What Will You Make Today?: With Lisa Solomon

What will you make today?
Japanese Sashiko: A Daily Decorative Stitching Practice

with Lisa Solomon
Using the running stitch as a base, mixed media artist Lisa Solomon shows you 30 designs
in the Japanese tradition of sashiko stitching. This beautiful and functional embroidery we
enjoy today can be traced back to the thriftiness of 17th century Japanese peasant women.
You will learn their traditional patterns which you can then use to make decorative pieces or
mend and patch garments. No matter the method you choose, you’ll find that sashiko is a
great way to slow down and stitch with intention, creating beauty from simplicity.
Learn How To:

– Work with Sashiko needle and thread
– Load needle with fabric for stitching
– Sew a basic running stitch with consistently
spaced stitches
– Create 30 traditional patterns of stitching
Patterns featured in this class are for individual use only. Goods made using these patterns are not to be sold.
© Lisa Solomon & Creativebug Inc. 2021
1
Materials:
– Plain, non-patterned cotton fabric - fat quarters or 10" squares will work nicely
– Embroidery or crochet thread - Lisa uses traditional sashiko thread by Olympus, 50 weight
and 20 weight
– Sashiko, embroidery, or long doll needle
– A clear 6" quilt or clear ruler
– Scissors
– Spray bottle of water
– Iron and ironing surface
– Washi tape
– If tracing: the provided templates, wax transfer paper, or a light-board to help copy the patterns
along with your favorite transfer tools - chalk, heat pen, water soluble pen, etc.
– If drawing your own template: you will need cardboard or plastic shape templates
– Class PDF for patterns
– Thimble (optional)
© Lisa Solomon & Creativebug Inc. 2021 2
SASHIKO CLASS // CREATIVE BUG // W W W.LISASOLOMON.COM

