Zokin (雑巾) | Japanese cleaning cloth

06/23/201909/19/2022 atsushijp 7 Comments

Have you heard the term “Zokin” in your Sashiko research? I have found several discussion about Zokin online and surprised how fancy Zokin became in non-Japanese culture.

For the Japanese, Zokin is a very common word, especially for parents who have children between the age of 4 to 12 or so. A lot of kindergartens and elementary school require a few Zokin at the beginning of the school year for the children to clean their school with the Zokin (*1). Every Japanese knows the word of Zokin (Some Japanese do not know the word of Sashiko – Sashiko was common but the Sashiko we practice is more like a revival version. – Zokin is still a surviving concept.)

It is merely a cleaning cloth. Due to the demand (let’s say every kid in school need to bring several Zokin every year), we can purchase them in a dollar store or other general store in Japan. Some schools require Zokin to be (made from) new. The others do not care about the condition so the parent can make Zokin from old towels or rags.

Update Video in 2022 – How to Apply Zokin to our ordinary.

What is Zokin?

Zokin is a piece of fabric (Rag or Fabric) for cleaning. Zokin (雑巾 – ぞうきん）：Zo (雑) means “Miscellaneous” and Kin (巾）means cloth. The term itself means a Cloth for Miscellaneous purpose.

As I mentioned above, we can get the clean new Zokin from the store. However, the word itself includes the nuance of “dirty” because of our custom. For example, we wouldn’t like to wipe the dishes with Zokin, even if the Zokin is new and clean.

Alternatively, we have a word for the cleaning with more cleanness requires such as food and dishes. It is called Fukin (布巾 – ふきん）. In our Sashiko tradition, we have been making many Sashiko stitched Fukin using very high-quality cotton gauze fabric. Let’s say, we start using one Fukin as the dish wiping cloth. When the Fukin starts getting dirty, we get the new Fukin and old Fukin will be the cloth to clean the tabletop or countertop. When the old Fukin starts tearing or severely getting dirty, we start using as “Zokin” which we wipe on the floor or other dirty areas in the house.

For the purpose of the word has, we can make Zokin by using the new Fukin or other piece of fabric, or by stitching the old fabric that we won’t be able to use for the original purpose – like T-shirt or towels.

Zokin is another Japanese culture where “everyone” was doing in Japanese history. So there is no rule at all – just try to understand that the Japanese didn’t throw away things that easily. Zokin is just a name for a piece of fabric – in a long life of the fabric with appreciation.

How to make Zokin

Since there is no rule for Zokin, please understand this tutorial as “one example” of how to make Zokin. I am recalling my mother making one for me when I was a child… so any input from Japanese people would be appreciated.

Prepare the Fabric
Trim the Edge (if necessary)
Stitch the Edge (and flip if necessary)
Stitch to strengthen the fabric.

(1) Cut the fabric

Any kind of fabric would be fine for Zokin. After all, it is the last step of the fabric lifetime. I prefer cotton for the easiness of cleaning. First, cut the fabric for the ideal size. Usually, I prefer 2 layers of fabric to make them appropriate for cleaning. Too thick layers would be difficult to dry after cleaning (which create the bad odor), and a too thin layer (one-layer) may be too weak to use as the cleaning rag. There is no rule for sizing (unless you bring Zokin to school – if you are reading this article in Japan for bringing them to school, please follow the requirement from your school guideline). I like the size of a bit bigger than my palm. It is purely for the easiness of cleaning.

(2) Trim the Edge (if necessary)

This is another preference kicks in.

Let’s say you repurpose the used dish towel as I do in the video. The dish towel already have the side sewed up for avoid fraying. Some do not like the thickness of the edge of fabric. Some prefer to keep the edge so the fabric won’t fray in using the fabric as Zokin.

It is up to you. In the live streaming on Instagram, I made 2 Zokin with trimming the edge and leaving the possibility of fraying the fabric in the process of using them. In the tutorial video, I left the original dish towel edge so that the Zokin won’t fray as easily. Again, it is very much up to your preference and requirement in the cleaning project.

