New PDF Kogin Pattern No.1

October 16, 2026

◆ Kogin Pattern No. 1

My new PDF pattern, Kogin Pattern No. 1, is now available on Etsy!
It is currently available in English only. You can choose between two versions: a Step-by-Step Guide and Charts version and a Chart-Only PDF.

I originally stitched this design as a little break while working on Kogin Motif Sampler Vol. 1. When I shared it on social media, some people told me they would love to stitch it too. Then I realized that this design would be a perfect next step after the topics I had introduced in my previous PDFs. So I decided to turn it into a pattern!

◆ About This Pattern

This pattern introduces framing motifs. The photo below shows a traditional Higashi-kogin (East Kogin) design. You can see how a central motif is surrounded by regularly repeating patterns. Using this framing structure is an efficient way to stitch larger areas of fabric. It also creates a pleasant rhythm. Once you become familiar with the structure, you may find yourself stitching much faster than expected, simply because the repetition feels so comfortable.

I think this is also a wonderful way to experience the original purpose of kogin: strengthening fabric through stitching in a practical and efficient way.

When I first stitched a design using framing motifs, I was amazed by how versatile this structure was. Since then, I have enjoyed exploring different ways to arrange and change these frames. When working with frames, the repeating unit becomes larger, so it may take some time to get used to finding your place in the pattern. But after completing one design, I think your hands will begin to understand how the frame is constructed. For me, this understanding opens another door to the endless possibilities of kogin.

I hope you will enjoy experiencing framing motifs with this pattern. And perhaps one day, you will choose your own favorite motif, place it inside a frame, and create a design that spreads across an entire piece of fabric!

◆ What's Included in Kogin Pattern No. 1

There are two versions available.

【Step-by-Step Guide and Charts】
5 PDF files
1. Guide (17 pages): Photos of finished pieces, materials used, explanations of the motif and frame structure, ways to read the charts, practice examples, and smaller motifs found within larger motifs (related to my previous Motif Sampler).
2. Practice Charts (2 pages): Two practice designs: one focusing on the frame structure and another combining a motif with a frame.
3. Main Charts (US Letter, 4 pages): Two versions of the main design with different center positions, plus a wider view of each chart.
4. Main Charts (A4, 4 pages): The same charts as File 3, formatted for A4 paper.
5. Variations (4 pages): Four additional pattern variations.

【Chart-Only PDF (No explanations or practice charts)】
4 PDF files
1. Chart-Only PDF (4 pages): Information about the included files, materials used, and an introduction to the four pattern variations.
2. Main Charts (US Letter, 4 pages): Two versions of the main design with different center positions, plus a wider view of each chart.
3. Main Charts (A4, 4 pages): The same charts as File 2, formatted for A4 paper.
4. Variations (4 pages): Four additional pattern variations.

These PDFs are designed for advanced beginners and above who already know basic kogin stitching and how to start and finish threads. All files are in English, and basic stitching instructions are not included. Of course, if you would like to try this as your very first kogin pattern, you are welcome to give it a try!

If you would like to learn kogin from the beginning, please see my Kogin Basics: Beginner Kogin Guide PDF.

Examples of framing practice designs and smaller motifs found within a larger design. The charts shown above are included only in the Step-by-Step Guide and Charts version.

Samples of the four pattern variations. These charts are included in both versions.
Both versions include the same main charts and variations, so you do not need to purchase both.

◆ About the Materials

This time, I tried stitching with several different materials. I used Zweigart linen, which is relatively easy to find outside Japan, as well as Olympus linen, which is also more widely available internationally than you might expect. For one of the variation samples, I used one of my favorite Japanese kogin fabrics.

Some customers have also kindly shared information about materials in their Etsy reviews. I hope you will take a look! I am truly grateful to everyone who shares such helpful information with others who are interested in kogin.

◆ Final Thoughts

Since I started enjoying kogin without always following a chart, one thing has become very important to me: Am I enjoying it? Does the stitching feel comfortable to me?

It may sound very simple. When you follow a chart, you might sometimes think, "Oh no, I made a mistake! I have to undo it..." and end up pulling out stitches you have already made.

But if undoing the stitches and trying again makes you happy, that's perfectly fine.
If you can continue following the chart without undoing anything, that's fine too.
And if you can make a small adjustment and turn it into your own design, I think that's wonderful as well.

Sometimes, as I stitch, I find myself thinking: "How amazing that people created something so beautiful and practical, simply by filling the spaces in linen fabric with thread!"
Little by little, the fabric in my hands fills with stitches. It becomes stronger, and beautiful patterns begin to appear.

I hope you will enjoy that time, watching the fabric slowly change beneath your hands.