Modern Sashiko Beyond Filling in the Gaps, Shannon Leigh Roudhan and Jason Bolsby,(Stash Books), 2023, ISBN: 9-781644-031872, $26.95
In Western terms, Kogin is a form of pattern darning. I’m always looking for new patterns, so I asked for this book for Christmas and got it when it came out last month. The book begins with a brief history of both Kogin and Sashiko, followed by sections on materials and basic information.
The meat of the book for needlepointers begins with the section on reading kogin patterns. Detailed sections follow this on breaking down patterns and on stitching. While you can use the techniques in the book if you are using cloth, needlepoint canvas is too stiff to use anything but the stabbing method used for other stitches. These are followed by short sections on finishing techniques and color.
For us, the meat of the book is the pattern library. This is split evenly between motifs and repeating patterns. Although some of these appear to be connected to specific projects, they can be adapted to other uses.
The final section is about projects. If you are looking for ways to explore kogin on cloth, this will give you lots to try.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
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