Indigo Sashiko Stitch Sampler

Sashiko means "little stabs" in Japanese. It began as a way for farming and fishing families to strengthen and patch worn work clothes with rows of running stitches. Over time the stitching itself became the decoration. A sampler of classic patterns in white thread on indigo cotton makes a calm sashiko jigsaw puzzle. The star-shaped hemp leaf design was a favorite for baby clothes, because hemp grows fast and straight.