As we transition into the cooler months here in Australia, we remain fortunate to spend a great deal of time outdoors — which means sun protection is still very much a priority. A hat is an essential accessory, and what better way to elevate a classic style of hat than by incorporating the timeless art of sashiko stitching?
This project pairs the beautiful Scattered Squares Sashiko Panel with a simple bucket hat pattern, using a lightweight denim for the lining to create a reversible, handcrafted piece you'll reach for again and again.
Step 1: Download the Pattern
Visit Waves & Wild and download the Sandcastle Bucket Hat pattern — a free resource available in sizes ranging from newborn through to XL adult. Follow the included instructions to measure and print the correct size for your hat.
Step 2: Cut the Fabric
Lay the pattern pieces over your unstitched sashiko panel, positioning them to highlight your preferred areas of the design. Because this hat is reversible, the sashiko panel forms the outer layer and I used a lightweight denim as the lining. Check your stash for a lining fabric!
Cut out each pattern piece with an additional ½" seam allowance on all sides. This extra margin accounts for the slight shrinkage and fabric shift that naturally occurs during sashiko stitching.
Step 3: Complete the Sashiko Stitching
Stitch each sashiko piece using your preferred thread colours or timeless white or ecru. Once complete, press the panels lightly on the wrong side using a warm iron — no steam — to set the stitching without distorting the fabric.
Step 4: Assemble the Hat
Return the pattern pieces to the completed sashiko panels and trim each piece to its final size. Machine stitch approximately ⅛" from the cut edge using a straight stitch to secure the sashiko threads in place. Cut the lining and interfacing pieces as directed in the pattern instructions, then follow the pattern to complete your sashiko bucket hat.
The result is a wearable piece of textile art — functional, reversible, and entirely your own.
This multi size pattern is a great way to use some novelty stash fabric - i've made several versions ranging from babies sizes to school age. They are all very well loved and have been washed and worn many times.
It's time to start stitching that stash of fabric hiding in your cupboards. The SSS (Simply Sashiko and Squares) Quilt is the perfect place to start. Simple construction with accents of beautiful but easily stitched blocks of sashiko.
Perfect for all skill levels.
Hana fukin (花ふきん), translates to "flower cloth" or "kitchen cloth" in Japanese. There isn't a comparable word in english for a generic "useful household cloth".
