Sashiko stitching has been a gateway technique fuelling my long-held desire to learn how to embroider. I decided I wanted to expand from the straight stitch used in sashiko, and learn how to add texture with thread. I borrowed a book from the library just before the Labour Day weekend, and started working on a sampler of stitches.

I really love the cable chain, and the bullion knot the best out of the ones I’ve used in the sampler. I’m dying to start embroidering on a favourite worn red coat to give it new life, but I’m making myself practice further on the sampler to get more consistent with the stitches.

The book I’m using is called, Embroidery by Lucinda Ganderton, which has a step by step breakdown of over two hundred stitches. I like this book because it focuses on basic techniques rather than cutesy projects, like so many of the other books seemed to.