Learn the art of Sashiko stitching! Create your own tote bag or bring an item or two of your own to Sashiko stitch!

Ex. Tote bag, denim, or canvas-type fabric. Delicates or vintage fabrics are not ideal as they’re more prone to tearing. The weight of denim is about as thick as you want to go for this workshop. A sturdy canvas tea towel or tote bag would be perfect.

Traditional Japanese Sashiko embroidery was used to reinforce pieces of clothing or to repair tears. A worn-out piece was stitched with layers of old cloth, producing a sturdy garment passed down through generations. Sashiko has evolved over the centuries from a frugal necessity into decorative stitching, and it honors the idea of re-using materials.

Today this stitch technique is often used as decoration. Sashiko embroidery is typically geometric in design and starts with a simple running stitch, making this perfect for beginner embroiderers. In this workshop, you will learn the basics about Sashiko embroidery including how to pick your design, sketch it out, choose the right thread, and start stitching!

Ellen Neville-Verdugo of Midsommar Gardens will be on hand to teach you the techniques and help you create your own Sashiko stitched items!

Sashiko translates in English to “little stabs!”