Recently I told you about my pretty Japanese apron. I had set about making very pretty finishes with bias tape and told you that you can enhance simple pieces with beautiful finishes!

However, at that time, the apron was not really finished... because a Japanese apron without a pocket is like a sewing machine without a needle: not very useful! 

So I had to create pockets worthy of my finishes and always in the Japanese spirit, so what better than pockets embroidered in sashiko?

Let me tell you this adventure!

One pocket, two pockets, or a compartmentalized front pocket?

The first step was to choose the type of pocket. Which pocket would be the most useful and functional for me? 

I opted for two pockets on the sides. I found they suited my uses better. Moreover, the size was perfect for the embroidery I wanted to do. 

The sashiko pattern

So I decided to embroider the pockets in Japanese sashiko embroidery. I wanted to create a very traditional pattern on one pocket and an original (modern) pattern on the other. 

I chose the asanoha pattern (hemp leaf) for the traditional pocket and really wracked my brain for the original pattern that I erased several times before opting for the little cats on the seigaiha pattern.

I had initially chosen a carp but the result did not please me. I drew several and erased... before telling myself that cats were a better idea both because of the love I have for them and their Japanese symbolism. Ten minutes later, the pattern was taking shape under my needle. 

If you are interested in learning more about sashiko, feel free to read the article here. 

Finishing the pockets

Once the two pockets were embroidered, I soaked and trimmed them to properly finish my embroidery. 

I chose a red pocket lining to recall the color of the bias tape I had used. I wanted to add a little touch of red at the top of the pockets; so I opted for a red piping. 

I placed the piping, then applied the lining. 

I chose the position of the pockets by pinning them on the apron. Once their position was validated, I pressed them onto the apron by sewing them two millimeters from the edge with navy blue thread. 

And tada, my apron was finished! I was delighted to be able to wear it expressly on the day of our first sashiko embroidery initiation workshop. 

And you, would you like to create Japanese embroidery? Or simply make this pretty apron? We organize courses to get started but also to progress in embroidery, sewing, crochet, and knitting. 

So, get your needles ready!