(3) Stitch the Edge

If you decide to trim the edge (and if you cut the fabric to your ideal size), you have an option to avoid fraying by stitching the edge and flip the fabric. Find which side if the front. Then fold it with front facing each other. Then, stitch the side, and flip the fabric so the Zokin have the “front side” on both side. It is not necessary for all the project, but this process will protect the Zokin from fraying easily.

(4) Stitch to strengthen the fabric.

The 4th step, actual stitching, is the most important part of making Zokin. The more you make the stitching, the stronger the Zokin become. There is no rule or regulation what kind of pattern to stitch. For the purpose of making the fabric stronger, the geometric pattern with the straight line would be ideal, such as pattern I performed on the Youtube Video or a Grid that has systematically stitched.

As you may realize, this process of stitching, for the purpose of making fabric stronger, can be called Sashiko. It was(is) very ordinary custom to repurpose the used fabric to make the cleaning rag. The Japanese used to say that we should keep using the fabric until the fabric dissolves in the water. Zokin is just the name of one form of fabric in its long life. The result of the continuous process of using the fabric & mending (fixing) it, and stitching (to stabilize the fabric) is Boro.

Good Japanese Vintage Fabric for Boro

This is the latest article about Boro written by Atsushi

Hand-stitching and Machine Stitching

As the other sewing culture, the Zokin has also a discussion of either hand-stitched or machine stitched. Personally, the way of stitching doesn’t really matter because it is for the purpose of cleaning with old fabric – the most important concept here is repurposing.

Here is some advantages for Zokin made by hand-stitching.

The bigger stitches made by hands will be more flexible in terms of tensioning the fabric. The machine stitches can result in destroying the fabric. Also, the Zokin stitched by machine may require the second repair because of its tension.
No need for the big preparation of sewing machine. Once you know “Unshin (運針）” it will take only 10~15 minutes of your time to make one Zokin. It can be done with watching TV…

Again, there is no rule so follow your preference and enjoy the repurposing process.

Sashiko thread or not for it?

I strongly recommend using Sashiko thread on the regular Sashiko project in making Jackets, bag, tapestry, and other small fabric items with Sashiko stitching. (Please read another article why I recommend Sashiko thread so strongly here). Your project in Sashiko is so valuable that I want to respect the fabric with the best thread instead of whatever available in the market. It will make a difference.

In Zokin, however, I think it doesn’t need to be Sashiko thread. It is merely a cleaning rag. The Zokin will have a massive amount of friction in comparison to the regular Sashiko project we enjoy. The purpose of Zokin is rubbing and therefore the Sashiko thread will be damaged quickly anyway. It may be damaged even before the thread become part of the fabric. So, it is perfectly fine to use a reasonable sewing thread.

However, when you are thinking of making “Boro-looking” fabric from Zokin and using the fabric as Zokin, which looks like a piece of fabric start melting by itself, then Sashiko thread may be a good choice. Generally speaking, the (used) fabric itself should start fraying before the (new) Sashiko thread. The regular sewing thread will snap sooner than the Sashiko thread.

The contrast of old weak fabric and strong new Sashiko thread may create the Boro-looking image of melting fabric. The fabric will be dirty, but with patching and continuous stitching, we may be able to make “the Boro” in today’s society.

Some sample photo of actual usage in Japan

In Sashiko Live Streaming on Instagram, I asked Japanese viewers to share their Zokins in their ordinary days. I sincerely appreciate them providing the photos. It is a big deal for them to share because sharing something so personal (inside of the household) is strongly related to the feeling of shame. However, in order to share the actual image, the picture was something I really would like to share. Please share your Zokin, if possible, so we can connect your place to Japan via Zokin, cleaning and repurposing the fabric.

Again, ANY FABRIC is fine. It is my goal to make a Zokin with my own daughter with using some fabric she likes.

