When people ask me where to start with Sashiko, I often suggest one of these fukin (foo-keen) and tell them to pick a design they will actually finish. If you go for the super complex designs on your first try, it’s more likely you’ll get frustrated and shove it in a drawer, never to be seen again.

Keep your hands happy. Make a little Sashiko Fukin (刺し子ふきん) towel, also called a hana-fukin (“flower cloth” 花ふきん) or yume-fukin (“dream cloth” 夢ふきん). I’ve selected a classic design for beginners that I think you’ll enjoy even if you’re ...

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