DAY 1 - HIGAKI - CYPRESS FENCE
Higaki panels are used as backgrounds to plants in Japanese gardens. This pattern is used
often as a design for silk damasks used in formal kimonos as well.
Mark a grid - 1/2", and then draw in all the diagonal lines - in this version they span
two squares.
Stitch the pattern following the diagonals vertically and continuously.
DAY 2 - JUJITSUNAGI - LINKED 10 CROSSES
This pattern is named after the kanji character for the number 10 which is written like a
cross +. It’s a symbol of prosperity and increases in luck with every set of ten.
Mark a grid - 1/2", and then draw in the stepped lines - two spaces horizontally, one space
vertically in one direction, two spaces vertically and one space horizontally in the other. The
cross pattern will emerge as you work the diagnosis of the grid.
Stitch the pattern following the steps back and forth in one direction (pink) and then the
other (blue).
DAY 3 - YABANE - ARROW FEATHER
There are many traditional Japanese patterns based on arrows - used by warriors in ancient
times. Families display miniature armor and arrows on Children’s Day (May 5th). HAMAYA -
lucky white feather tipped arrows are sold at temples for New Years.
Mark a grid - this one is .8" but you could easily do 1". First mark the step pattern and then
the diagonals to create the arrow shape.
Stitch the pattern following the steps (pink) and then the diagonals (blue).
DAY 4 - AMIMON - FISHING NETS
Fishing nets are an auspicious motif utilized often in festivals and decorative designs
all across Japan. I’ve seen them on dishes, fabric, origami paper. It’s so simple, but also
very beautiful.
Mark a grid - 1". Use a 1" diameter circle to draw in the curves - making sure they touch to
form the continuous pattern.
Stitch the pattern following the curves going back and forth.
DAY 5 - KASUMI TSUNAGI - LINKED MIST
This shape - reminiscent of misty clouds - originated in the Heian period in Japan. This
was from 784 - 1185, a time when there was a decline of Chinese cultural influences, and
Japanese aesthetics matured. This is used both as an allover pattern and one that interjects
and divides other patterns as well.
One of the more complicated patterns to set up, you need a grid that has a smaller section
every sixth column. This is a 1/2" grid with a 1/4" column. Then use a 1/2" diameter circle to draw
in the curves.
Stitch each row of the pattern all the way through, leaving slack in the back as you continue
to next row.
DAY 6 - SEIGAIHA - BLUE OCEAN WAVES
Seigaiha came into fashion in the mid 18th century. It is still widely used on many decorative
objects and on fabric all across Japan. Originally it was used to depict water on maps. Water
and waves also symbolize power and resistance, important concepts in Japanese culture.
Mark a grid - 1". Use a 2", then 1 1/2" and 1" diameter circles to mark the arcs.
Stitch the pattern in horizontal rows starting with the biggest arcs, working back and forth.
Then do the medium and small arcs.
DAY 7 - IDOWAKU - DIAGONAL WELL CURB
This pattern is based on the kanji character that looks like a well. In this version the motif
is tilted on its side. This is a great pattern to stitch in various colors as each shape is
stitched individually. This pattern is very common on everything from ceramics, to home
decor, to kimonos.
Mark a grid - 1" x 1/2" with all the diagonals. Create each individual diamond with the insets
and an inner diamond.
Stitch each diamond individually, including the inner diamond. You can either knot and
restart each shape, or keep long threads on the backside.
DAY 8 - TSUNO KIKKO - HORNED TORTOISESHELL
One of many patterns based on hexagons and an abstract reference to the tortoise, a
symbol of long life and happiness. According to legends, when the tortoise reaches 1000
years old it is able to speak human languages and tell the future. There are many variations
of hexagon shaped patterns used in sashiko.
Mark a grid - 3/8" x 3/4". Make diagonals from corner to corner to form the hexagon peaks -
each peak should extend beyond the intersecting lines. Then mark the vertical lines to close
the hexagons.
Stitch each row horizontally first. Then stitch all the vertical lines.
DAY 9 - BISHAMON KIKKO - BISHAMON TORTOISESHELL
This represents the armor scales of the Buddhist deity Bishamonten - one of the seven gods
of good luck. Bishamonten brings fortune and good health. This pattern is popular for New
Years. Each scale has three kikko. Three is also a lucky number.
Mark a grid - 1" x 1/2" with all the diagonals. Create each individual tortoiseshell shape and
place the three stemmed linear pattern inside.
Stitch each horizontal diagonal from bottom to top (or top to bottom). Then stitch the
vertical diagonals which include two of the inner three lines. Finally go back and stitch the
short diagonal lines remaining.
DAY 10 - MUSUBI KIKKO - CONNECTED TORTOISESHELL
Musubi means knot. Knotted ropes known as shimenawa (the 7-5-3 rope) are used to mark
sacred areas like shrines, or to keep spirits confined to trees or rocks. This pattern combines
this rope aspect with triangles and kikko - the tortoise - for luck and longevity.
Mark a grid - 1" x 1/2" with all the diagonals. Draw in the triangles, and then fill in any lines
needed to make the hexagons.
First stitch the all the vertical lines, then work the diagonal lines in both directions.
DAY 11 - KUJI KUZUSHI - SIMPLE I FORM
This is a repeat pattern of the kanji character for ku - which stands for artisan, manufacture
or work. The character looks like a western capital I. Kuzushi refers to the simplest forms of
