Classic Sashiko Patterns for Visible Mending
These are the most commonly used geometric sashiko patterns arranged from simplest to more involved. All can be drawn on fabric with a ruler and erasable pen.
Hitomezashi — Single-Stitch Grid
Draw a grid and stitch alternating rows to create cross or diamond fills.
Hitomezashi — Single-Stitch Grid
Draw a grid of equal squares on the fabric. Stitch along every other horizontal row of dots, offsetting by one square in alternating rows. Stitch the vertical lines the same way. The crossing stitches produce a pattern that looks like a woven texture. This is the most forgiving pattern for beginners because errors in individual stitches are not obvious when the grid fills in.
Seigaiha — Overlapping Scales
Draw a repeating arc grid and stitch the scallop outline of each scale.
Seigaiha — Overlapping Scales
Seigaiha (wave scales) requires drawing overlapping semicircles in a brick-laid arrangement. Use a compass or circular template to draw arcs consistently. Stitch the curved outline of each scale, then add three parallel curved lines inside each arc for the traditional layered effect. Work from the bottom row upward so overlapping rows cover the row below.
Asanoha — Hemp Leaf
Mark a six-pointed star grid and stitch spokes from center to corners.
Asanoha — Hemp Leaf
Asanoha is built on a hexagonal grid. Mark equilateral triangles across your fabric. From each center point, stitch outward to each of the six surrounding corner points. The interlocking star pattern creates the asanoha (hemp leaf) motif. Work one full motif at a time and check alignment before proceeding — errors accumulate in geometric patterns and become obvious over a large area.
Print Grid Templates for Complex Patterns For geometric patterns like asanoha and seigaiha, print a paper template at the correct scale, pin it to the fabric, and stitch through both paper and fabric. Tear the paper away when done. This avoids the tedious task of drawing a complex grid by hand and ensures perfect geometry across the entire mend.