Atsushi Futatsuya Brisbane Sashiko Workshops – July 2027
Over eight days in July 2027, internationally renowned sashiko artist and educator Atsushi Futatsuya will be presenting two 3-day workshops and one 1-day workshop at the Sashiko Australia Studio in Brisbane. He will also be presenting a sashiko lecture and exhibition at a venue to be announced.
Scroll down for workshop details, including dates and partial payment booking information.
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. This Workshop is now Fully Booked
or
July 19-21, 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.
Price
Workshop: $2,100 (including daily catering)
- Partial payment bookings via deposit accepted.
Materials fee: Attendees will be required to purchase a kit of materials selected by the instructor prior to the workshop. (See Essential Workshop Materials above)
What will be covered at Atsushi’s 1-Day Workshop?
‘Sashiko Core & Essence’ is a foundational, transformative one-day workshop focused on teaching the fundamentals of traditional Japanese sashiko stitching. The class focuses on learning the correct posture, mindset, and stitching rhythm (unshin) necessary for beautiful stitches and future progress. You will gain hands-on experience by stitching the traditional asano-ha (hemp leaf) pattern, learning the proper technique for using the unique sashiko thimble and long sashiko needle.
No prior stitching or embroidery experience is needed. The techniques learned are versatile and can be applied to future projects, including boro and fabric mending. This initial learning opportunity establishes a crucial foundation for truly enjoying and mastering Sashiko.
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. 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.
1-Day Workshop Details & Pricing
Date
July 18, 2027. (7-hour workshop, including a 1-hour lunch break).
Location
Sashiko Australia Studio, Brisbane Queensland.
Capacity
15 participants.
Price
Workshop: $850 (lunch included)
- Partial payment bookings via deposit accepted.
Materials fee: Attendees will be required to purchase a kit of materials selected by the instructor prior to the workshop. (See ‘Essential workshop materials’ above).
Lecture, Exhibition and Drinks Evening
A wine and cheese event including a presentation by Atsushi on the history and philosphy of sashiko, as well as his generations-long connection to the practice. He will be exhibiting a selection of his works, including a number of garments. Pricing to be announced shortly. Venue being organised at the moment.
Atsushi will have his new book on hand for purchase and signing on the evening.
Date
July 22, 2027
Workshop Bookings
Bookings can be made by purchasing a ticket or by partial payment deposit.
Bookings by partial payment deposit
Click here to view partial payment booking instructions.
