[How to] Chiku Chiku Style - Let's Start Chiku Chiku

Hi Sashiko Lovers! It's Jun. Today I am going to introduce a free and fun project Chiku Chiku.

"Chiku Chiku" is a sound of running stitch in Japanese. Japanese textile artist Akiko Ike is introducing this technique to the world. 

I think this article is explaining well about Akiko and Chiku Chiku. ---> [Profile : Akiko Ike]

My Sashiko partner, Jacqui learnt Chiku Chiku from Akiko Ike. And she has introduced it to us in Adelaide. I am going to show how to start Chiku Chiku.

What you need :

• Foundation fabric - I am using Japanese SARASHI cotton at our Sashiko Lounge. It is soft weave cotton but not easy to get in Australia. I suggest to use thin, soft but not stretchy fabric.
• Your scrap fabrics
• Sashiko threads
• Sashiko needle
• Clippers, Scissors 

Tips :

• The key of Chiku Chiku ; Thick, Big stitches.
• You don't have to make any knots. Actually I suggest not to m ake a knot. Just leave about 5 cm length tails.
• 1 metre to 1.5 metres length thread would be easier to handle than longer ones.
• Do not worry about small details. 

 

1. Place your first scrap fabrics on the foundation fabric. Put a few pieces on the foundation and see how it looks. 

The overlaps of each scrap should be about 3 cm. Don't worry about sizes of each piece. Cut the scraps when you think they are too big. No pins!

2. Stitch the scraps and the foundation together with DOUBLE thread and BIG stitches. Still no pins! - If you can, please try a running stitch. After you pull the needle and thread, smooth the stitches out with your fingertips.

3. Make sure to stitch over the edge where the fabric overlapped to secure. However, you don't have to worry about it too much.

4. The first line finished. Pull the needle on the backside. Do not pull the thread too much when you move on the next line. Then turn the fabric and start the second line. Repeat Step 2, 3, and 4.

5. When the line reach about 2 cm from the edge of the smallest piece of the first group, place another few scraps on the foundation. It is like fill the gaps.

Tips : When tying the thread in the middle of stitching, overlap the new stitching for 3 stitches, as shown in the picture. 

6. Repeat steps until all space filled with fabric pieces.

It is easy and fun isn't it? I, personally, think Chiku Chiku is making a new fabric. Any small "scrap" fabrics, any short threads, can reborn / revive. As you stitch, you would feel beautiful touch. You can feel the change. 

I am going to show some examples with your Chiku Chiku piece next time. Enjoy your Chiku Chiku time. Talk to you soon!

Jun B xx