Sashiko 刺し子 evolved as a rural domestic craft in Japan during the Edo era (1615 – 1868) and was originally invented to reinforce clothes of working class.

The word sashiko literally means "little stabs"

Jujizashi — Cross Stitch

The cross closely resembles the kanji character for the number ten (十), which holds positive connotations in Japanese culture — and because the pattern expands endlessly across cloth, it is traditionally associated with prosperity, protection and long life.

Practically speaking, the crisscrossed layers also replicate the warp and weft of woven fabric, making it one of the most structurally durable of all sashiko patterns.