Have you ever made something tha you just can't stop admiring? Well, this was definitely one of those projects for me. I felt like I was on a creative adventure, with lovely surprises at every turn. There was so much to discover along the way, and by the end, I was completely smitten with the result.
As I was making variations for my latest pattern, the Quilted Hexie Pouch, I wanted to do a version that highlighted the stitched embellishments rather than the hexies themselves. While looking for interesting stitching ideas, Sashiko stitching caught my eye. I love how the thick thread adds texture, and how what seems like an intricate pattern is actually created from a combination of simple running stitches.
I've dabbled with Sashiko stitching over the years, but mostly for mending, without following a particular pattern. But for this project, I wanted to experiment with something more intricate. I'm so glad that I did - and I couldn't be happier with the result. I think I'm officially a sashiko stitching fan now!
Look at the Sashiko panel below. There's the background linen fabric, then a beautiful tone-on-tone blue hexie layer, with flower stitches scattered all over the top. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also feels absolutely lovely in your hands - sturdy yet soft and pliable, with wonderful texture.
I just love the combination of the Sashiko stitching on these hexie EPPs. They complement each other so well. I think either of them would have looked rather plain on its own. Together, they became a fantastic duo. I love the layered look, and the texture - I wish you could be here to feel it yourself!
Hexie Background
I chose tone-on-tone fabrics, mostly in blue solids, because I wanted the hexies to act as a backdrop for the Sashiko stitching without competing for attention.
Stitching Ideas
To decide on the stich design, I turned to Procreate to sketch out some ideas. I folded the hexie fabric panel into the shape of the pouch, took a photo, and then uploaded it to Procreate.
You can see in the image below that I made multiple versions (look at how many layers I have!) to play with different stitch ideas and colours. It's a simple and quick way to test out ideas before committing to one.
Once I decided on the design, I drew a few sketches to determine the size of each flower and then worked backwards from there to determine the grid size.
Making the Grid
- Begin with a basic grid. Using a water-soluble marker or a heat-erasable pen, draw parallel diagonal lines from one corner of a square to the opposite corner of the next square.
- Draw the second set of parallel diagonal lines using the same technique, but in the opposite direction.
- Add the vertical lines to complete the grid.
Alternative method: Since my hexagonal EPP pieces already have the correct 60-degree angles, I simply aligned my ruler with their edges to draw the initial diagonal lines.
I spaced the inital diagonal lines 1/2" apart, and then drew a second set of parallel lines in between them to bring the final spacing down to 1/4" apart. Finally, I added the vertical intersection lines.
Work slowly to ensure maximum accuracy.
Sashiko Stitching
The set-up stitch is the most time-consuming part, as you'll need to count the spaces carefully. Once you stitch a couple of rows, the pattern starts to become apparent and gets much easier to follow.
Stitch the vertical lines first, followed by the diagonal lines. The entire grid follows the same stitching rhythm: stitch two lines, skip one, and repeat across the piece.
- Diagram 4: Vertical → stitch 2, skip 1. Repeat.
- Diagram 5: Diagonal → stitch 2, skip 1. Repeat
- Diagram 6" Opposite Diagonal → stitch 2, skip 1. Repeat.
Sashiko stitching adds a lovely texture and density with its thread thickness. In addition, the hexie EPPs create another layer of thickness, making the finished panel sturdy, squishy, and structured. It feels absolutely lovely in your hand. I kept on running my hand across it!
And the back side of this sashiko pattern was a surprise too.
Sashiko stitching is known for its durability, as the technique originated as a form of mending. Layering straight running stitches not only creates a beautiful design on the front, but also forms a web-like network of thread on the back adding strength and durability.
Accent Colour - the white flowers
To make the flowers look randomly scattered, I added a white thread at every third row and intentionally left out some stitches on one side so that the flowers wouldn't cover the entire panel.
If you alternate the accent colour to every other row, you'll get a more uniform pattern.
Making the Pouch
I made quite a number of Quilted Hexie Pouch samples, but I must admit that this is my favourite one.
I love how the flowers look scattered all over the pouch, and I actually like that my stitches aren't perfectly even. It makes the the flowers look more natural and adds to the handmade character.
I'll definitely be making more of this variation - I should make the other two sizes to complete the set!
YouTube Sew-Along
The sew-along video of this Sashiko pouch is now available on my YouTube channel! Check it out if you'd like to see the process in action.
You can also find a quick English Paper Piecing tutorial on my YouTube Shorts.
If you want to try making the exact zip pouch I made here, the Quilted Hexie Pouch pattern is available at my shop shop .
Free Download
I hope this project inspires you to give Sashiko stitching a try. You don't even have to turn the sashiko panel into a pouch - you can simply keep it as a sampler or use it for another project.
I've put together a free-download containing:
- English Paper Piecing template (1" hexagons)
- Flower Sashiko Grid (1/4" spacing)
If you have any questions about the pattern or the process, I'd love to hear from you.
Thank you so much for visiting Indigobird. Wishing you a wonderful day and happy stitching!
Warmly,