Totally hooked on sashiko

Front of Sashiko I stitched over the last 24 hours.
Back. There are two ways to start and end sashiko according to the sashiko book I have. I went with the simpler method first, which is knotting.

So earlier this summer I documented my first attempt at sashiko (Japanese embroidery).

At the time I was having trouble pulling the needle through the fabric (I got out my pliers to help!) and I couldn't read the Japanese instructions that came with the kit.  I had read the general sashiko instructions in English in a book, but it just seemed like it was really difficult on my hands.

I took your suggestions:  I got sashiko thimbles (the metal one *and* the leather one, because when I try something new I go all out), I watched a sashiko youtube video, and I had the Japanese instructions translated (thank you Running with Rocket for the referral and Crafty Tokyo Mama for the translation!)



I also figured out that three or four stitches on the needle at a time is the right amount for me to pull the needle through the fabric without needing pliers!

But I need to use two thimbles, one on my middle finger which is the traditional place for the sashiko thimble and one on my thumb--I now have a tiny blister on my thumb!

I used the Olympus coaster kits, where the pattern is printed on, but used hot pink sashiko thread instead of the thread that came with the kit.

I still need to wash the printing off and iron them.
I'm thinking of framing them instead of making them into coasters.


Above is what I really want to make, the dragonfly pillow kit.   The coasters were mainly to practice the technique.  I might frame the dragonflies instead of making it into a pillow; and I'm probably going to stitch it in hot pink as well.  Running with Rocket already stitched this one up, twice (picture at the bottom of this post).  Can't wait to stitch mine up.  I will probably start mine tmw.  I also want to make a Renfrew out of a chunky sweater knit.

If you have stitched the dragonfly pattern above, did you stitch all the vertical lines first, then the horizontal lines and then the dragonflies??

Be well!