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Upcycling and Decorative Mending – Sashiko and Boro Clothing Workshop
Upcycling and Decorative Mending – Sashiko and Boro Clothing Workshop with Sue Howie: discover an artistic way of repairing clothing, such as denim jackets, denim jeans, or cotton/linen tee shirts, using sashiko stitching and boro-inspired patching.
During this two-day in-person workshop at the Sashiko Australia Studio in Brisbane, Sue will guide you through the process of using sashiko embroidery and boro patching to repair or decorate a garment of clothing. Give new life to a treasured piece of clothing and extend its usefulness.
Tickets are still available for the second workshop session. If you wish to attend Workshop Session 2 on October 11th, please click here.
Workshop Session 1: Sashiko Upcycling and Decorative Mending – 9.30AM, Saturday August 30th, 2025
Discover an artistic way of repairing clothing, such as denim jackets, denim jeans, or tee shirts (cotton or linen blend).
An example of upcycling denim using sashiko embroidery
Workshop Session 2: Boro-inspired Upcycling and Decorative Mending – 9.30AM, Saturday October 11th, 2025
If you wish to attend Workshop Session 2, please click here.
Learn how to use boro patching and mending techniques to renew or embellish much-loved pieces of clothing, such as jeans or jackets.
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- Workshop example of boro-inspired patching and mending applied to a denim jacket
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- Student workshop denim jacket, upcycled through boro-inspired patching and mending
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- Denim jacket upcycled by Sue Howie
Materials you will need for this workshop
Fabrics
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- An item of clothing that you would like to decoratively mend or embellish, such as denim jeans, denim jacket, or tee shirt (cotton or linen blend). You can choose a well-worn item that would benefit from decorative repair, or an undamaged item that you simply would like to embellish with decorative stitching and boro patching
- A variety of fabric scraps. Ensure there are enough to cover the area you are intending to embellish. You can use left over scraps from previous projects, or be more selective if you have a colour palette in mind.
Needles
Thread
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- A skein or card of sashiko thread or roll of perle embroidery thread, either size no. 5 or no. 8
- A standard hand sewing thread for basting.
Scissors
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- 1 x pair of small scissors
- A larger pair of scissors if you have them, or a rotary cutter and mat—something to trim fabrics for embellishing.
Additional items
- A glue pen. (Suggest Sewline or Bohin. Both work well.).
- A Sheet of paper and biro for notes.
Workshop Cost Inclusions
- Tutoring for two full days on the techniques of sashiko and boro-inspired mending and upcycling, in a light and spacious Brisbane studio setting
- Morning tea – coffee and tea available all day.
Workshop Venue & Details
- Sashiko Australia Studio Brisbane (fully air conditioned)
- Lvl 1/39 Kerry Rd, Archerfield QLD 4108
- 30th August & 11th October 2025, 9.30 A.M. – 4 P.M.
- Plenty of onsite parking, with easy access to public transport
- Inclusive cost: $140. Scroll down for bookings.
About Sashiko Tutor Sue Howie
Over the past 20 years, Sue Howie has dedicated herself to sharing her knowledge and passion for sashiko and boro through teaching and demonstration.
Sue is committed to creating a welcoming environment for students of all ages, making her classes enjoyable and inclusive. Sue’s lessons cater to a wide range of skill levels, supporting both novice and experienced stitchers alike. By carefully tailoring her classes, she ensures that every student can grow in their understanding and appreciation for these traditional art forms.
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. Read about getting started with sashiko embroidery here.
A brief note about boro
‘Boro’ is the cultural and historical practice of mending and reinforcing textiles, dating back to the Edo Period in Japan. During this time, Japanese women from the agricultural classes used a patching method called ‘boro’ to extend the life of worn-out garments, bed linens, and other textiles. They would attach fabric pieces to these items using a decorative stitching technique known as ‘sashiko,’ which translates to “piercing with little stabs.”
If you wish to attend the second workshop session for this event, please click here.
