Wrapping Up the Sashiko Stitch Challenge

There are few things I love more than sharing my love for Sashiko-inspired stitching with others, and our recent Sashiko Stitch Challenge has been the most engaging, cup-filling experience. I couldn't be more delighted to have spent the week of August 18-22 amongst more than 2000 friends, new and old, all of us making a mini hana fukin of our very own. This Challenge ticks so many boxes for me - I get to spend time stitching, make something pretty that I can use, and connect with this incredible community of stitchers. 

We structured this Challenge to be as welcoming to the world of Sashiko as possible, and I'm so pleased that we have some absolute beginners join us who were able to successfully stitch their own mini hana fukin - a multi-functional kitchen cloth that can be used as a coaster, hot pad, teacup cover, and more. We broke the pattern down into five steps that could each be completed in about 30 minutes. Each day over five days, one step of the pattern was released in the form of a pre-recorded video that participants could watch at their own pace. These instructional videos were supplemented with live Zoom calls, where folks could bring their stitching along to work on, connect with the group, and ask any questions that have come up as they work through the steps.

"I started this class to learn about Sashiko stitching. I ended this class loving every piece of the learning opportunity. The presentations were clear, easy to understand, and inspiring. I hardly wait to start another challenge or just another pattern." - Helen B.

We had more fun than even I imagined we would - in spite of the early mornings for many, as it's close to impossible to find a meeting time that works perfectly for every time zone. Even so, our group was in such great spirits, asking questions that helped not only the other participants learn, but me, too! Not to mention the sharing that took place - I loved seeing each hana fukin go from a drawn grid, to scattered stitches, to a beautiful pattern, each the same but different.

In fact, I think this Challenge is a testament to how unique we all are - even though we all had the same pattern and the same instructions, you can see that each of these pieces shows the unique hand of the maker. The final product can be influenced by what the piece will be used for, or the maker's favourite colours, or even what scraps they had on hand. In that way, each of these pieces tells a story about how their maker spent our Challenge week, and I think that's really beautiful!

A special thank you goes out to all of the Sashiko Stitch Challenge participants who took part in our Challenge, and shared not only your photos with us, but your learning as well. It's been so special to stitch away the week with you!

And if you missed out on our live challenge, we do have an on-demand challenge that you can join in on here - the pattern is slightly different, but just as fun and fulfilling!

Please enjoy these photos shared from our Challenge participants:

Marta Arandia

Claire Hibbard

D.D.

"The mini Hana fukin challenge was great fun. I gained more confidence while stitching a new pattern, with the added bonus of a magical pattern emerging on the back side of the stitching. Since the challenge ended I’m working on three more mini Hana fukins!"

Claire C.

Jennifer McCarron

Anna Sharp

Nora Armstrong

Beth

"The August 2025 Sashiko Stitch challenge gave me an amazing (and unexpected) amount of joy! Working on my piece every morning for five days, following the steps, fulfilled me creatively in a way I truly didn't expect. Then, seeing the wide variety of patterns and colors others were using in the community made me feel connected to something larger, and I appreciated that feeling as well. It gave me so much more than I ever expected."

Debbie Moore

Debi Hansen

Heather

"Kate is a really good teacher. Clear and concise. Her videos are of high quality and her manner in the meet-ups is lovely. No question too silly or small to ask. Doesn't mind repeating herself for those who've come in late. Everyone is made to feel involved and welcome. Amy's input is valuable and she and Kate work well together"

Rosemary Carlson

Anne

Alison Pickard

Anthea Winterburn

Martina Zuliani

Debra Bruner

Molly Swisher

Sue H.