Sashiko Basics at Covington Farmers Market

About this event

"Sashiko (刺し子, lit. 'little stabs') is a type of traditional Japanese embroidery or stitching used for the decorative and/or functional reinforcement of cloth and clothing....First coming into existence in the Edo period (1603–1867), sashiko embroidery was first applied to clothing out of a practical need, and would have been used to strengthen the homespun clothes of olden times. Worn out clothes were pieced together to make new garments by using simple running stitches. These clothes increased their strength with this durable embroidery."

In this workshop we will go over the basics of Sashiko. We encourage you to bring a garment that needs embellishment or repair, but we will also have additional materials on hand for those who just want to practice their technique and stitches. The best garments for mending are woven sturdy fabrics like denim, canvas, flannel, etc. Stretch materials like sweatshirts or woven materials are not recommended, All supplies for stitching will be included (needle, thread, scissors, etc).

Sashiko is not only a skill for increasing the longevity of our clothes, it's also an invitation to slow down and lean into the meditative quality of the repetitive stitching.