kanji characters. This would be a great pattern to put on work clothes or an artist smock. It
would be a visual pun!
Mark a grid - 1/2" x 1/2". Mark the I pattern back to back on the diagonal with one grid space
between them.
Stitch by working in diagonal sections across the top and bottoms of the Is. Finish up by
stitching the longer diagonals.
DAY 12 - MARU BISHAMON - CIRCULAR BISHAMON PATTERN
This pattern derives from an interpretation of the armor scales of the Buddhist guardian
deity Bishamonten. He is a warrior carrying a tower of treasure. He brings courage and
prosperity and protection from demons and often is associated with the color blue.
Mark a grid - vertical lines at 1 1/2" intervals. Then on 60 degree angle draw an isometric grid
(triangles). Use a 2 1/2" circle template to draw overlapping circles. Mark over the circles in
another color to emphasize the peace sign shape.
Stitch by following the 1/2 circles from the top or bottom in a diagonal direction.
DAY 13 - HIRAGUMI MANJI TSUNAGI - LINKED MANJI (BUDDHIST SYMBOL)
Based on a Buddhist symbol - the MANJI. Manji are found on temples, in art, and on maps
to mark temple locations. It was first found and used in ancient India, it symbolizes Ying and
Yang, signifying the source of life.
Mark a grid - this one is 1" - using the grid as a guide, mark the diamonds - making sure to
note where they do and do not overlap.
Stitch the pattern following the steps in first the vertical and then the horizontal direction.
DAY 14 - HISHI MANJI - DIAMOND MANJI
This is a different take on the manji, it's just on its side and creates more of a
basket-weave pattern.
Mark a grid - 3/8" x 3/4", and then draw in all the diagonal lines. Create the brick like manji
pattern - diamonds surrounded by rectangles.
Stitch the pattern following the diagonal lines back and forth in one direction and then
the other.
DAY 15 - HISHI IGETA - WELL CURBED DIAMOND
A simple, but beautiful interrupted diagonal pattern, this design is similar to many ikat
fabrics. Hishi also means parallel in Japanese.
Mark a grid - 1" x 1/2" with all the diagonals. Draw in the overlapping diagonals in longer and
shorter lines to generate the pattern.
First stitch the diagonals in one direction back and forth, and then the other direction.
DAY 16 - ARARE KIKKO
This is a double hexagon tortoise shell pattern. Double the shell for double the luck. This
pattern also looks a bit like a gem in style and shape.
Mark a grid - 3/8" x 3/4" - draw in your center hexagons and have each point extend out to
create the larger hexagon.
Stitch by first alternating the larger and smaller zig zags. Then move to the verticals.
DAY 17 - ORIZURU - CRANE MOTIF
Many people are familiar with the story of 1000 cranes - and how folding them brings
good luck and good fortune. The crane is a very popular motif in Japan, it is prevalent in
family crests and is used often in decorative and commercial applications. When simplified
the shape is easy to translate to sashiko. You can form a pattern with them, or stitch
one singularly.
Decide where you’d like your crane motif to live. You can enlarge it or shrink it as necessary.
Keep in mind that if you go much smaller than 1.75" it could be hard to stitch with traditional
sashiko thread.
Pick any starting point, and continuously work your way around the motif.
DAY 18 - KIKU - CHRYSANTHEMUM MOTIF
The chrysanthemum in Japanese culture is the symbol of Fall. It also is a symbol of the
monarchy - which is referred to as the Chrysanthemum throne, and an emblem of it is
stamped on every Japanese passport. Mums came to Japan from China where it arrived
with a tale about longevity. Apparently a town in China where the residents lived to be 100
had a mountain spring water supply that was surrounded by chrysanthemums.
Decide where you’d like your mum motif to live. For these 1" is about the smallest I
would suggest.
DAY 19 - SAKURA - CHERRY BLOSSOM MOTIF
Sakura, the cherry blossom, is the national flower of Japan. The delicate pink blossoms usher
in spring and represent a time of renewal and optimism. In Japan there is an almost frenzy
during the cherry blossom season with huge parties planned beneath the trees and daily
news updates on when the blossoms will be in full bloom. Their short blooming season also
symbolize the transience of life - an important Buddhist theme.
Decide where you’d like your sakura motifs to be. You can enlarge or shrink them as
necessary. The small ones here are just under 1 1/2" in size. It’s not recommended to go
much smaller.
DAY 20 - TAKE - BAMBOO MOTIF
Bamboo is a very common motif and symbol in Japan. It is very hardy and commonly found
all over the country. Because of its strength it’s seen as a symbol of prosperity. It’s also used
as a symbol in Buddhist teachings, exemplifying the idea of bending but not breaking.
Decide where you’d like your take motifs to be. You can enlarge or shrink them as necessary.
These are 2" wide.
DAY 21 - KAWARI SAYAGATA - SAYA BROCADE VARIATION
A stylized key pattern, sayagatas resemble mazes. Sayagata designs are named after a kind
of brocade weave introduced to Japan via China, and to China via Greece. It resembles
many Greek key patterns. This version is drawn on a diagonal instead of straight on.
Mark a grid - 1" x 1/2" with all the diagonals. Follow along the zig zag key pattern.
Stitch by starting on one side and continuously following the zig zag until you reach the
other side. Then work your way back and forth until the design is complete.
DAY 22 - MATSUKAWABISHI - PINE BARK DIAMOND
Pines represent long life and good fortune. This is an abstracted version of the pine tree.