*1: It is another beautiful Japanese culture that I would like to somewhat pass down to my own daughter even in the United States: How to clean with our own hands. The Japanese school require students to clean their classrooms, desks, chairs, and pretty much everything they use. I of course didn’t enjoy it when I was a kid, but I beleive it was a good custom to learn.

Live Streaming related to Zokin Topics

Script for the Youtube Video

Hello. This is Atsushi.

I found it interesting to encounter the word Zokin in browsing the photos of Sashiko. Zokin is quite a common word for the Japanese, and I wrote the blog about Zokin.

On top of sharing the information, here is a quick tutorial of how to make Zokin by yourself.

(1) Cut the fabric

Any kind of fabric would be fine for Zokin.

First, cut the fabric for the ideal size. Usually, I prefer 2 layers of fabric to make them strong enough to clean yet light enough to handle. There is no specific rule for Zokin, so the size can be really up to your preference. I prefer the size of my hand palm so I can clean comfortably.

(2) Trim the Edge (if necessary)

The second step is about another preference you may choose from.

Please check the website for the detail explanation. In short, you may trim the edge of the original fabric for the less bulkiness. Or keep them as is to protect the fabric from fraying.

(3) Stitch the Edge

If you decide to trim the edge (and if you cut the fabric to your ideal size), you have an option to avoid fraying by stitching the edge and flip the fabric. Find which side if the front. Then fold it with front facing each other. Then, stitch the side, and flip the fabric so the Zokin have the “front side” on both sides. It is not necessary for all the project, but this process will protect the Zokin from fraying easily.

Flipping the fabric is completely optional. It will make the fabric more durable and look less bulky, but stitching 4 sides are also a good way to make Zokin.

(4) Stitch to strengthen the fabric.

The step of actual stitching is the most important points of making Zokin. The more you make the stitching, the stronger the Zokin become. There is no rule or regulation what kind of pattern to stitch. However, for the purpose of making the fabric stronger, the geometric pattern with the straight line would be the ideal pattern, such as pattern I performed on this Youtube Video or a Grid that has systematically stitched.

As you may realize, this process of stitching, for the purpose of making fabric stronger, can be called Sashiko. It was a very ordinary custom to repurpose the used fabric to make the cleaning rag. The Japanese used to say that we should keep using the fabric until the fabric dissolves in the water. Zokin is just the name of one form of fabric in its long life. The result of the continuous process of using the fabric & mending (fixing) it, and stitching (to stabilize the fabric) is Boro.

Editors Note

2 main questions about making Zokin would be… 1. Is it have to be hand stitched? 2. Do we use Sashiko thread?

It doesn’t have to be hand-stitched. Again, it is very much up to the preference. Personally, the way of stitching doesn’t really matter because it is for the purpose of cleaning with old fabric – the most important concept here is repurposing.

One big advantage of hand-stitching is the durability of Zokin. The bigger stitches made by hands will be more flexible in terms of tensioning the fabric. The machine stitches can result in destroying the fabric over time.

For the thread, any kind of thread would be fine for the Zokin unlike the other Sashiko project to make Jacket and bags.

The more information is available on our Engish website, upcyclestitches.com

Sashiko Mending Tutorials | Upcycle and Repurpose

10/29/201804/17/2024 atsushijp Leave a comment

This is a summary of Sashiko Mending Tutorials collaborating to Sashiko techniques that I occasionally practice on my Sashiko Mending projects.

[Last Edited on October 2018]

I have offered several “Sashiko Mending Workshop” in 2017. I believe it was a great success to share my ideas, insights, and techniques for Sashiko Mending. However, at the same time, I felt the difficulty of providing the generalized workshop with the theme of Sashiko Stitching. Sashiko Mending is more like the “independent study” rather than the learning and workshop opportunity. I provided the space, the swatches with Sashiko Stitching on, and on-going, face to face, hands-on workshop. I just wanted to have more time for each individual the more I offer the Sashiko Mending Workshop. Aside from stitching, playing games such as 겜블시티 가입 방법 can also be a relaxing hobby.

Therefore, I stop offering the Sashiko Mending Workshop. I may restart offering it again, but I will not offer it until the day I can be confident to myself that I programmed the workshop so comprehensive and organized as the “Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic)” or “Sashiko Hitomezashi Workshop“.

One of the most challenging aspects of Sashiko Mending Workshop was that we, as the Japanese stitcher, do not understand what the participants in the US expect us to teach in the workshop. It seems that we practice a lot of techniques without realizing that they are special. Some of the ordinary techniques I do not even try to teach is sometimes the things what the students want to have.

Therefore, I do offer the Private Sashiko Mending Workshop by adjusting myself to the student’s expectation.

Please contact me to set up the private workshop after reading this summary of Sashiko Mending Tutorials. You may find the answer you need without having a private session with me. Also, if you find any technique that I use yet has not explained in this blog, please let me know via comments or emails so I can cover them.

Summary of Sashiko Mending Tutorials

Main 2 approaches to the mending

The goal of Sashiko Mending is to prolong the life of your favorite garment by covering the holes and making the fabric stronger by doing Sashiko stitching. I usually start with thinking that which approach would be the best for the mending project.

Patch it over the hole or torn part, and hide the damage.
Patch it from the back side and show the damage yet protecting it

It is, of course, possible to do Sashiko stitching without patching the fabric. However, with considering the original goal of Sashiko stitching of prolonging the life of the garment, I prefer to have the swatch to patch on, either from the front or the back of the garment. The patch is necessary when the garment is too damaged or the hole is relatively big. I enjoy Sashiko stitching without the patch when the garment is still strong (lightly used) so the fabric itself can be strong by performing the Sashiko Stitching.

Preparation | Sashiko Fabric

I usually prepare the swatch with Sashiko stitching before the mending. Here are 2 reasons why I do not use the plain fabric for the Sashiko mending.

To make a piece of swatch more strong and durable: There is a reason the garment get damaged significantly or even a hole. The place you need to mend is the place where a lot of stress (friction, stretch, and external tension) happens. We can foresee that it will get damaged a lot. Therefore, making the swatch strong before the mending is a very logical process.
Simply, the stitched Sashiko fabric is beautiful. Although the primary goal of Sashiko Mending is not decoration, it is always good to have the beautiful swatch either on the top of the hole or showing a part of stitching from the back.

Mending

I usually follow these steps for the Sashiko Mending. A simplified list of Sashiko Mending Tutorials.

Trim the edge of the prepared swatch, if necessary or as you wish.
Position and fix the swatch on the garment by using pins or clips
perform Basting
Stitching
1. Simple Running Sashiko Stitch
2. Matsuri Nui | blind stitching
3. Kono-Ji-Toji | Invisible Stitch
4. And many more

*The part (4) is probably well-known as Sashiko Mending. We simply use the hand-sewing techniques to perform Sashiko Mending. I will try to explain each stitching method on Youtube Channel, one by one. Preparing the fabric is deeply related to Sashiko. Also patching the fabric with the simple running stitch or using Hitomezashi is also associated Sashiko.

I believe Sashiko Mending is not only about learning the technique but also understanding and feeling the concept of how the Japanese people enjoyed the mending itself. It is my goal to create the Sashiko Mending tutorials with technique and the mindset (culture) behind it.

Messages throughout Sashiko Mending Tutorials.

Sashiko is getting popular with other keywords such as “Slow Fashion” or “Slow Stitches.” Yes, it is slow in comparison to purchasing the mass-produced cloth from the store. However, by introducing the Sashiko Mending Tutorials, I would like to share that the Japanese didn’t intend to make it “Slow”. Sashiko is an ordinary stitching culture by the ordinary Japanese people in ordinary days.

So here is my message.

Care about Speed. Think of the result. Keep mending because the part you mend will be stronger and the are around get weaker.

