Nozoki-Ukikusa Patterns

What's Nozoki-Ukikusa pattern?

This is the Nozokimon version of the Ukikusa crest. Nozokimon features a design that peeks through a hole. The Ukikusa crest is a plant motif commonly seen on family crests. "Ukikusa" refers to grass that floats on the water's surface and is mentioned in both the Manyoshu and The Pillow Book.

Nozoki-Ukikusa design and preparations

18 counts (3.5 cm, 1.38 inches) in diameter

DMC thread number / name / (RGB)

[・] 349 / Coral Dark / ( 216, 16, 53 )

[＋] BLANC / White / ( 252, 251, 248 )

Nozoki-Hana Patterns

What's Nozoki-Hana pattern?

We have a Nozokimon of flower here. Nozokimon is a playful crest featuring a design peeking out from the lower half of a circle. It’s mainly used on kimonos and haoris. I like this design so much that I made it my icon.

Nozoki-hana design and preparations

18 counts (3.5 cm, 1.38 inches) in diameter

DMC thread number / name / (RGB)

[・] 349 / Coral Dark / ( 216, 16, 53 )

[＋] BLANC / White / ( 252, 251, 248 )

Nozoki-Chidori bird Patterns

What's Nozoki-Chidori bird pattern?

Chidori bird pattern often features a plump and charming design. The term "Chidori" refers to small birds that gather in groups near riverbeds and seashores. This pattern has been popular since the Heian period. Despite its adorable appearance, it is frequently used as a symbol of good fortune and the desire to achieve aspirations, as it is associated with triumph and prosperity.

Nozoki-Chidori bird design and preparations

18 counts (3.5 cm, 1.38 inches) in diameter

DMC thread number / name / (RGB)

[・] 349 / Coral Dark / ( 216, 16, 53 )

[＋] BLANC / White / ( 252, 251, 248 )

Gangi jagged shape and Zenigata coin shape patterns

What are Gangi jagged shape and Zenigata coin shape pattern?

The photo above is my original design, combining two patterns.

Gangi jagged shape pattern

Gangi jagged shape is a geometric pattern created by overlaying two squares, resulting in an eight-cornered design. 

This pattern evokes images of wild geese flying in a jagged formation across the sky or of staircases with their sharp angles. Although it’s rarely used on its own, it’s frequently incorporated as a border to enhance other patterns.

Zenigata coin shape pattern

Zenigata coin shape is distinguished by its circular design with a square hole at the center, hence the name ‘Zenigata,’ which translates to ‘money-shaped.’ 

This pattern is inspired by the coins that were commonly used during the Edo period. As time has passed, it has transformed into a fashionable design that has gained popularity. It’s frequently seen in men’s yukata, undergarments, and the ‘kasuri’ patterns from the Meiji era.

Gangi jagged shape and Zenigata coin shape design and preparations

25 counts (4.8 cm, 1.89 inches) in diameter

DMC thread number / name / (RGB)

[＋] 3799 / Very Dark Pewter Gray / ( 66, 66, 66 )

[－] 209 / Dark Lavender / ( 163, 123, 167 )

[・] 822 / Light Beige Gray / ( 231, 226, 211 )

Kikko Tortoiseshell and Ganjikiyuki Snow Patterns

What are Kikko tortoiseshell and Ganjikiyuki snow patterns?

The photo above is my original design, combining two patterns.

Kikko tortoiseshell pattern

The Kikko pattern, also known as the tortoiseshell design, holds a special place in Japanese culture. It’s seen as a symbol of good luck and longevity, thanks to its association with the turtle shell pattern.

This pattern made its way to Japan from China and West Asia during the Asuka and Nara periods. Initially, it was revered as a sacred design, used exclusively by the aristocracy.

However, things changed during the Heian period. The Kikko pattern started to appear widely on kimonos and pottery. By the Kamakura period, it had gained such popularity that it was embraced by both samurai and commoners alike.

Ganjikiyuki snow pattern

The Ganjikiyuki is a unique snow pattern, distinguished by its three-leaf foliage and snowflake design. Since ancient times, snow has been seen as a divine message and a symbol of a prosperous harvest.

Moreover, snow represents purity and the removal of impurities and the Japanese people are deeply moved by its immaculate whiteness and ephemeral beauty. Snow flower designs are often used to invoke a sense of coolness during the hot summer months.

Kikko tortoiseshell and Ganjikiyuki snow design and preparations

25 counts (4.8 cm, 1.89 inches) in diameter

DMC thread number / name / (RGB)

[・] 822 / Light Beige Gray / ( 231, 226, 211 )

[＋] 300 / Very Dark Mahogany / ( 111, 47, 0 )

[ × ] 807 / Peacock Blue / ( 100, 171, 186 )

Shippo Treasures and Hanakaku Flower Patterns

What are Shippo treasures and Hanakaku flower patterns?

You can find the Shippo treasures and the Hanakaku flower patterns in the Shosoin repository, a treasure trove of significant artifacts from the Nara to Heian periods.
In Buddhism, ‘Shippo’ translates to ‘seven treasures’, representing gold, silver, lapis lazuli, agate, pearl, white coral, and crystal. Given that a circle expands uniformly in all directions, it’s seen as a lucky design symbolizing unity and harmony.
Hanakaku refers to a four-petaled flower design that neatly fits within a square, and it can be arranged in a multitude of ways.

Shippo treasures and Hanakaku flower design and preparations

25 counts (4.8 cm, 1.89 inches) in diameter

DMC thread number / name / (RGB)

[＋] 778 / Very Light Antique Mauve / ( 223, 179, 187 )

[－] 730 / Very Dark Olive Green / ( 130, 123, 48 )

[・] 822 / Light Beige Gray / ( 231, 226, 211 )

Hyotan Gourd Patterns

What are Hyotan gourd patterns?

Hyotan, or Japanese gourds, have been intimately intertwined with the lives of the Japanese people since ancient times.

Hyotan gourds were practical plants due to their lightweight and sturdy nature, making them suitable for use as water containers or storage vessels for plant seeds.

The patterns of Hyotan gourds carry significant meaning in Japanese culture, symbolizing the prosperity of descendants and businesses, a symbolism derived from the multitude of seeds that can be harvested from a single gourd.

Furthermore, Hyotan gourds, with their hollow interiors, are considered good luck charms, believed to absorb negative energy and prevent its release.

Hyotan gourd design and preparations

18 counts (3.5 cm, 1.38 inches) in diameter

DMC thread number / name / (RGB)

[・] 318 / Light Steel Gray / ( 171, 171, 171 )

[＋] 34 / Dark Fuchsia / ( 125, 48, 100 )

Cross stitch on clothes

Attempted to conceal stains on my clothes.

DMC thread number / name / (RGB)

936 / Very Dark Avocado Green / ( 76, 88, 38 )

310 / Black / ( 0, 0, 0 )