Sashiko Beanie & Mitts

The Sashiko pattern is reminiscent of the intricate sashiko patterns used today by Japanese artisans. Originally developed for functional reinforcement of cloth and clothing and first seen in the Edo period (1603–1867), sashiko embroidery was applied to clothing out of a practical need. Worn out clothes were pieced together to make new garments by using simple running stitches. By the Meiji period (1868–1912), sashiko was established enough that it had evolved into winter work in northern farming communities and became an alternate means to earn money.

Beanie: 18 in (20, 22, 24)/46 cm (52, 56, 62)

Fingerless Mitts: 7 in (8.5)/18 cm (21.6 cm

Changes in size for both the beanie and the mitts are easily achieved by adding or subtracting stitches in multiples of two. However, the “pinwheel” crown shaping decreases for the beanie are done on a multiple of 12 stitches. If you resize the beanie, you will need to take that into account.