Hitomezashi Wallpaper Triptych

Created by Megan A. Martinez

Sashiko thread on cotton/linen fabric

47.0 x 38.0 cm

2024

This wall-hanging triptych explores the 9 wallpaper symmetries that can appear in generalized hitomezashi patterns that are generated by two binary strings. These designs are hand-stitched on a grid, where separate threads form the horizontal and vertical lines in a running stitch; the only decision for each horizontal and vertical line is whether to begin the thread above or below the fabric (and this directly corresponds to the “0” or “1” in a binary string). One of the beautiful features of this form of sashiko is that the back of the design is just as lovely as the front. To celebrate this duality, these wallhangings are completely reversible, and I encourage viewers to turn them over on the wall to view them on whichever side they desire! You can read more about why there are only possible symmetries the paper Attainable Symmetry in Generalized Hitomezashi Patterns.

If you turn each of the wallhangings over, you get this:

Red Panel

The red panel displays examples of hitomezashi-inspired designs with wallpaper groups p1 (top), p4m (middle), and pg (bottom).

Yellow Panel

The yellow panel displays examples of hitomezashi-inspired designs with wallpaper groups cmm (top), pmm (middle), and pm (bottom).

Green Panel

The green panel displays examples of hitomezashi-inspired designs with wallpaper groups cm (top), pmg (middle), and p2.