In March 2025, I plan to revisit Stuart, FL to offer a 3-day Sashiko Workshop, beginning with [Core & Essence] and progressing to [Application & Practice]. This is a rare opportunity to learn the core of the Sashiko technique we practice. To learn Sashiko properly, it is essential to understand the Form (Kata), much like learning to use a knife and cutting board is fundamental when starting to cook. 3-Days Sashiko Workshop in Florida will cover almost everything we can teach, and we sincerely believe it will enrich your Sashiko experience.
Join Us for a 3-Day Sashiko Workshop in Florida – March 2025
Join our 3-Days Sashiko Workshop in Florida for a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of Sashiko stitching, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner. This workshop goes beyond the basics, offering perspectives on Sashiko rarely introduced in English. The focus is on mastering the core elements of traditional Sashiko, with an emphasis on the Form (Kata)—the essential techniques that form the foundation of the craft. Just as learning to handle basic tools is key in cooking, proper form is crucial to embracing Sashiko as an art.
Over three days, we’ll share nearly everything we know about Sashiko. Whether you’re new to the craft or refining your skills, this workshop will deepen your connection to the tradition, offering insights and techniques that will enrich your Sashiko experience for a lifetime.
The Core & Essence of Sashiko
The [Core & Essence] of Sashiko focuses on the deep principles and philosophies behind the art of Sashiko stitching. More than just a decorative practice, Sashiko originated as a practical technique used by Japanese communities for mending and reinforcing fabric. Over time, it evolved into a meaningful form of artistic expression, combining utility with beauty.
This workshop will explore these fundamental concepts, emphasizing that Sashiko is not just about stitching patterns but is deeply connected to rhythm, mindfulness, and the relationship between hand and fabric. You’ll learn to appreciate how each stitch represents more than just a technical act—it is a meditative practice, reflecting the spirit and intention of the maker.
During the [Core & Essence] portion of the workshop, you will be guided through the fundamental movements and techniques that give Sashiko its unique rhythm and flow. Mastering this aspect is key, as it helps you develop a deep understanding of the Form (Kata) that underpins all Sashiko stitching. Similar to learning to hold and use a knife and cutting board when beginning to cook, mastering the form in Sashiko is essential for building a strong foundation. This includes learning the right posture, the hand movements, and the proper tension in your stitches.
You’ll also discover the cultural significance of Sashiko, understanding how it ties into Japanese history and its connection to sustainability, simplicity, and the spirit of “mottainai” (the feeling of regret over waste). These elements are at the heart of Sashiko, influencing its aesthetics and practice today.
From Core to Practice
Once you have a solid grasp of the [Core & Essence], we’ll move on to [Application & Practice], where you can begin applying these techniques to more intricate projects. Whether your focus is on mending, embroidery, or textile design, the 3-Days Sashiko Workshop in Florida will offer invaluable insights to help you elevate your work. You’ll move beyond simple stitching and learn to create pieces that truly embody the spirit of Sashiko.
Throughout the course of this 3-Days Sashiko Workshop in Florida, we will share nearly everything we know and can teach about Sashiko. Whether you are new to the craft or looking to enhance your existing skills, this immersive workshop promises to deepen your connection to this traditional Japanese art form. We are confident that it will enrich your Sashiko experience, providing insights and techniques that will last a lifetime.
I will be there to support your learning comprehensively
I will be attending the 3-Days Sashiko Workshop in Florida to thoroughly learn Sashiko from its Core & Essence, diving deep into the foundational elements that make this craft so unique. This workshop isn’t just about learning stitching techniques; it’s about understanding the true heart of Sashiko—its rhythm, form, and the philosophy passed down through generations. By immersing myself in this experience, I aim to grasp the essence of Sashiko, from the precise hand movements to the cultural significance of each stitch. This workshop will allow me to explore the mindful, meditative aspects of Sashiko while developing the skills to practice it with precision and intent. I’m excited to embark on this journey, focusing on both the technical mastery and the deeper, traditional meaning of this beautiful craft.