This pattern was especially popular in the Momoyama (1568-1615) and Edo (1614-1868) eras,
often used in kimono and Noh drama costumes.
Mark a grid - 1" x 1/2" with all the diagonals. Follow along the zig zags to mark the
tree shapes.
Stitch by starting at the bottom and work your way up the zig zag and back
down continuously.
DAY 23 - FUNDO - SCALE WEIGHTS
One of the numerous sashiko patterns based on a circle shape, this one creates a wavy line
that looks like traditional scale weights. This made it a popular pattern with daimyo (feudal
lords), who often had gold pieces cast in the same shape.
Mark a grid - 1". Use a 2" circle template focusing on two sections of the circle. Repeat and
connect the design.
Stitch the pattern on the diagonal in continuous lines.
DAY 24 - GANZEZASHI - SEA URCHIN
This is also called an uni stitch - ganzezashi is urchin in a dialect. Uni are a delicacy, and this
pattern expresses hope for a good catch. Similar to some asanoha (hemp leaf) designs,
some versions of ganzezashi can get very elaborate with many more lines stitched.
Mark a grid - 1 1/2" and place diagonals from the corners and a diamond as a guide as well.
Draw the main horizontal and vertical lines and then work in the diamonds and diagonals.
Stitch the straight vertical and horizontal lines first (pink, blue). Then the main diagonals
(green). Then zig zag around the small diamonds (purple).
DAY 25 - TOBI ASANOHA - SCATTERED HEMP LEAF
The star like asanoha or hemp leaf pattern is one of the most famous sashiko designs. It
refers to the radiating and inner light of the soul in Buddhism. Hemp plants were a huge
source of cloth and represented strength. This version mimics designs seen in Islamic art
as well.
Mark a grid - 1 1/2" x 3/4" - this pattern is a bit more challenging to draw by hand as you have
to eyeball the markers for the star portions (it should be about 1/3 from the center line). Draw
in the diagonals, horizontals and the vertical lines.
This pattern is also a bit more challenging to stitch as you will end up with some shorter
horizontal lines that will have longer strands on the back to stitch continuously. Some lines
should be just started and stopped. Start with your vertical lines and the middle diagonal
(pink), then the larger diagonals (blue/green/dark red), then the shallower zig zags (yellow),
then the horizontals (orange).
DAY 26 - ISHIDATAMI - PAVING BLOCK
This very simple, but elegant pattern mimics paving stones. It also looks like a basket
weave. There are many variations of this type of design, typically in 3s and 5s as they are
lucky numbers.
Mark a grid - 3/8". Draw your paving block pattern out so that it looks as though the verticals
and horizontals weave in and out of one another.
Stitch the horizontals and verticals row by row continuously.
DAY 27 - HAKOZASHI - BOX STITCH
Hako is the Japanese word for box. This very contemporary feeling design is a series of
cubes stacked on one another. It’s also familiar as a patchwork quilt pattern.
Mark a grid - 1" x 1/2" with all the diagonals. Follow along the zig zag and every other vertical
to create diamonds and cubes.
Stitch by starting with the vertical lines, and then the zig zag horizontal lines.
DAY 28 - SHIPPO TSUNAGI - LINKED SEVEN TREASURES
One of the most recognizable sashiko patterns. While the name of hints to seven there
really isn’t a group of seven to be found anywhere. It is clearly a nod to the Buddhist seven
treasures as they appear in the sutra - gold, silver, lapis lazuli, agate, pearl, coral and crystal.
An ancient pattern this design appears across cultures in quilting and Roman mosaics as well.
Mark a grid - 1". Use a 2" circle template to place overlapping circles in your grid.
Stitch the pattern by following along 1/4 circle areas.
DAY 29 - NIJU KIKKO TSUNAGI - DOUBLE LINKED TORTOISESHELL
A hexagon within a hexagon pattern, this time with the center hexagon turned and elongated,
this pattern continues in the tradition of referencing the tortoise and its shell.
Mark a grid - 1" x 1/2" with all the diagonals. Mark all the vertical lines, then the zig zags,
then the inner shells starting with the vertical sides that will then meet up with the top and
bottom of the outside hexagons.
Stitch by starting with horizontal zig zags, then work the inside vertical and elongated
hexagons back and forth.
DAY 30 - SANJU KAKINOHANAZASHI - TRIPLE PERSIMMON FLOWER STITCH
An abstracted flower stitch, this is a tripled version, with one motif inside of another. This is
a stitch that is easy to do with just a grid laid on your fabric, as long as you keep track of the
number of alternating rows. The persimmon, or kaki, is a favorite fruit in the Fall.
Mark a grid - 1/2" x 1/2". Mark every other square horizontally and alternating for four rows,
and then two rows of straight every other square. Mark every other square and alternating
vertically in three rows and then two rows of straight every other square.
Stitch by starting with horizontal rows, then the vertical.

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What Will You Make Today?: With Lisa Solomon

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What will you make today?

Japanese Sashiko: A Daily Decorative Stitching Practice

Learn How To:

SASHIKO CLASS // CREATIVE BUG // W W W.LISASOLOMON.COM

Stitch the pattern following the diagonals vertically and continuously.

Stitch the pattern on the diagonal in continuous lines.

Stitch the horizontals and verticals row by row continuously.

Stitch the pattern by following along 1/4 circle areas.

Stitch by starting with horizontal rows, then the vertical.

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