Watercolor Sashiko-Style Pockets for Journals
Turn scraps and leftover materials into stunning sashiko-inspired journal pockets with this easy, creative project! Using watercolor paints, recycled papers, and a white gel pen, you’ll make trendy, textured pockets perfect for junk journals, envelopes, or other papercraft creations. As a bonus, you’ll end up with beautifully painted paper scraps that coordinate with your project.
What Is Sashiko?
Sashiko (meaning “little stabs”) is a traditional Japanese stitching technique originally used to reinforce and mend clothing. Today, it's often referred to as slow stitching or decorative mending, and it’s beloved for its calming, meditative process and its beautiful geometric patterns.
Supplies You’ll Need:
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White ply from separated napkins
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Book pages or scrap paper
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Watercolor paints
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Glue stick
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White gel pen
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Scissors or a paper trimmer
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Optional: a round paper punch or scissors to cut a notch
Step 1: Make Your “Painty” Napkin Papers
Lay a single ply of white napkin over a book page or sheet of white paper. Paint simple patterns or abstract watercolor washes on top of the napkin. Let it air dry completely—this creates a bonus painted background on the paper underneath that matches your napkin!
Step 2: Assemble Your Pocket
Once dry, tear or cut your painted napkin pieces and begin forming a patchwork-style collage on your pocket base. Use glue to attach the pieces, layering in extra bits of patterned napkins or paper scraps for more visual interest.
To make a pocket shape:
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Trim your design to size
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Use a paper punch or cut a small triangle from the top center to create a notch for easy access
You can now tuck in additional paper scraps or journaling cards!
Step 3: Add Faux Stitching
Use your white gel pen to mimic the look of sashiko stitching across your patchwork, following the seams or your own patterns. You can also use a metallic gold or silver pen for extra flair.
If you have stitch-pattern stamps, use waterproof archival ink in any color you like to add realistic stitch effects.
Final Tips & Ideas
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These napkin papers also make fantastic collage elements for tags, envelopes, cards, and other mixed media projects.
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Try taking your paints outside on a sunny day and batch-paint a whole collection of napkins and backgrounds for future use.
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Experiment with different color palettes, napkin textures, and layering styles.
Let your scraps shine—this is a perfect summer project for embracing slow crafting and turning humble materials into something beautiful.
Happy paper crafting!
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