We have several In-Person Sashiko Workshops scheduled throughout 2025. To find the perfect workshop for you, please check our Sashiko Class Schedule for 2025.
If you’re eager to start learning Sashiko immediately, we invite you to explore our Online Sashiko Class via the link below. This online option offers a convenient way to begin your Sashiko journey from the comfort of your own home, providing comprehensive lessons that cover all the core techniques.
Many ask me for the “Answers” in Sashiko – correct definition, authentic description, and the “Rules” for stitching itself. I do not offer the answers as shorten & summarized answers can destroy the culture & practice without careful attention. It is like asking someone to summarize their life into one sentence/paragraph, and deciding who they are without context. It isn’t a healthy relationship, is it?
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I believe everyone, regardless if they like what I say or not, can agree on one term – Sashiko (刺し子) is a Japanese term & developed in Japan. All of my stories here are rooted in the Japanese mindset, and therefore it is perfectly fine to NOT understand in a short period of time. In fact, the learning starts when they understand that they won’t understand so easily. It is the beauty of learning about other cultures. I am here to keep sharing so that you can reach your own understanding – instead of someone’s superficial answer. It is more than just business or trend. I want you to know Sashiko – and for that, I want you to know who I am & what we make.
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Sashiko Live Streaming on Youtube, on every Thursday at 9 pm EST is a great opportunity for me to learn the “difficulty” in learning something so foreign. Live Streaming isn’t a Class – so I won’t talk about anything I teach in Workshops & Class, but I am happy to elaborate the stories I share – occasionally, I even accept an argument. I show my face. I clarify who I am. I have nothing to hide. It may be rare to disclose many things – but this is the only way I found to preserve the Sashiko we practice from the Cherry Picking (or Cultural Appropriation for that matter).
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Youtube Link is available from the Profile or search for “Sashiko Story”.
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本日の配信も素敵な時間となりました。刺し子配信…刺し子をしながら刺し子や関連する事項について語るだけの配信なのですが、長年続けていると話す内容にも重複が出たり、はたまた少し横道に外れてしまったりします。それでも、話し続けることによって矛盾を把握できたり（矛盾は存在して当たり前なので）、本当に伝えたいことは何なのかというのが固まってきます。同じ話をしても良いんだと気がついた辺りで、少し気が楽になりました。
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配信のアーカイブは全て残っています。話す内容の良し悪しは別として、本音の部分で話をしているつもりです。刺し子に関係のないような話も、点として後に線で繋がるように意識しています。刺し子の針目が点であれば、運針は線で、作品という面で伝えていけたらと。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子
I had such a great time in Brooklyn last weekend for the Sashiko Workshops. As always, I am a bit burned out after the big matters to me. This time, I took days off to focus on recovery first.
@loopoftheloom displayed our item so nicely. I feel like our Sashiko was in the museum, with white walls & spotlights. It is, one day, my dream to have an exhibition for our Sashiko. It would be perfect if the exhibition is something the visitors can feel and touch the actual Sashiko’s Stitching
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I say that Sashiko isn’t an Art Form because of its cultural significance as Ordinary. When a maker (or a teacher) focuses on the “Art” too much in Sashiko, the practice & result can be simplified & twisted. However, it doesn’t mean that Sashiko will never be the Art Form. It can be – and I hope it will be by those hands who (try to) acknowledge the Sashiko Japanese have been stitching.
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After 8 years of teaching in Sashiko, I am confident that I can pass down the Sashiko we practice. All of the stitching starts with [Core & Essence]. No matter how many years of experience a stitcher has, it is the start & the completion of my teaching. Many was surprised, and many will be surprised how different our Sashiko is from the Sashiko trend introduced by those who superficially perceive Sashiko (Cherry Pick Sashiko). I do not have any more workshops planned for 2024, but Online Class is available. I will talk about my plan on the Sashiko Live Streaming on Thursday (8/8) at 9 pm EST – the usual time & place on Youtube.
