Abstract Sashiko Scarf

One of the ongoing questions I have about sashiko is what is the core of the practice?  Is it the stitching technique or the use of traditional patterns? Both? Neither? And due to the language barrier its very difficult for me to get much insight into this.  I do have an interest in doing more abstract patterns using the sashiko technique.  I think calling it sashiko inspired would be a more accurate term given that I don’t have a great deal of insight into what Japanese trends exist for contemporary sashiko work.  

The piece is being done on a 42″x15″ piece of cotton/linen indigo fabric using white sashiko thread and the standard ushin stitching technique.  So the materials and process are standard but the pattern was done using a circle template to create a few circular motifs and then surrounding them by flowing guide lines that will provide a framework for filling in the remainder of the fabric with swirling lines.  

The pattern was inspired by a pinterest image which unfortunately lacked any details and a reverse image search turned up no exact matches (outside of pinterest) which is a depressingly common issue.  Context people, context.  

Given the small size of some of the circular motifs the stitching has been a bit challenging requiring that I focus on each running stitch to make the tight turns instead of relaxing and just letting the stitching happen.  Currently I’m focused on getting the motifs done first before doing the guidelines and then filling in the space.  This way the most formal parts of the piece are done and I can then try to sink into a flow state for the rest of the stitching required. 

I’m not planning on hemming this as the raw edges will fray over time.  The stitching should hold the fabric together over the long run and keep any fraying to the edges of the cloth.