Visible Mending to Repair and Reuse
The ancient Japanese craft of sashiko and boro are at the heart of this style of repairing fabric garments. Embrace the beauty within the fabric scar. Similar to the art of Kintesugi, repairing broken china with gold, making the damage become the beauty of the piece.
In the photo you see circles stitching together a piece of backing fabric (dark grey linen) and the denim jacket. The white square is a template which will be washed away when the stitching is completed. The great thing about this is it lays the loose frayed edges flat and sticks to the patch of new fabric behind, as you stitch the fabrics together stitch by stitch.
First stitch the circles on the large patch. When completed, wash away the Stick and Stitch product.
Then add the individual circles as you like.
STITCHING FREEDOM
Stitching patches of fabric over the hole in the garment, and then to sashiko (meaning tiny stabs in Japanese) stitch the fabrics together to strengthen the piece so it can last and be used for many years to come. Originally there was no real concern for style or artistry, this technique was a practical necessity. The rustic random stitching style is nearer to the origins of this craft. The formal geometric patterns that have evolved are further from the origins than a freestyle stitching technique.
This is liberating. And so good for our wellness. Letting go of perfectionism and embracing the natural freedom of not being overly anxious about making it perfect.