Sashiko Persimmon Flower (and Headband Pattern) | Embroidery on Knitting Tutorial

Sashiko needlework originated as a practical, simple running stitch used to repair or strengthen clothing, to patch worn garments and to hold layers of fabric together for extra warmth. Sashiko translates to ‘little stabs’, a reference to the actual act of stitching through cloth. Given its origins out of necessity, its practical impact and its ultimate beauty, sashiko is truly the embodiment of form and function. This tutorial is a demonstration of how the sashiko hitomezashi (persimmon stitch) stitch can be worked into straight stockinette. The tutorial covers how to embroider the pattern in two different intervals through conceptual drawings and photos of swatches and discusses how to incorporate it into your choice of fiber weight. A pattern for a headband, which features this beautiful stitch pattern and an adjustable closure, is included. For the headband: Yarn DK weight ~30g of MC to make the headband ~5g of CC for the embroidery My Samples Black: Marianated Yarns Playtime DK 100% MerinoNot Quite Black Navy: Little Fox Yarns Bōsa 65% Wool – Merino, 20% Silk, 15% Other Animal – Yak Threat Level Midnight Sappphire: Magpie Fibers 80% Merino, 10% Cashmere goat, 10% Nylon Bell Bottom Blues All samples were embroidered with Marianated Yarns Playtime DK in the colorway Bumble. Tools US 3 (3.25 mm) 24” circular needles Additional US 3 (3.25 mm) needle (for the 3-Needle Bindoff) Darning needle Gauge 7 sts and 9 rows / inch (2.5 cm) straight stockinette Sizes S/M for 19-21” (48-53 cm) circumference M/L for 21-22” (53-56 cm) circumference If in between sizes, opt for the smaller size. Abbreviations CC contrast color k knit MC main color RS right side sts stitches WS wrong side