The following is meant to be an introduction into the wonderful world of boro/sashiko.

I): Intro

II): Boro/Sashiko today

III): What do it need?

IV): Where do i start?

V): Stitching the „sashiko way“

VI): Stitching the first row

VII): What now?



I) Intro:

The technique origins in the working class of japan. Its a way to mend daily worn clothes over and over again or even producing new clothes with small patches and pieces of fabric. Garments could and would be passed down over generations all adding and repairing as seen fit. The result is an incredible mix of sustainability and practicability.

Japanese Boro Patchwork Garment (Source: Heddels.com)

II) Boro/Sashiko today:

In the modern times many – especially japanese – brands and craftsmen have adapted the technique into their portfolio.

Honorable mentions are the incredible boro jacket made by Kapital or more discreet work like on some of Visvims outer peaces.

Also many Denimheads love the look of Sashiko mending on their faded Jeans to lengthen the lifespan in an incredible and personal way or just to add some character.

III) What do I need?:

Starting out is really simple. You will need fabrics to mend, a needle, thread, a fabric pen/ruler and a sashiko-ring/thimble. (Referral links!)

Personally i love shopping for vintage kimono or other indigo dyed fabrics on ebay to use. There are sashiko needles you can pick up online and id highly recommend it, but a long sewing needle does the job aswell.

Id recommend getting sashiko thread for its a thicker string with a different spin, but your run of the mill stitching thread should suffice.

There are great videos on the topic on several Youtube channels, i especially recommend Sashi.co.

Source: Sashico.com

IV) Where do I start?:

Starting out I’d recommend practicing on a single piece of fabric for optimal handling and just practicing stitching the „sashiko way“.

Pick out one of the many beautiful sashiko patterns, draw them onto the fabric with your fabric pen and stitch away.

If you want to join fabrics together it’s highly recommended to sew them together loosely, applying the pattern, stitching and removing the strings again.

Source: Pinterest

V) Stitching the „Sashiko way“:

Sashiko does not require a special technique of stitching but it will make it way more efficient. Its easier to stitch in straight lines that way and spacing out the stitches evenly.

I’d again recommend a video by Sashi.co on the topic.

Basically you are holding the needle with you thumb and middle finger, pressing against it with the thimble worn on your middle finger aswell.

It will take some practice but you will improve quickly.

This is where the thimble comes into play. Pressing against the needle with your bare hand will hurt…trust me, so the thimble is there to protect your hand from the head of the needle.

VI) Stitching the first row:

There are some minor details that will really help to clean up the final pattern. Its generally considered bad form to start out with a knot in the thread. To start and finish a line it will look luch better if you trace back the first few stitches, intertwining the thread and locking it in place. No knots needed.

Finishing a row of stitching its always important to pull on the fabric so it wont get crumbled up. The end results will be way flatter, more beautiful and wont warp the fabric. This is especially important while patching up clothing and thus changing the size.

first few backstitches

Stitching the first row

continuing the next row

backside

difference between good (pulled fabric) and bad form

knot vs backstitch

VII) What now?:

Well thats basically it, the basics of sashiko stitching. Just continue the pattern, play around with patching different fabrics together and enjoy!

It’s a great calming experience creating and mending garments. You will need lots of patience and practice, but it will all be worth it.

There are way to many small things to improve your patterns and skill to cover them all, but i will try to add them gradually or write advanced guides.

Have fun and good luck!