Atsushi Futatsuya 3-Day Sashiko Workshop – July 15

Internationally renowned sashiko artist and educator Atsushi Futatsuya will be presenting a 3-day workshop at the Sashiko Australia Studio in Brisbane, July 15-17 2027.

JULY 15 WORKSHOP SOLD OUT. Limited placed available for the July 18 Workshop, scroll down for details.

About Atsushi Futatsuya, sashiko educator and artisan

Atsushi is an internationally renowned sashiko artist, dedicated to preserving and sharing this centuries-old Japanese hand-stitching practice.

Born into a family with a multi-generational sashiko legacy in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, Atsushi was immersed in the art from a young age. Together with his mother, Keiko Futatsuya, a master sashiko artisan, he co-founded Sashi.Co to showcase their authentic works and continue their family’s creative heritage. In 2017, Atsushi launched Upcycle Stitches to share sashiko’s beauty, history, and philosophy globally through workshops, writings, and lectures.

His work highlights not only the visual appeal of stitching but also the stories, cultural values, and connections that make sashiko a living practice of care, repair, and identity.

Atsushi has been teaching, demonstrating, and exhibiting sashiko throughout Japan and the United States for over a decade, including New York and Tokyo, with his workshops in high demand. This will be Atsushi’s first visit to Australia, and is a very rare opportunity for crafters, stitchers (of all skill levels), and textile artists to gain first-hand technical and cultural sashiko experience from a master practitioner.

The BBC recently interviewed Atsushi Futatsuya for a segment called ‘Japanese Sashiko: Stitching Stories’. Lean more about Atsushi’s story by clicking on the image above.

What will be covered at Atsushi’s 3-Day Workshop?

An immersive, hands-on journey into the art of sashiko over three full days, as practiced in Japan, through dedicated instruction and mindful stitching.

You’ll delve into the philosophy, rhythm, and techniques that make sashiko more than just a craft, learning about the care, connection, and self-expression passed down through generations. You will learn about the origins of sashiko, its evolving role in Japanese culture, and the philosophy behind it. The workshop offers a friendly and supportive setting where you can ask questions, get feedback, and enjoy hands-on practice. By the end of the three days, you will have created several pieces, developed a refined understanding of sashiko, and learned how to incorporate this traditional art form into your creative practice.

Core Sashiko Techniques, Day 1.

Learning the essential techniques of sashiko. You’ll learn the rhythm of stitching, focusing on unshin (needle movement)—a fundamental aspect of sashiko for creating beautiful and even stitches. Atsushi will guide you through posture, the appropriate use of thimbles and needles, and how to make beautiful, consistent stitches.

Hands-on experience with Sashiko Projects, Day 2.

Applying essential sashiko techniques to a project, using sashiko for mending and decorative stitching. Atsushi will teach you how to prepare fabric, transfer patterns, and work on personal garments. You’ll explore the traditional patchwork technique of boro, to create unique and striking textile pieces from repaired fabrics.

Exploring additional sashiko styles, such as Hitomezashi, Day 3.

Exploring hitomezashi, another style of sashiko with a different approach and visual outcome. Atsushi will teach you how to design and stitch hitomezashi patterns, gaining a deeper understanding of this advanced technique. By the end of this session, you’ll be able to confidently apply this style to your own textile projects, adding new creative possibilities to your sashiko repertoire.

Essential workshop materials.

Essential for the workshop. A curated supply package of authentic Japanese sashiko materials, handpicked by Atsushi to ensure you have everything you need to succeed. Including high-quality sashiko threads, fabrics, and tools, the kit will allow you to fully immerse yourself in sashiko during the workshop and continue your practice long after.

3-Day Workshop Details & Pricing

Date

July 15-17, 2027

Location

Sashiko Australia Studio, Brisbane Queensland. Our studio is a light and spacious venue ideally suited for craft workshops held over several days. It offers plenty of onsite parking and is within walking distance to public transport.

Capacity per Workshop

15 participants.

Workshop Bookings

JULY 15 WORKSHOP SOLD OUT. However, there are still some places available at the July 18 Workshop: