Sashiko Embroidery Cushion Tutorial

This embroidery tutorial is for Sashiko Japanese embroidery. This tutorial uses a kit but you can still view the guide as an easy embroidery tutorial. The detail in this cushion is quite intricate. Don’t expect to finish this tutorial in a day, this embroidery project is going to set you back a few days.

Sashiko is a traditional style of Japanese embroidery. First used as a form of repair, it evolved into a decorative style and a stand-alone craft. The biggest idea in Sashiko stitching is a repetitive pattern. Originally used for practical purposes it has now evolved into its own form of Embroidery artwork.

Sashiko is a form of decorative reinforcement stitching from Japan that started during the Edo era. which is the period between 1603 and 1868 in the history of Japan.

“Sashiko” Embroidery literally means “little stabs” or “little piercing”

Japan became affluent enough in the Edo Period that many Japanese were able to afford new clothes and hence it is believed that this was the downfall to the lost art of Sashiko Japanese Embroidery.