The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook. Susan Briscoe

       Sayagata variation

Transferring designs to fabric – marking methods

      There are various methods for marking your sashiko pattern on to your fabric. You can mark the pattern directly on to the top fabric or draw the design on paper and transfer it. The most useful methods are described here.

       Marking directly on fabric

      This is my favourite method and I use it whenever possible as you can always see exactly what you are marking. There are many marking materials for dark fabrics, so try several and use your favourite (see page 19). Drawing around curved templates is easier with pencils or pens than with a block of chalk. Some marks stay on the fabric for longer than others but can also depend on factors like humidity and hand warmth. If you already have a preferred method for marking dark fabric (such as slivers of soap) use that. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a new marking product – what removes one kind of mark may permanently set another.

       Marking fabric with a quilter’s ruler

      Quilter’s rulers are very accurate. Use the parallel lines on the ruler, as shown below, to mark the base grid for the pattern and mark directly on the fabric. Allow for the width of the line, especially if using tailor’s chalk as the line might be up to ¹⁄₈in (3mm) thick, so line up with the bottom of each line or your grid might be 1¹⁄₈in (2.9cm) not 1in (2.5cm)! Draw the rest of the pattern with curved templates or extra diagonal lines, following the individual diagrams in the Pattern Library.