Feeling bored and stressed being stuck in the house during the winter combined with this never ending Covid? Why don’t you try Sashiko (little stabs), a simple and relaxing form of little Japanese embroidery?

Sashiko is a Japanese form of folk embroidery using a variation of running stitches to create a patterned background. Traditionally made in geometric patterns / motifs (I will write about motifs another time) with relatively inexpensive nature of white cotton thread on the abundant nature of another inexpensive, easily accessable indigo dyed blue cotton cloth (color blue was believed to have a repellent effect from mosquitoes and protection from evil), the designs include straight or curved lines of stitching arranged in a repeating pattern that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Centuries ago back in Edo Era (1600s to 1800s) among the rural poor, who couldn’t afford to just throw cloth away would instead have to mend and repurpose fabrics. That is how Sashiko Stitching was born. Worn out clothes were pieced together to make new garments by using simple running stitches. These clothes were commonly used to reinforce already patched clothing around points of wear, but would also be used to attach patches to clothing, making the fabric ultimately stronger. It would also be used to layer thin fabrics to create warmth. By the Meiji period (1868-1912), sashiko had been established enough that it had evolved into winter work in northern farming communities, when it was too cold to work outside.

Today boro and sashiko are adored all over the world. The appeal seems to not only be due to its beauty and simplicity, but also a desire to waste less; concerns about the waste produced by the textile industry and a desire to extend the life of garments also seem to be playing a role, coming full circle back to the humble origins. Sashiko embroidery are also used for purely decorative purposes, such as in the creation of quilts and embroidery samplers. Sashiko allows us to have “Mottainai” approach with style and gives us almost meditation like relaxation during the process of creating such simple stitches.

Yoko Beverly Hills offers free sashiko patterns. Please go to Free Sewing Pattern on SHOP page.