Chrysanthemums and Wickerwork - Part 1: In Cross Stitch

This month I decided to try something new with the designs and work within a theme.  If one looked at the beginning of the design process the theme would be sashiko.  I was looking at book on sashiko when I first got the idea.

Sashiko is a form of stitch work that started in Japan.  Originally it was a way for people to mend their clothing, but has since turned into it's own visual stitch form that is practiced by all sorts of needle workers.  The stitch patterns are all done with a running stitch on a usually dark background with contrasting thread.  It's beautiful.  One day I would like to try it for myself, but time is not on my side yet.

That said, I still like to peruse different art books to see what is out there and get ideas.  Sashiko is great for replicating and intermingled patterns.  After looking at some intricate motifs I decided that I would like to try some of the ideas in different stitch forms.

For this month the two ideas will be chrysanthemums on a wickerwork background.  To start off I tried it in cross stitch.

While working on this piece I also decided that I would like to experiment with variegated embroidery thread.  So I went for high contrast colors on a neutral background.  The chrysanthemum was originally a flower motif that I designed for filet crochet.  (Just wait, it's coming.)  The wickerwork background is similar to the stitch layout for the Ajiro motif as shown in The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook.

I hope that you enjoy this little project as much as I have.  Happy stitching.

References:
Briscoe, Susan. The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook: Patterns, Projects and Inspirations. Cincinnati, OH; A David and Charles Book, 2011
Dower, John W. The Elements of Japanese Design: A Handbook of Family Crests, Heraldry & Symbolism. New York, John Weatherhill, Inc., 1979

Feel free to change the thread, the gauge, or the size.  Just please don't try to sell the patterns as your own.

If you would like to purchase a PDF download of this pattern from Etsy, it can be found here.

If you have any questions about the pattern, please email me at GridMammalCrafts@gmail.com and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Flowering Weave Cross Stitch Pattern

Materials:

·         18 Count Aida Clothe – Color: White

·         DMC 53 Thread

·         DMC 4210 Thread

·         Tapestry Needle

·         Embroidery Hoop

Finished Size on 18 Count Aida Clothe:

·         Approximately 3.9” Wide x  3.33” Tall

Notes:

·         Each crossed stitch is done with two strands of thread over one square of 18 count Aida clothe.

·         All stitches are full crossed stitches.

·         When working with variegated thread, I find like to choose my stitching arrangements by how they fit together.  So I will stitch one entire petal before moving onto the next, or will stitch one full line before working on a bisecting line.

Key:

Chart: