.

Sashiko_top_fabric

Spray the back of your printed pattern with adhesive spray, and lay it over the top of your fabric.

Sashiko_layer_pattern

Now, use the tracing wheel and trace the lines of the pattern. Work slowly to ensure you stay on the lines. NOTE: It’s important that you layer your batting BEFORE you trace the pattern, so the spikes of the tracing wheel have a place to pierce into.

Sashiko_trace_pattern

Sashiko_trace_curves

Now, dust over the pattern using a chalk duster. Be sure to apply plenty of chalk, as it will be very difficult to line your pattern back up if you don’t get enough chalk the first time.

Sashiko_dust_with_chalk

Carefully peel away the paper pattern to reveal the now-chalked pattern. I love how the chalked pattern looks!

Sashiko_dusted_pattern

Now it’s time to set up the machine. Select the hand-look quilt stitch on your machine, found in the quilting stitches menu. This stitch is specially set up to use a forward and back stitch to pull up the bobbin thread to give us the hand-stitched look. Selecting this stitch will also automatically increase the top tension.

Sashiko_Select_hand-look_quilt_stitch

Wind a bobbin with the white embroidery thread and insert into the machine

Sashiko_wind_bobbin

Sashiko_insert_bobbin

Insert a size 100 topstitch needle. The larger eye of the topstitch needle will help the monofilament thread to run more smoothly, and the larger shaft of the large needle makes a bigger hole in the fabric, allowing the bobbin thread to pull up more easily.

Sashiko_insert_topstitch_needle

Thread the top thread with monofilament thread. If you haven’t worked with monofilament thread before, you’ll find it feels a lot different than regular thread. It has some “springiness” to it, so you’ll need to thread carefully and sew slowly.

Before you begin stitching on your actual project, do some test stitching on a scrap. This will give you a chance to get a feel for the stitch.

Begin stitching on your project, following your chalk lines. If you are doing the orange peel pattern, do all the straight lines first.

Sashiko_stitch_lines

When stitching the curved lines, try to stitch as much as possible in one continuous line to get the smoothest look. As you stitch curves, you may need to pause and pivot your fabric occasionally. Engage the Needle Stop Down function and use the Free Hand System to lift your presser foot for easy pivoting.

Sashiko_pivot

Keep stitching until you’ve covered all your lines. You can use this technique to prepare a bag panel, quilt block, or garment detail.

Sashiko_finished_pattern

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