These pre printed panels from Olympus are called 'hana fukin' with literally means 'flower cloth'. Usually square, Olympus have produced several new designs in a rectangular format, so they are ideal for pacements. This Japanese take on a Scandi Christmas style design is so cute! It is printed in grey on red coloured narrow width traditional sarashi cloth (an easy to stitch traditional Japanese cotton cloth). Each panel is supplied in one piece with a plain area the same size attached, because they are designed to be stitched through both layers and the edges turned in to make a little cloth, but you can stitch the printed layer separately (as I often do), or add a border for a larger panel. There are lots of possibilities.
This time, I folded the edges in all round and tucked the corners into each other, before hand sewing all round (what's known as a 'knife edge' or 'butted' finish in quilting), and adding a little tacking (as shown in the extra photos) to hold the two layers in place while I stitch. I'm also changing the 20m sashiko thread colours, so my leaves and trees are in mid green #07 sashiko thread, the stars are in bright yellow #16 and the rest of the stitching in cream #02.
Stitching guide included, in Japanese, but with easy to follow diagrams.
Sarashi cloth is quite lightweight compared with other sashiko fabrics, but is very easy to stitch, super absorbent and wears well. It is one of the fabrics traditionally used for kimono underwear!
Finished size approx 13 x 17 3/4in (33 x 45cm).
Marks wash out. NB - the marks have less contrast than my pre printed sashiko panels. The fabric is indigo colour, not natural indigo, so the colour won't run.
Designed and made by Olympus in Japan.
100% cotton.
