Sashiko & Beyond – The Graceful Art of Japanese Hand Stitching

Instructor: Helene Knott
Date: March 1, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (6 Hours)
Class Size: Max of 12
Location: 2105 Wilson River Loop Road, Tillamook, OR 97141
Price: $85.00 (Latimer Member); $95.00 (Non-Member)(Prices include the kit materials)

Sashiko & Beyond – The Graceful Art of Japanese Hand Stitching
Sashiko is a classic form of Japanese needlework dating back to antiquity. Superficially, it resembles quilting but the thread is coarser and the stitches larger. The resulting work is rustic and often utilitarian and so it is considered more of a country or folk art in Japan than a formal one. There are a wide variety of classical Sashiko designs but the stitching method can be applied to patterns and designs far beyond the traditional Japanese patterns. In the class, you will learn the basics of Sashiko while stitching a small mat, mug rug; or you may opt to start on a larger, more complex project if you wish. Put an extra layer of cloth under the stitching and now you have Boro – the art of Japanese mending. Also called ‘Visible Mending’ in the fiber arts community, this rustic patching technique has gained popularity both as a utilitarian craft and a decorative art as well. The class will include a lesson on this method and students are encouraged to bring a piece of stained or damaged clothing to patch if they wish on a garment that needs patching.