I mentioned in my article on sashiko embroidery "a moment for yourself" that I had brought back in my Japanese suitcases a sashiko panel. Well... I finally finished it!
Let me tell you about my embroidery experience.
A little backstory
You know that our shop specializes in Japanese fabric (by the way, we received some amazing new arrivals 😍) and that we work directly with Japan.
This summer, my husband and I finally went to meet our Japanese suppliers and producers. It’s not for lack of wanting to go earlier, but covid didn’t help...
It was obviously fantastic to meet them, and one of them gave me a sashiko embroidery panel. I chose an autumn maple leaf pattern thinking I would love to embroider it this fall back in Belgium.
I bought a range of thread at a haberdashery in Akita in northern Japan to accompany my creation.
I promised myself to finish my panel before the arrival of the new fabrics we had ordered on site. I must say I’m proud of myself because mission accomplished!
Embroidering a panel
Panels are usually rectangles with pre-drawn sashiko geometric or more figurative patterns. You embroider them and then you can incorporate them into other creations: cushions, bags, noren, bed covers, blankets, clothing... basically anything is possible for those with a bit of creativity.
Embroidering a panel takes a bit more time than a small fabric square (hana-fukin) but it’s very satisfying!
Punctuating your evenings with small sashiko stitches is very calming in itself.
It took me 3 months to embroider this panel at my own pace; I must say I’m quite busy with my work as you know 😂.
And what will I do with this panel?
My mom gave me a sashiko bed cover (a marvel) for my birthday in February, and I think I’m going to make another one with my own embroidered squares. I find a sashiko blanket simply stunning.
I’m thinking of embroidering one or two more panels to incorporate into a larger piece... we’ll see if I stick to that idea.
My supplies
To embroider my panel, I used:
- a good sashiko needle from the Japanese brand Olympus
- a good thread cutter
- sashiko threads from the Olympus brand
Sashiko threads are essential in sashiko embroidery because they allow for thread stabilization. You won’t achieve a satisfactory result without suitable threads, or else your embroidery may get damaged or simply come undone.
I chose a range of plain and gradient threads in colors:
- plain orange 20m no. 22 for the maple leaves
- gradient no. 93 in 20m for the bellflowers
- red/purple gradient 20m no. 97 for the edges of the squares
- gradient 100m no. 152 for the maple leaves and small plumes
- classic white for the birds
- a salmon lamé SL6 for the wheat stalk ties
My embroidery experience
I really enjoyed embroidering this panel, choosing the colors as I went along depending on the patterns and the effect I wanted to achieve.
I often embroidered in the evenings after the sewing courses I teach during the week. I also embroidered a bit on Sundays to relax... This last month I put a bit more pressure on myself because I wanted to finish it before the arrival of our Japanese fabrics. I set myself this challenge and I’m happy I succeeded.
Would I do it again?
YES, yes, and three times yes! In fact, I’m already starting my new panel! Here we go again with choosing the thread colors. Since I’m making a blanket, the different panels still need to somewhat match each other 😂.
I chose an Olympus panel available in our shop. I can’t wait to show you the next one.
And what about you? Would you like to embroider beautiful panels? Or simply start sashiko? We have all the necessary materials and we offer introductions to this lovely embroidery.
So, get your needles ready!
