Sashiko Workshop

Sashiko is a Japenese style of stitching which when translated means 'little stabs'.  This running stitch was used to make clothes out of of worn-out garments.  Most sashiko is traced back to the Edo Period (1603-1867) there are earlier discoveries e.g. a monks robe fromthe 8th Century was found which was adorned with a decorative running stitch found in Sosho-in.  During the Edo period, a stric hierachy established a social order.  Commoners and working class faced limitations on the types of textiles they could use.  Sashiko was mostly used by working class farming and fishing families to make stronger more practical workwear.  Worn out pieces were stitched with layers of old cloth, producing sturdy garments, and then passed down through history.

In this workshop, sashiko techniques will be demonstrated.  You will lealrn what basic materials and tools you will need to get started with the stitching.  You will be provided…