How to Stitch: Kurgurizashi Sashiko Sampler - "Asagao"

This blog will show you how to stitch Asagao , a Kugurizashi Sashiko Design.
This design looks complex, but broken down to a step at a time, it is easy enough to do. You can buy the Asagao design pre-printed & ready to stitch on Japanese sarashi-momen fabric (100% cotton) on athreadedneedle.com.
What is Kugurizashi Sashiko?
Kuguri sashiko is a two step sashiko stitching technique. First you stitch a hitomezashi (one stitch) sashiko design and then you weave under those threads to create a kugurisashi sashiko design.
Hitomezashi is a sashiko stitching style. The designs are made up of single stitches in straight lines across the fabric. The stitching covers the fabric much more densely than the Moyozashi sashiko (large sashiko designs).
Kugurizashi is a more advanced two part sashiko stitching technique which involves using the Hitomezashi stitching as the base layer to weave threads under to create beautiful patterns and textures.

Start this design by simply stitching the diagonal marks in one direction.
Weave the thread under the X's and push your needle back through the fabric at the next dot. It is easier to use the eye end of your needle to go under the stitched threads - you are only going under the threads NOT into the fabric.
Bring your needle back to the front very close to where you put it through to the back.
Here is what the back looks like:
Continue until all the rows are completed.
Still using the eye end of your needle, weave the line passing under the X's.
The threads are loose at this stage, and they should be, so resist the urge to want to make them all snug. It will tighten up as more lines are woven.
Continue
Here are samples of the design stitched in two colors and three colors. the blue and yellow one has been finished and washed, so the threads are have snugged up in the fabric nicely..
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