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先週のワークショップ、無事終わっております。毎回のワークショップと同じように撮れた写真はごく僅かで、お散歩配信もできないままでした。申し訳ない。天気がとても不安定で、告知してキャンセルするのも気が引けてしまって。
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まだ8月なのですが、2024年のワークショップの予定はここで一度終わります。余裕はあるので、開催できる場所があれば…とは思いつつ、滅多にない数ヶ月の時間なので、これまで手が回らなかったことを少しずつ進めていけたらと思っています。今年最後のワークショップからかはわからないのですが、今回は燃え尽きてしまった感があって、家に戻ってから数日充電しておりました。普段は家から出ないので、単なる夏バテなのかもしれませんが（笑）。また配信含め、丁寧に刺し子を伝えていけたらと思っております。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子
Your Story is like a Philosophy Class… I occasionally receive this type of compliment, just like in the previous Live Streaming. Honestly speaking, though, I never thought of myself as being “Philosophical”. I didn’t like “Philosophy” in my student years… so I feel a bit strange when people value my Stories as “Teaching Philosophy”. Well, then I question myself, “What is Philosophy, then?”
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According to the Oxford Languages, Philosophy can be defined as “the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline”. From my perspective as a Sashiko artisan, it is natural to consider Sashiko non-Philosophy as it isn’t “Study” or in “Academic discipline”. However, from a learner’s perspective, what I share can be a “Study” and the series of my stories can be “Academic Discipline”. So their compliment is valid & my feeling (of strange) is also reasonable.
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The key here is the description of “Fundamental Nature of Knowledge, Reality and Existence”. A series of stories, videos, and teaching is our fundamental Nature of Knowledge & Experience. I am sharing someone’s life, and of course, my life. It is my sincere pleasure if you can find any inspiration from what I share – I am happy to share our “Ordinary” to be part of your “Philosophy”. So, please know that the Sashiko you know now are limited. If you can say what I teach in the workshop, then you know the Sashiko we practice – but again, it is merely a start of learning an unknown & whole story of Japanese Sashiko.
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私が英語で語る「刺し子」には、とても不思議な感想を頂くことがあります。その中でも一番多いのが、「淳の刺し子は哲学だ」というもの。お褒めの言葉だとは思うのですが、そもそもあまり哲学が好きじゃないのもあって、なんだかなぁと思ってしまうのです。
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ま、とはいえ哲学は「本質を考えること」ではあるので、私の言葉が哲学っぽくなるのかもしれません。私にとっては当たり前のこと。きっと多くの日本人にとっても当たり前のこと。でも、それが当たり前じゃなく、且つ本質を「伝えるもの」であるから哲学に.聞こえるのかもしれません。知ってほしいだけなのですよ。知らないまま無理やり捻じ曲げるのが嫌なだけなのです。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子
Frankly speaking, there isn’t much difference from Sashiko & other types of stitchery. As some say, it is just hand-stitching (running stitching) after all. Your culture should have a similar practice, and one of your ancestors probably practiced stitching similar to Sashiko. However, it is disrespectful to say “Just (Mere) stitching” to describe Sashiko without acknowledging the Stories behind. There is one thing that makes Sashiko so unique.
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What makes Sashiko so special, unique, and inspirational is the stories behind them. In other words, without Stories, there are no differences between Sashiko & other stitchery. I agree for those who say there is no difference between Sashiko & Kantha – yet they are different because of the Stories & People behind them. Isn’t it so violent to ignore the difference between you and I because we are all human? How about celebrating diversity? Teaching Sashiko without the fundamental understanding of Japanese Culture is missing the most important element in “Teaching with Culture” – the Stories to make it so special. Technique itself can be copied. Anyone pretends that they are the masters of something without proper commitment. However, I want to think more of humans – we can care for each other, acknowledge (& celebrate) the difference, and then find a mutual place to enjoy it, right? For that, please keep learning Sashiko from those with an abundance of stories. I am trying my best to bring the stories to the table.
