Sashiko, meaning ‘little stabs’, uses evenly spaced running stitches to create eye-catching geometric patterns. Originally employed as a form of darning to mend clothes, it is now a popular form of decorative embroidery. With its clean, minimalist look, sashiko is perfect for modern interiors; it is also a great way of using up spare textiles and extending the life of old clothing.
The twenty appealing projects show how to apply this technique to a wide range of useful and attractive items. A comprehensive introductory section covers all the tools, materials and basic techniques you will need, so even a complete beginner can make a beautiful and unique piece. Learning the simple art of traditional Japanese stitching has never been so easy nor so useful.
Projects Include: tea towel, cushion cover, table mats, covered buttons, stylish knot bag and a furoshiki wrapper (an eco-friendly alternative to gift wrap).

Susie Johns is an artist and designer who has written dozens of craft books, including 100 Essential Embroidery Stitches, Flower Embroidery, Circus Embroidery, Knitted Pets, Knitted Woodland Creatures, 100 Essential Knitting Stitches, How to Embroider, Fat Quarter: Bags & Purses and Fat Quarter: Vintage. Her patterns and designs appear regularly in consumer craft magazines in the UK, such as Let’s Knit, Sew and Let’s Get Crafting, and she has written numerous patterns for suppliers such as DMC. She has also demonstrated various crafts on television. Susie studied Fine Art at The Slade School and went on to pursue a career in publishing as an editor before becoming freelance. Alongside her writing career, she teaches drawing and painting at a local adult education college. She also runs classes and workshops on knitting and crochet and has been involved in a number of textile-based community projects in and around London, where she lives.