style="font-size:15px;"> Simple Angled and Curved Patterns
A symbol of good luck, the Shippo-Tsunagi design
features four rings layered on one ring that
continuously radiates outward. Kaku-Shippo is
a variation of Shippo-Tsunagi with the crossing
lines of “Hanazashi” and additional straight lines.
Hanazashi
Flower Stitches
Instructions • Actual size
Example by Hiromi Sekido
Kaku-Shippo
Angled Seven Treasures
Instructions • Actual size
Example by Tomiko Yashimura
Shippo-Tsunagi
Seven Treasures
Instructions • Actual
Example by Takako Nohara
7
A Variety of Tortoiseshell Patterns
Tortoiseshell patterns are symbolic of longevity and can be seen in a number of classic sashiko designs. A hexagonal
shape with a single stitch “horn” forms the Tsuno-Kikkō motif, combining two hexagons of varying size becomes
the Kasane-Kikko, and surrounding three small hexagons with a triangle results in the Musubi-Kikkō design.
Tsuno-Kikkō
Horned Tortoiseshell
Instructions • Actual size template
Kasane-Kikkō
Layered Tortoiseshell
Instructions • Actual size template
Musubi-Kikkō
Tied Tortoiseshell
Instructions • Actual size template
All examples on this page by Tami Motoyoshi
8
Bishamon “Good Luck” Patterns
Bishamon is a deity of good fortune (one of seven deities) and this motif was taken from his armor and resembles
a tortoiseshell design. The hexagonal tortoiseshell design is said to have been taken from the armor of Bishamon, a
deity of good fortune. Maru-Bishamon is a version of this motif that incorporates curves lines, which is considered
even more auspicious.
Bishamon-Kikkō
Bishamon Tortoiseshell
Instructions • Actual size template
Example by Nanae Ishizuki
Maru-Bishamon
Round Bishamon
Instructions • Actual size
Example by Chiyoko Nakazaki
9
Repetitive Puzzle Motifs
By alternating the direction of the 卍 (Manji), a puzzle-like motif develops. Igeta refers to the wooden frame atop a well
that inspired the Hiyoku-Igeta design. Two thread colors are used for this Hiyoku-Igeta project.
Kawari Manji Tsunagi
Linked Changing Manji
Instructions • Actual size template
Example by Michiyo Takabayashi
Hiyoku-Igeta
Bird Well Girder
Instructions • Actual size
Example by 12 Takako Nohara
10
Interconnecting Curves
For Tokkuri-Ajiro, curved circle lines are embroidered together, and for Chidori-Tsunagi, circles alternate directions.
Experiment with contrasting thread colors and fabric combinations for these graphic motifs that have a lot of character.
Tokkuri-Ajiro
Sake Bottle
Whittle Work
Stitching
