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Yokogushi (Horizontal Rows)

This stitch is the foundation for many other stitching patterns in Hitomezashi Sashiko. After creating a knot, stitch running stitches along a horizontal line illustrated on your fabric. The stitches are made by stitching the length of one square grid, alternating with one square gap. On the next row, alternate between stitches and gaps. Continue stitching the rest of the rows in the same pattern of alternating stitches and gaps.

Because this is usually the first and foundational stitch made on the fabric, the stitching sets the tone and tension for the other stitches that build on this stitch. This is why it is vital to keep a close eye on thread tension. Puckering happens most when stitching this foundational stitch, so pay special attention when connecting between the rows of stitches. Leave some slack in the loop on the reverse side that connects one row to another. This will prevent the fabric from puckering. It is good practice to always check on thread tension at the end of each stitching row. Source: The Thread

Jujizashi (’10’ Cross Stitch)

Stitch a vertical stitch in the middle of the horizontal Yokogushi stitch, crossing at right angles. This stitch forms the number “10” character in Japanese and Chinese. Please note that this stitch is not guided by a line on the grid. Determine the position of these crossing stitches by eye-balling it. Source: The Thread

Komezashi (Rice Stitch)

Start by stitching Jujizashi (’10’ Cross Stitch), which is made up of horizontal stitches, then crossed with vertical stitching lines. Now we will stitch on the diagonal by connecting the diagonal stitch from the centre point of each cross stitch to the next. First stitch all the lines going in one diagonal.

Source: The Thread

Then stitch in the lines going in the other diagonal. This stitch is called the Rice Stitch because it resembles the Chinese and Japanese character for “rice”. Source: The Thread