Sashiko Embroidered linen drawstring bag

Sashiko

Welcome to this wonderfully simple and relaxing stitching art.  Sashiko is so versatile, beautiful results are achievable for absolute beginners.

Are you a Sashiko traditionalist or modernist, without or with knots? The natural freeness that comes with this versatile and extremely relaxing to stitch is liberating – for beginners and experienced stitchers alike.

Traditional Method Sashiko

Sashiko The word means little stabs.  Without knots, the traditional method, is worked entirely from the front or right side of the fabric.  And traditionalists say it is much faster to work with this method, when you have built up speed.   And modern styled Sashiko uses knots and securing on the wrong side of the fabric.  

Modern Sashiko

Sashiko without knots, the traditional method, is worked entirely from the front or right side of the fabric.  And modern styled sashiko uses knots and securing on the wrong side of the fabric.

Which one is better? That’s the million dollar question.  We will look at the pros and cons of both so you can see which one suits you best.  

Origins :: Sashiko, Boro and Kintesugi

Born out of need, repair, prolonging the life of precious fabrics many hundreds of years ago.  The humble origins of necessity have turned into a freestyle creative art that so many love for it’s order and adaptability. 

Boro is using these tiny stitches to weave pieces of fabric together to extend the life of the fabric, and garment.    

And kintesugi – the art of creating beauty in repaired china, celebrating the cracks by painting them gold.  Not hiding it.  All three of these creative arts celebrate the imperfection, the wear, the service that these items have provided – and continuing to respect and treasure them for this fact.   

Stick and stitch patches

Celebrating :: Sashiko, Boro and Kintesugi

So many of us have connected with these simple, humble arts that celebrate the inner beauty, looking beyond the bling to the depth of natural beauty.  Perhaps a bit deep.  But this way of sewing brings a great deal of freedom, liberating us from perfectionism – one of the greatest joy thieves! 

And the power of the positive influence these simple humble crafts can bring to our lives.  

Visible Mending