A new sashiko sampler or hanafukin panel, rather cleverly the tessen (clematis) is one of those patterns which is easy to stitch, but looks complicated - ‘A pattern based on the clematis (literally ‘iron wire’ in Japanese!) flower, which is said to bring about love and marital bliss, as ivy brings about fate.’ One of the latest in the ‘Nagomi’ series, it also only needs ONE 20m sashiko thread, and is quick to stitch. It is an ideal beginner’s panel, a great choice if you are just starting out with sashiko or introducing a friend to the craft, or just want a beautiful but quick make. Kasane rindou is in the first photo - there are another four designs in this series, also available in white (the indigo is not a natural dye and will not run).
These pre printed panels from Olympus Thread Mfg. Co. are called 'hana fukin' with literally means 'flower cloth'. They are printed in grey on white coloured narrow width traditional sarashi cloth (an easy to stitch traditional Japanese cotton cloth). Each panel is supplied in one piece with a plain area the same size attached, because they are designed to be stitched through both layers and the edges turned in to make a little cloth, but you can stitch the printed layer separately (as I have done).
Thread requirements - The (1) on the label indicates that to stitch this all in one colour, just one skein of 20m sashiko thread is needed! There is ample choice. Or if you want to stitch the whole series, why not get one of the 100m sashiko threads? The only colours that don't work so welll on white are white and cream, because they don't show up much when stitched.
 
Sarashi cloth is quite lightweight compared with other sashiko fabrics, but is very easy to stitch, super absorbent and wears well. It is one of the fabrics traditionally used for kimono underwear!
 
Finished size approx 13in (33cm) square.
Marks wash out.
Designed and hand printed by Olympus Thread Mfg. Co. in Japan.
 
100% cotton.