Let’s see if our descendants find it valuable as we do for Boro.

Appendix for Sashiko Mending Tutorials

For those who would like to try some swatch of Japanese Denim and Indigo Fabric for Sashiko stitching, we have a set o 3 Japanese denim and 1 Indigo fabric precut for the mending & fabric preparation.

Sashiko Denim Repair Service and Fee

10/29/201702/02/2020 atsushijp 2 Comments

I am so pleased to receive many compliments to my jeans after performing the Sashiko Denim Repair. Although I started mending my jeans as my hobby, I decided to offer the Sashiko Denim Repair Service for ones who can share my understandings to Sashko Stitching and Sashiko’s concept. I am sorry that there are so many conditions to agree before the actual repairing order. However, please understand it is necessary because all of the services will be done by hands, and I would need to rely on customer’s common sense for the better service.

This is the new service I provide out of my routine days. Before launching this as the official service, I would like to have a sort of probation period for myself, to see if this is a satisfying service for the customers.

Outline of Sashiko Denim Repair Service

*This is the deal for Probation Period

This is a service Atsushi will repair your jeans with Sashiko stitching and Sashiko stitched fabric. (See samples of Sashiko stitched fabric).

If you are interested, please contact me first with photos of your favorite jeans with the hole(s) or tear(s) after reading this article and agreeing on the conditions. We will discuss the details, then I will send you the address to make a shipment to.

Here are some conditions.

I may decide the kinds of Sashiko fabric I use in the project. I will probably not take order-made Sashiko fabric for this service. However, please let me know what kind of color you would like or what kind of pattern you would like since your preference is important for us.
I will inform you how long it would take to get service done. It is NOT promised time frame. Please understand that it is just an estimate.
I set the flat service fee for the probation period. This fee includes one big hole OR several small holes repairment. You may refer my previous works and ask for the estimated fees if you want to have more.
Please send me the jeans AFTER washing it. I understand that some people do not wish to wash the jeans, but doing Sashiko on dirty jeans is very difficult.
If you prefer to have Sashiko stitching on the new jeans, it may be possible based on your request.
If you prefer to have the order-made Sashiko fabric to patch or have so many parts to “repair,” I will do so with the regular price. I will give you the estimate so please send me the photos.
Please allow me to use your project on Youtube/Instagram Live Streaming

The fee for the Sashiko Denim Repair Service (Promotional):

$180.00 ~ $350.00

The regular price will be about $500 and up, depending on the repair I would need.

The detail of Denim Repair Service

https://upcyclestitches.com/store/Customized-Sashiko-Mending-on-your-Favorite-Denim-p100856880

What is included in the fee

Sashiko fabric patch needed in the repair service
Labor fee for Atsushi
Shipping (Priority Mail with USPS) Fee to return to you | USA Domestic Only. Extra shipping fee will be applied to the International Order.

Qualification for the Service

Read and be aware of my understanding of Sashiko and Boro
Willingness to upload the “before/after” photos of the service on your blog, SNS or Instagram with referring this description page and account.
Permission for me to write about your order & work on your project on Live Streaming.
Promise that you wear the jeans I serviced continuously. I believe Sashiko shines the most in the daily usage.

A sample of my results with Sashiko Denim Repair Service

I will keep adding my results and orders from customers. It would be nice that someone in the world is wearing what I stitch & mend.

We offer the service based on my achievements. Please check the service and purchase it, or contact me for more detail.

Shop: Customized Sashiko Mending on your Denim

*Estimates is based on the jeans I worked on.

It may vary depends on your preferences. I am happy to discuss your needs.

Sashiko Mending Custom

Atsushi will custom mend your Denim or your favorite cloth.

Fee Estimate:

1 leg 1 front (part or a hole): $350.00 ~

1 leg both side or 2 legs one side: 550.00 ~

Entire Jeans: $990.00 ~

Unlimited Mending until your satisfy: $1,200.00 ~

Including materials and labor.

Sashiko Stitching Custom

Sashiko has another purpose of strengthening the fabric. By me stitching directly onto your jeans, the fabric will be stronger and more durable.

All stitching is done by hand.

As of now, Asano-ha & Shippou Patterns are available.

Fee Estimate:

Asano-ha Pattern

1 leg 1 side: $300.00 ~

1 leg both side: $550.00 ~

Entire Jeans: $990.00 ~

*With Kasane (to make both sides finished, the price will be 2.5 times as listed above.

Shippou Patten

1 leg 1 side: $320.00 ~

1 leg both side: $570.00 ~

Entire Jeans: $990.00 ~

Sample of Sashiko Mending Custom

Sample of Sashiko Stitching Custom

Beyond Repairing | Sashiko Denim Repair Service with Japanese Vintage Fabric

Sashiko Vintage Patchwork

Using the Japanese Vintage Fabric Swatches, we make the big fabric by patchworking it, then perform Sashiko and patch it on the Jeans.

You may design where and how to patch the fabric.

We would need to make the patchwork fabrics since the Japanese Vintage Fabric is very limited in the market. We will try to make your preference happen.

Fee Estimate: $1,900.00 and up.

Including materials and labor, and necessary Shipping fees. The work may be done in Japan.

Modern Denim Fashion with Japanese Sashiko

07/27/201708/18/2017 atsushijp 3 Comments

The word of Sashiko is getting popular in many industries, even in a field of fashion. As the Sashiko artist, I am happy that people get inspired by the image of Sashiko. Although some seem to misunderstand what Sashiko is, the spreading the concept of Sashiko matters first. As a part of my Sashiko challenge in 2017, I restarted practicing Sashiko on the denim fabric. I hope my sample pieces would influence the modern denim fashion, and contribute to the actual Sashiko culture, “the repurpose, appreciation to the fabric, and sustainability.”

*Please refer to the previous article regarding my understanding to Sashiko and its definition.

The fabric lasting longer by rich stitching

Sashiko is a form of stitching to repair, mend, and strengthening the fabric. The famous Japanese vintage fabric “Boro” is the result of repeated Sashiko stitching. Sashiko is well-known for patching and mending the hole in the fabric and torn fabric. In the modern society, Sashiko transformed its concept a bit and now well-known for decorative stitching from Japan.

In my Modern Denim Fashion projects, I perform both stitching to strengthening the fabric and mending the torn fabric. The fabric gets much stronger by having so many rich stitching. When the fabric is stronger, the denim garment can last longer. The longer we can use the garment, the more appreciation we can have to the fabric.

Wouldn’t it be nice if the garment with Sashiko is even more beautiful (fashionable) with stitching?

Hand-Stitched Sashiko Jeans 223

The possibility in Sashiko with Modern Denim Fashion

Every stitch is done by hands… Therefore, I cannot produce many samples in the short period of time. However, I hope, these samples with Sashiko stitching will influence the modern denim fashion field and spread the concept of Sashiko. It is very difficult to change the mass-production and mass-consumption society. I do not intend to criticize this beneficial industry. In fact, I get to benefit from mass-production. I just would like to spread the concept of appreciation to the fabric, mending and repairing, and ultimately, “repairing it instead of replacing it.”

Modern Denim Fashion 23

Please wait for my update with more samples. I believe we can surprise the world.

*You can purchase the swatches of sashiko fabric to patch (stitch-on) to your garment instead of stitching directly.

Wallet Sashiko Boro Repair Project

07/16/201708/18/2017 atsushijp Leave a comment

Since 2012, I have been using a Sashiko card-holder as a wallet to carry my debit/credit cards. After repeating putting my jeans pocket so many times, even the Sashiko fabric start getting torn. When I share the photo on Instagram, many people reacted to the photo how interested they were to see the process of repairing. It became like a Boro mending, so here is my Wallet Sashiko Boro Repair Project.

Repair it instead of Replace it

My wallet looks like the photo. There are some holes. The edge of wallet started fraying. Soon or later, the wallet will be completely torn and it will not function as the card-holder. Replace it, or repair it to reuse it.

Wallet Sashiko Boro Repair 0

First, the most important step. Preparing the Sashiko fabric to patch. I prepared several kinds of Sashiko fabric to see which one is the most appropriate fabric.s

Wallet Sashiko Boro Repair 2

Choosing the “right” fabric for the project is very fun part. I spend good amount of time to decide the one would be great on Wallet Sashiko Boro Repair Project.

Wallet Sashiko Boro Repair 3

After selecting the fabric, the repairing stitch start. Unlike the Sashiko running stitch, repairing takes more time, one stitch by one stitch. Since the needle go through several layers of fabric, it is so hard to push through the needle. The pain of my finger is the by-product of this beautiful Wallet Sashiko Boro Repair.

Here is the photo of before and after.

The repair for inside wasn’t necessary much. I made a few stitches to reinforce the patch I made outside. The few stitches look pretty unique as well.

Wallet Sashiko Boro Repair

The Concept of Wallet Sashiko Boro Repair Project

“Upcycle” and “Repurpose” are the keywords on our projects. When I realize my personal belonging (besides pairs of jeans) requires the Sashiko and Boro mending project, I was excited to repair that. The more I repair the fabric, the more I feel the attachment to the item. Using one item with care instead of replacing them every time you see the damage is the key concept of our activities.

The Wallet looks a bit like a Boro piece. By repeating the repairing, it will be more beautiful like the other famous boros. We, whoever interested in Sashiko and I, are creating the future Boros.

Sashiko mending project in one warm day.

04/26/201710/27/2018 atsushijp 1 Comment

(This is a revised article about Sashiko Mending from the website of Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya.)

We have more articles about Sashiko Mending in our website category: Upcycle Stitches Sashiko Mending

Surprisingly nice warm day in February of Pensylvania. I decided to do a small Sashiko mending project in a warm sunlight. What do you do when you find a hole in your jeans? I repair it with Sashiko stitching. Sashiko Mending Project, here it goes!

Sashiko Mending Process with pictures

Match the Sashiko fabric to jeans. Ah… it is so bright and warm outside. I have been waiting for this warm day over severe winter in Central PA.

The Sashiko fabric in the photo is the leftover (the edge after trimming) from different Sashiko project by “Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya.” Preparing and making the Sashiko fabric is the most enjoyable part of Sashiko… and picking the best matching fabric is the most exciting time. I choose this Japanese vintage fabric, layered with red vintage one.

Preparing and making the Sashiko fabric is the most enjoyable part of Sashiko… and picking the best matching fabric is the most exciting time. I choose this Japanese vintage fabric, layered with red vintage one.

The fabric has 2 layers. It looked a bit frayed on the edge.

Therefore, I used a sewing machine to trim the edge for easier repair.

Next… Prepare the needle and thread.

Use any thread to do Basting. It will be removed after performing actual Sashiko.

No need to do it if the project is simple. I still need to do basting to get the better result… more practice.

I used blind stitching technique here to attach the fabric to the jeans.

Yes, I am patching the fabric from the back so the jeans will have the main fabric from the hole. I also used the Natural Indigo Dyed Sashiko thread here. The better Sashiko thread I use, the better result I get. Don’t forget to use our Sashiko thread for the best purpose.

Sashiko Mended / Repaired Jeans is cool, I believe.

Done! I am pretty satisfied the result. It will get better by using this pair of jeans since the damage will make it more natural.

It took about 1 ~ 2 hours to complete the mending and repairing process, including the matching the fabric time and excluding the Sashiko fabric preparation. Again, It doesn’t include the time of preparing Sashiko fabric.

Upcycle it to get another value.

Sashiko is a process of repairing/reinforcing the fabric to repurpose. Upcycing the fabric is our daily mission.

I hope this small project will share some insight into the beauty of Sashiko and mending.