It is very important to learn how to prepare the fabric before a Sashiko Project. Our Artisan told me that the preparing the fabric before Sashiko stitching is as important as the Sashiko stitching itself. Since I sincerely want to encourage you to learn how to prepare the fabric, I included the necessary materials into a Fukubukuro 2021 (Azu's Bag). This is a follow-up article of explaining the best quality transfer paper in Japan. Please scroll down for the tutorials for how to use the paper itself.

Upcycle Stitches carries transfer papers from several manufactures. In 2021, after many trials, we are shifting our inventory to this "Cosmo Embroidery Copy Paper". It is very well-made. They are made in Japan & instruction is written in Japanese. Please find the translation & summarize of the important instruction.

How to Use:

• Facing the chalk (ink) side of the paper to the back side of the fabric, layer them. On the top of the chalk paper, layer the mylar paper to protect the transfer paper. Please use a pen to pressure the pattern to transfer the pattern on the fabric (The video is available below).
• Please be mindful with the "pressure" to transfer the pattern. If it is too weak, the pattern will not be transfered. If it is too strong, the chalk(ink) may go into the fabric too much. 
• After stitching, you may wash out the pattern by lightly hand-washing. If the pattern remains, please use Neutral detergent and soft brush (like tooth brush) to gently scrub it out. 
• Please be advised that the pattern will not be washed away if you add the heat to the patterns (by such as an iron). If you need to use an iron on the fabric, please do so after washint it out completely. Please air dry the fabric to see if the patterns are off completely. 

• After reading the "How to Use", please try to use a small sample of fabric to see if the pattern will come off. Depends on the fabric and the pressure, the pattern may not come off. (We are working on making a sample video). 
• If your Sashiko project doesn't require a single layer (if you plan to cover the backside of the fabric with another fabric, you may not need to wash out the pattern). We usually stitch from the backside (wrong side) of the fabric. Please learn how to enjoy Sashiko from the backside as well.

Please check the article & video below.

https://upcyclestitches.com/transfer-sashiko-patterns-tutorial/