The Art of Sashiko: Stitching a Traditional Zokin

Sashiko is a traditional Japanese stitching practice rooted in thrift, repair, and making everyday objects last. In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn the fundamentals of sashiko while creating a zokin—a traditional Japanese cleaning cloth made from layered textiles and designed to become more durable through stitching.

Using a pre-assembled zokin, we'll focus on learning the essential techniques of sashiko, including the distinctive running stitch and a traditional jujizashi (cross stitch) pattern. Along the way, you'll gain practical skills that can be applied to visible mending, embroidery, and creative textile upcycling projects.

In this workshop you'll:

• Learn the fundamentals of sashiko stitching and pattern marking
• Practice starting and stopping stitches without knots
• Explore techniques for stitching through multiple layers of fabric for strength and durability
• Learn how to work with sashiko needles, thread, and thimbles
• Complete a traditional zokin using a classic sashiko pattern

You'll leave with a finished zokin, sashiko skills you can apply to future projects, and materials and instructions for transforming worn towels, t-shirts, sweaters, and other household textiles into useful stitched cloths at home.

All materials provided. No prior stitching experience required.