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Online Sashiko Workshop – An Introduction to Sashiko Embroidery
Join us for an online sashiko workshop with Sue Howie.
This workshop is intended for beginners and those with some experience who wish to deepen their understanding of sashiko embroidery. Over the course of two sessions, Sue will guide you through the fundamentals of sashiko, stitching technique, stitch length, how to complete a pre-printed sashiko panel, and how to design and transfer your own sashiko pattern for stitching.
Each online session will be up to an hour long, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions as Sue guides you through the steps. Session Times: 10.30AM – 11.30AM AEST.
The event will be hosted on Zoom. After you’ve registered, easy instructions will be sent to each attendee on how to attend the online sessions. This will give you time to have all your requirements on hand and ready to go.
Here’s what we will be covering in each session:
Sashiko Embroidery Online Workshop Session One – 10.30AM AEST, June 13
- A discussion of needles, threads, pre-printed designs
- The different methods of starting sashiko stitching, how to finish, and stitch lengths
- How to stitch a pre-printed sashiko panel
- How to manipulate ‘wash-away’ pre-printed geometric sashiko patterns to create new and interesting designs to stitch
- The best fabrics to use for sashiko stitching
Sashiko Embroidery Online Workshop Session Two – 10.30AM AEST, June 20
- How to find or create designs to be traced onto your fabrics.
- How to transfer your own sashiko patterns onto plain fabric to be stitched.
- Alternative ways of designing your own sashiko patterns using an acrylic template or stencil.
- The best technique for stitching your sashiko patterns.
It’s an ideal way for you to refine your hand-sewing technique, inspire new design ideas and help you create more visually appealing mended textiles—as well as enhance and improve the overall look of your boro projects.
What you will need to bring
Fabrics
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- Sashiko Panel or Sampler: A square or rectangular piece of cotton fabric that features a ‘wash away’ printed sashiko design for stitching. (This can be bought from your local patchwork shop or online. If you need a link to retailers that sell this type of product please email sue@sashikoaustralia.com.au.) If you are a beginner, we recommend choosing a smaller size panel (often called a sampler) featuring an open, repeating pattern. Examples include the Seigaiha “blue sea waves” pattern, Shippo-tsunagi interlocking circles pattern, and the Nowaki “dune grasses” pattern. It’s best to check with a patchwork or quilting supply shop in your local area first, to avoid any postage delays.
- A plain piece of cotton fabric, approximately 30cm x 30cm or a size you wish to work on.
Needles
Thread
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- A skein or card of no.5 sashiko thread or roll of perle embroidery thread.
Scissors
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- 1 x pair of small scissors.
Other Items
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- Sewline, Bohin, or similar white fabric marking pencil
- Chalk tracing paper.
- A paper design for tracing onto fabric to be stitched. Pinterest has plenty of inspiration, or Susan Briscoe has published a number of excellent resources with pattern and design examples.
- Acrylic sashiko template or stencil. (Not essential, but recommended. If you need assistance locating any of these notions, email Sue for information.)
One week prior to the first session, attendees will be emailed the above list, and a Zoom link to attend the class online. Read more about getting started with sashiko tools and materials.
About the history of sashiko embroidery
Sashiko is a traditional Japanese form of decorative reinforcement stitching. The technique dates back to the Edo Period when Japanese women from the agricultural classes developed the practice of attaching pieces of fabric to worn-out garments, bed linen, and other textiles to prolong their usage. The patches were sewn onto the garments using a ‘stabbing stitch’, also known as ‘sashiko’, which roughly translates to “piercing with little stabs”. Over the years, sashiko has evolved into a more sophisticated art form, characterised by a defined structure and more consistent stitch lengths.
