Two new sashiko samplers

Think I have been bitten by the sashiko bug. Now two more sashiko samplers are ready. This time I've tried out two different ways to mark the pattern on to the fabric. To make these samples I've used a second hand fabric and a natural cotton thread.

#1

 First I tried to use an interfacing with a 1x1cm grid. This have to be sewn from the back, then it's very important to look at the right side some times while working, to make sure you are doing good. I still think it's hard to work on the wrong side of the fabric, but I'm getting used to it. The grid makes it easier to get an even result, and my lazy side thinks it's nice someone have made the grid for me.


#2

On this second sample I used a water soluble interfacing. To make the pattern I made a 0,5x0,5cm grid, marked it using a pen and ruler. Sewing seemed a bit easier working with this method. The one problem I come across was being sure I actually sew through both layers of fabric, this was not easy to see, because the stitches were so small.

Just like when working from the back you need to have a good overview on both sidesi of your work. When working from the front you know how the right side of the piece will look like, but the backside is also important. Tension is very important to control, it needs to be loose, especially when turning.

 

The picture above shows the end result of this process. I've washed out the interfacing and I'm left with the pattern. You can see where I haven't sewn properly through the fabric, but this also shows a more even result than the former attempts. I wouldn't use this method if I was not sure that the fabric would not bleed any excess color, but since I've used a second hand fabric that has been washed many times I was safe.

Now I'm planning a new project..


Sonja