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インドに「カンタ刺繍」という刺し子に似た手仕事があります。本も出版されている人気のある刺繍で、アメリカで刺し子をする中でカンタ刺繍の先生とお話しする機会を頂いたこともあります。顔が見えないネットでは「刺し子じゃなくてカンタだ（一緒だ）…」とか、「カンタと刺し子は全く違う…」とか、いろんな不毛な議論がなされていますが、もう既に答えは出ています。カンタも刺し子も一緒です。でも、全て違います。だからどちらかではなく両方とも残せるのです。
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補足します。針仕事という意味合いではカンタ刺繍も刺し子も一緒です。針を動かす目的も、デザインもアプローチも似ていますし、一緒なところもあります。でも、その針を動かす人の文化が違います。だから、全て違うんです。呼吸をするから人間で、だから私もあなたも一緒でどちらかに統一しなきゃいけない…なんていう乱暴な論理は現代では存在しないように（過去には存在したのかもしれませんが）、一緒の中に違いを楽しむというのが「多様性」であり、それは手仕事の流れでも一緒です。多様性って「なんでもいい」わけじゃなくて、一緒の中の微妙な違いを楽しむことだと思うんですよね。
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この多様性を成立させるのが、「物語」です。文化とも、個性とも言い換えて良い。だからこそ、日本文化のなんたるかも知らない人が刺し子をあたかも全て知っているかのように教えているのを見ると、人間は呼吸さえしてれば人間だ…と言われているような無力感を覚えてしまうのです。
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#Sashiko #刺し子
About 10 years ago, soon after I immigrated, I received an email from my mother Keiko. She asked me if I were willing to “restart” the Sashiko. I don’t talk about the past so often outside of the workshops, but as you may guess by reading “restart”, our Sashiko once “ceased” its tradition – at least, there were days that we tried to distance ourselves from Sashiko. This is one reason I say Sashiko is more than just a trend – it is part of our lives, and identity.
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The photo is a Jacket Keiko made around the time we “restarted”. Ever since, we kept making quite many Jackets, Tapestries, and more with much help from other Sashiko Artisans. We hope to continue making them… but it requires stability in “Cultural Sustainability”.
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I understand that the “Trend” focuses on the “Fun Part” of Sashiko, and ignores the rest. When Sashiko becomes a hobby or entertainment, I understand that the goal is to just have fun. There is nothing wrong with the trend, but the trend can never describe the whole picture of its practice as some Sashiko Teachers are simplifying, minimizing, and yet romanticizing. Please help us to keep this Sashiko going. Please support Sashiko Artisans who can make this type of Pieces (in Japan). I share & offer everything we have & use – all I ask is the acknowledgement, and hopefully, a choice to preserve the culture from Cherry Picking done by non-Japanese self-titled Masters.
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刺し子から一度距離を置いて、でもその距離が苦しかった恵子さんから連絡を受けて刺し子を再開して…信じられない気持ちでいっぱいなのですが、そんな「ゼロ」の段階から、もう既に10年以上が経っているんだなぁと。当時は手探りで何をしていいかすらわからない日々でしたが、当時から刺し子をすることだけは続けていて、この野良着もそんな当時の一枚だったりします。もう既に違う誰かの手元に渡った作品です。
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沢山の素敵なご縁を頂いて、10年前では考えられなかった刺し子を今見ています。と同時に、暗中模索の中で足掻いてきた中で生まれた「歪み」みたいなものも感じています。ずーっと、そして今も必死ですから。意図する通りに伝われば、それは運針会のような素晴らしい居場所になるのですが、現代のネット社会に置いて言葉や思い、技術すらも切り取られることは承知しておかなけれないけないことで。だからこそ、本物と本質をしっかりと伝え、残し続けたいと思うのです。配信での話は常に、愚直にですが真剣に刺し子に向き合っている一人の言葉として残したいと思って続けています。気楽に聞いて頂けるために笑いを意識しながら。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子
I will be in Brooklyn (@loopoftheloom, Dumbo) this coming weekend, August 3rd & 4th for Sashiko Workshops. The studio offers Trunk Sale from 1pm to 5pm, with some of our authentic Sashiko supplies & actual Sashiko pieces we have stitched. I won’t be able to say hello until 4 pm or so as I would like to focus on the workshop – however, if you are nearby, please make a visit to touch what we make. I hope you can feel the “difference” in the Sashiko we practice & Sashiko introduced in English today.
