Day 1 - 6

These six patterns share a common base of yokogushi (horizontal rows). The addition of the weaving makes it into kugurizashi (go through sashiko).

Kikkozashi (hexagon stich)

In Japan, hexagons represent the turtle's shell. Turtles are said to live for ten thousand years, so hexagons symbolise a wish for a long life.

Kawari Kikkozashi (Hexagon Stitch Variation)

When weaving, you don't want to go through the fabric just under the stitches. To make weaving easier, you can use the eye of the needle instead of the point.

Kawari Kikkozashi (Hexagon Stitch Variation 2)

This one may look incomplete because to get the full effect, there should be another two lines of weaving, but there is not enough room on an 11x11 square.

Fukumame (Lucky Beans)

The Fukumame pattern has a meaning of good luck and abundance. For neat sashiko, avoid pulling stitches too tight and leave a small loop at the back when starting a new line.

Jujizashi (10 Cross Stitch)

Jujizashi also has a meaning. The Japanese kanji for 10 is a cross so lots of crosses represent a wish for wealth or prosperity.

Jujihishikaha (Woven Cross Diamond)

This is the last weaving stitch I will be doing in this project, but there are many more variations if you go looking.