The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook: Patterns, Projects and Inspirations [Paperback]

Susan Briscoe (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 10, 2005

Sashiko is a traditional Japanese stitching technique that uses simple running stitches to create beautiful, decorative patterns ideal for patchwork, quilting and embroidery. This easy-to-learn technique opens up a whole new world to sewers, quilters and embroiderers, and this one-of-a-kind new reference offers more than 90 gorgeous patterns, including "square and spiral," "starfish," "waves" and "diamonds."

Readers get an overview of the techniques involved in Sashiko, complete with an equipment and tools checklist. Chapters feature 33 easy-to-stitch projects with step-by-step instructions and illustrations for creating coasters, greeting cards, tablemats, tote bags, drawstring bags, table runners and more.

-Easy-to-follow instructions for creating beautiful, elaborate designs with more than 90 Sashiko patterns -33 projects incorporate different designs and techniques -Features a full-color inspirational gallery of Sashiko work from contemporary textile artists

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Susan Briscoe teaches Shonai sashiko quilting workshops and has produced bag kits using the technique for Euro Japan Links. She writes and designs for patchwork and needlecraft magazines and recently published her first book 21 Terrific Patchwork Bags. Her interest in sashiko began when she was teaching English in Japan. Susan Briscoe lives in Wrexham, North Wales. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications; 2 edition (June 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896891860
• ISBN-13: 978-0896891869
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #309,255 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Freakin' Awesome!, March 13, 2006

By 

elvenlights (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook: Patterns, Projects and Inspirations (Paperback)

Please pardon the review title. This book deserves it. It's interesting, clearly organized, and easy to use. You can read through it for enjoyment or ideas, or you can use the clear headings, the big color photos, or (if you're more of a words person than an images person) the very navigable table of contents or index, to find exactly the information you want in no time flat.

That's another nice thing about this book. It's jam-packed with information. It has a good history of sashiko. It has some historical info on different sashiko patterns. It has photos of sashiko through the ages. It has good explanations. It has loads of stitch patterns, all with full-color examples, reasonably idiot-proof directions, and suggestions for use so that you can design your own projects. It has a good variety of sample projects, plus a gorgeous gallery of what stitching experts have done with sashiko. It even has suggestions for what to use to get the right look if traditional Japanese tools and materials aren't available where you live.

If you want to learn sashiko and can only afford one book, this is the book to get. I'm very impressed with it.

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook, March 19, 2006

By 

Joan Badami "quilter" (Pinon Hills Ca USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook: Patterns, Projects and Inspirations (Paperback)

The author covers every aspect of Sashiko embroidery and quilting. The history of the art chapter is excellent, the illustrations are quite helpful and the instructions are clear and complete. In the past my search for learning about this art has resulted in the unfortunate purchase of several books dedicated to machine sashiko. My interest lies in the traditional art and this book treats every area of that ancient craft. I recommend this book to those seeking to learn and discover the exquisite art of Sashiko embroidery.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration galore, August 22, 2006

By 

Scrivener (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook: Patterns, Projects and Inspirations (Paperback)

More than 100 traditional patterns, all indexed under Japanese names and common English translations, form the core of this sourcebook. Making it more useful still are the author's suggestions for conventional and less-conventional sashiko projects. Novices might tackle a handmade greeting card or drinks coaster using the step-by-step instructions, while sashiko masters might turn to photographs of ornate garments and quilts in the inspiration gallery. The hard part will be putting down the book and picking up the needle and thread.