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When I bring Sashiko pieces, like this tapestry or Jackets, I often encourage students to touch them, feel them, and even “wear” them. After all, it is just a piece of Fabric – yet it is a piece of fabric with so many stories. We won’t have enough time to share all the stories behind the fabric, but I believe they can feel the “significance & existence” of stories behind. When they feel “it” – let’s say, “spirit” – I don’t think they can say “whatever is fine” in Sashiko. I do not think there is such a thing as “Right” and “Wrong” in Sashiko – but “Whatever” as a way to stop caring for the stories behind the handmade items are completely against my understanding of “Art” and “Craft”.
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*[Core & Essence (C/E)] Workshop is sold out – [Application & Practice] has a few seats available, but C/E is a prerequisite. C/E can be completed online (if we hurry, we can arrange one by this Sunday). Hope to see you there.
Another analogy of the pain/frustration I feel for the current trend of Sashiko. It may resonate with you. Or, I also understand that this may be a rare case. Therefore, I want to share the analogy for the possible imagination.
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He was born in a family of the chief in a small village. He didn’t like the village life. Outdated, Lame, Boring… He found the ordinary there suck. As he grew, he tried to find something more than his ordinary. After decades of trying to be someone, he realized the beauty of the small village he was born in. Soon after he decided to “preserve” the ordinary in the village, some people found his village to be a good resort – the ordinary became someone’s vacation & entertainment (extraordinary). Capitalism brought many “attractions” to his village, and started building something “profitable” and “comfortable” for the potential guests over the outdated & old houses. The Resorts didn’t care for the cultures (houses & people) there much.
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He doesn’t have the power to stop the “Resort”. So, his plan is to keep sharing the “Stories” for the guests who may be interested in the village on top of the Resort Experience. Unfortunately, some of the capitalists find him annoying (as he is “outdated”), and decide to ignore him & lead others to not to look at him. He sees his ordinary (village) being scraped and rebuilded – one by one – as he sees it everyday, while he still tries to preserve what he can (his house)… although the guests find his house an attraction sooner or later.
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I am “He” in this extreme analogy. I feel something important for me (and for Japanese) are destroyed & rebuilt by someone who only cares for their profit & convenience. I am lucky that I have you who care to learn – but unfortunately, the repainting is an ongoing matter, and therefore, it is quite painful.
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I talk about Sashiko in Live Streaming on Thursday night at 9 pm EST.
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本日の配信で触れたこと。もしかしたら私は時代の流れに思いっきり逆らおうとしているのかもしれないということ。AIやら機械化やらで、人間らしさを薄めようとしていく未来に、人間だからこそできることという、ある意味では少し汚ならしいような流れを見ているのかもしれません。人間の汚いところを排除した理想系がAIと機械なら、刺し子も襤褸もその逆を行くのではと思うのです。でも、だからこそ、輝くものがあると思うのです。（私の願う）刺し子が目指すものは、人間らしさの包括的な立ち位置を代弁するものなのかもしれません。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子
It is my sincere pleasure to re-join the QuiltCon 2025 as a Faculty. This page is for those who plan to attend QuiltCon 2025 Sashiko Workshops & Lecture, “Core & Essence” “Apply Hitomezashi to our Ordinary” and “Aesthetics of Stitching from a Sashiko Artisan – Why Do We Stitch“. Please find the details below to see what you can expect in QuiltCon 2025 Sashiko Workshops & Lecture.
