About Tanuki Studio

Hi, I'm Lilian. Tanuki Studio makes Japanese-inspired sashiko — printable patterns to stitch, plus how-to guides and articles on the craft.

The name comes from the tanuki, the raccoon-dog of Japanese folklore — a cheerful, good-natured creature, and a symbol of good fortune whose little statues sit outside shops and homes to welcome luck. A fitting companion, it seemed, for a small studio of things made slowly, by hand.

The idea behind it is simple: to share a craft I find beautiful and inspiring — and the humble origins it grew from. Sashiko began as a plain mending stitch in the north of Japan, worked to reinforce and warm everyday cloth. Every pattern is drawn with care, and the guides and articles are researched from reputable sources, so the craft is passed on accurately.

There's a growing library to explore — the sashiko pattern library, the how-to guides, and articles on the craft — with new pieces added regularly. When you'd like patterns to stitch at home, they live in the pattern shop (opens in a new tab).

Questions, or want to share what you've stitched? Get in touch.