For those who have the registration confirmation, I will prepare the support page below.
*The Support Page will be available later when it gets close to QuiltCon
*If you do not have a registration confirmation to join the QuiltCon 2025 Sashiko Workshops & Lecture, please contact MQG for the possible waiting list. In the previous QuiltCon, there were a few last minutes cancellation, and there may be a chance for you to join this year. Also, I offer Online Sashiko Class as well as a few In-person Workshops (for 2024 & 2025). Please check each articles for the details. Thank you.
*I have a feeling that QuiltCon 2025 will be the last QuiltCon I teach Sashiko [Core & Essence]. This is my 5th year to teach the exact same workshop, and I find it quite rare to repeat the same contents. The Sashiko Workshop [Core & Essence] is the fundamental of pretty much all of my teaching in Sashiko – like teaching how to use a specific Japanese knife & cutting board before sharing some recipe for Japanese cooking. It would be difficult to create another contents for those without completing the [Core & Essence]. I am happy to consider re-applying to QuiltCon 2026 when I have a list of interest. I respect the QuiltCon’s philosophy, goals and policy – and I understand that it isn’t the best match to keep offering something same repeatedly. If you couldn’t register yourself for QuiltCon 2025, and yet wish to take the [Core & Essence] in the future QuiltCon, please fill out the Google Form below so that I will consider the possibility. Thank you.
*The Support Page will be password protected after the QuiltCon, and I will send the Password for those who attended the workshop. The offer available on the Support Page are only available to those who sign up & purchased the Special Supply Package. Misuse of any offers are subject to the actual price adjustment. Thank you for your understanding!
QuiltCon 2025 Sashiko Workshops & Lecture
In QuiltCon 2025, I offer 2 kinds of Sashiko Workshops & Lecture. One Workshop is my signature workshop [Core & Essence] and Another Workshop is my new challenge [Sashiko: Apply Hitomezashi to our Ordinary], which doesn’t have any prerequisite to join. The Sashiko Lecture is about “Aesthetics of Stitching from a Sashiko Artisan – Why Do We Stitch.”. In this page, I explain what you can expect in each Workshop & Lecture, which includes information about preparation may be required.
QuiltCon 2025 Sashiko Workshop [Core & Essence]
In our tradition, Sashiko is NOT about making perfect (or Inperfect) stitches. It is all about moving (trusting) a needle comfortably while communicating the fabric. Unfortunately, the current trend of Sashiko is missing one important aspect of Sashiko. In this “Core & Essence” workshop, I will teach you the core technique of our Sashiko so that you can start focusing on communication rather than judging each stitches you make.
It is extremely important to take this workshop before jumping in to any of other workshops we offer. There are a few Japanese terms that the participants need to memorize (not so many & no exams or whatsoever, but knowing them is important).
On Instagram and Facebook, I often say: Sashiko is NOT ◯◯. This workshop “Core & Essence” will give you the answer what Sashiko is for you while you learning new techniques.
*This workshop is not a type of “Let’s Enjoy Sashiko Togeher” workshop. It is one-direction learning experience for you. The participants are required to stitch a lot. They may have to go through some “uncomfortable” stitching experience (due to new muscles they use). Sometimes, it may require some mindfulness in an eye-opening experience. Please do not be scared or worried, however. I will do everything to help you to “experience” and “start enjoying” the Sashiko we practice today.
*There is NO prerequisite for this workshop. No experience in Sashiko is necessary. If you have never touched the hand-stitching needle, please try to learn how to “thread” the needle, or how to use the threader (videos are available on my Youtube). On the other hands, if you think you already know about Sashiko, please try to be as open-mind as possible. What I teach in this workshop is probably different from what you already know. There is no such a thing as “Right and Wrong” in Sashiko: and I will add another perspective of Sashiko in this workshop.
It is extremely important that everyone has the exact same materials & tools to pass down the Core & Essence within 6 hours. Please purchase the special package below before the QuiltCon 2025.
What to bring to Sashiko: Core & Essence.
The Special Package above is all you need to enjoy the Sashiko: Core & Essence. If you choose to receive it to your home, please bring all of the contents inside.
The following list is something maybe helpful for you to bring & prepare:
Masking Tape or Bandage to protect the nail from scratching by needles.
It may a good idea to cut the nail on the dominant hand (the hand with the needle). One can learn Sashiko with long nails, but it may be an obstacles in the first trial.
Sashiko Workshop: Apply Hitomezashi to our Ordinary
Hitomezashi is a popular style of Sashiko to apply our Ordinary Stitching & Fashion. This workshop introduces a standard process of enjoying Hitomezashi. Starting from learning how to prepare the grid on the fabric, how to “create” the Hitomezashi pattern, stitch Hitomezashi & apply it to a favorite Quilt/Garment (stitching on Used Denim or thin cotton fabric is Recommendation).
Unlike another Sashiko Class “Core & Essence” Atsushi offers, this workshop does NOT include a strict learning & stitching practice. A participant can use any thread & tools that they want to use. You may purchase a package of materials prepared, but it is not required to purchase.
The Objective is to learn how creative we can be while appreciating the Cultural Significance of Sashiko by approaching both visible & invisible mending while maximizing the joy of Hitomezashi. Experience in Sashiko: [Core & Essence] will be a great help to maximize this workshop, but not required.
Several Small Swatch of Fabric, about the size of 4” x 4” (No bigger than 7” x 10” and No smaller than 3” x 3”). Just in case, please prepare – several kinds of fabrics. This will be used for the “Patches”.
A garment (or any other fabric items) that you would like to attach the Sashiko Stitched Swatch(es). It can be with some damages such as torn or a hole.
Chalk Pencil, or Fabric Marker. Please choose the one which you can draw on the fabric you will bring. Fine Point pen/pencil is recommended.
Masking Tape
A (small) ruler to draw straight lines.
A tool to cut the thread (to the ideal length).
US Letter Size Card Stock Paper with 5mm Grid Pattern Printed (PDF will be provided via email). Preferably the card stock thickness of 199 GSM or more.
Please check the article for “What is Recommended Supply” (Preparing).
The Optional Supply Package with Required & Optional Supply (excluding scissors, thread clipper and Garment you want to stitch on) is available for purchase.
Extra Card Stock Papers with Grid on, with changing the Grid Size.
Any Tools to make stitching comfortable. ex) an embroidery hoop if one feel comfortable stitching with it.
Required Preparation
Please cut fabrics you want to stitch on to the size about 4″ x 4″, no bigger than 7” x 10”, and no smaller than 3” x 3” (change the size based on your preference). Please bring threads in a form that you can use right away.
Sashiko Lecture: Why Do We Stitch?
Aesthetics of Stitching from a Sashiko Artisan – Why Do We Stitch
Aesthetics can be defined as one’s appreciation of beautiful things. We choose to stitch in a society where we can purchase something already stitched. Is there any link between our choice & Sashiko’s Aesthetics? What is the philosophy behind the stitching for a Sashiko Artisan (Atsushi) who has been hand-stitching throughout his life? Why does he even still practice Sashiko?
This is the Lecture introducing Atsushi’s Sashiko. It starts from his childhood to Today’s form of stitching why he is teaching Sashiko in English. We hope to introduce another way to approach stitching with another way to embrace the aesthetics to fully appreciate Sashiko in Western Quilting World. Why Do You Stitch? Atsushi is ready to share why he stitches.
Learning someone’s Aesthetics from different cultures will be the bridge between Appropriation to Appreciation of other cultures. There is a person who decided to dedicate all of his entire life into Sashiko, and this is his Story to share the Aesthetics of Stitching as Adding Stories to our own Fabrics.
About Recommended Tools for our Sashiko
The Special Supply Package for the [Core & Essence] Workshop includes everything the participants need in the workshop. There is no need to prepare thread, needle, thimble or fabric for learning Sashiko in this workshop. In order to avoid unfortunate misunderstanding, I require everyone to use the exact same tools & supply.
That being said, there are a few recommended tools for Sashiko, which is NOT necessary yet very useful when you wish to continue Sashiko stitching. You can find another article here for Recommended Tools.
In the Sashiko we practiece, we try to make both side of the fabric as the “finished Side.” To make it easy to cut the thread left over, this thread clipper is a good idea to have.
Our Sashiko Thread is quite easy to get tangled when it is not properly handled. This Bobbin Paper is designed to keep the Sashiko Thread in a good shape for a travel or heavy usage.
It is important to learn how to prepare the pattern by ourselves as Sashiko Practitioenrs. One way to prepare the fabric is to “transfer”. This paper will help us to do better.
Recommended Items are available as a Set Deal for Quiltcon 2025
General Information for the Recommended Tools & Supplies for Sashiko Stitching
I am here to Support
After receiving the participation confirmation, if you have any questions about QuiltCon 2025 Sashiko Workshop “Core & Essence”, please contact Atsushi. I am happy to answer any questions or worries prior to the workshop.
Your question may be someone’s question, and I will share the question and answers here on this website (of course, annonymously).
I am looking forward to meeting you in the QuiltCon.
When you read my Stories, please keep one thing in mind. I welcome anyone who is interested in Sashiko. I accept any “Changes” in Sashiko. I enjoy seeing many interpretation & modification & application of Sashiko into their own field of creativity. Some mislead my stories as I act like a “gatekeeper” of Traditional Sashiko – or even I deny all of the changes in Sashiko. I do NOT deny it. I even encourage them to “change” it.
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All the reason I speak up with caution to the world is about “How & Who makes the change”. The change itself isn’t a matter of good or bad. The “Tradition” without change & adaptation isn’t really Culture. Unfortunately, right now, “How & Who makes changes in Sashiko” are those who do not belong to either Japanese Culture or who do not stitch as much.
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The issue itself isn’t the lack of experience of belongings. It is the lack of acknowledgement, and misleading the majority in a form of trend to maximize their profit. It is a Change with ignoring the origin, and focusing on their profit. We may call it “Cherry Picking”… I find it disgusting when they intentionally change someone’s culture for their own comfort. Well… it is probably a history of humanity – but then, I am protecting Sashiko for “the majority” from “those”.
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時間が空いてしまいました。ん〜。なかなか調子が出ません。運針だけじゃなく、日々においてもリズムに乗れない。結果、できるだけ毎日更新しようと思っているインスタグラムも億劫になってしまっておりました。音楽で音程を合わせる為には、頭の中で考えていてもダメで、実際に楽器から音を出し続ける必要があるように、普段の生活の調子も合わせる為には動き続けるのが一番の近道なわけで。でも時に苦しくなってしまうのです。
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感情に矛盾が生じているのを認知しながら前に進んでいることは、良くないのかもしれません。端的に言うと、嫌だと思いながら辻褄を合わせる為に誤魔化しながら前に進んでいるのかもしれません。誤魔化しなしの気持ちは、「私は今の刺し子の流行が嫌だ」ということなのかもしれません。刺し子は針仕事なので、どのような変化をしても問題ないし、寧ろ変化をすることが大切だと思っています。ふきんも、パッチワークも、様々な刺し子のルールも、針目の大きさも、糸の太さも、運針の有無も…これまで嫌だと思うことは多くありませんでした。変化そのものは嫌じゃない。では何が嫌かというと、「変化を作る人の考え方、刺し子への向き合い方」が嫌なんだろうなと。極端に言えば、粋を感じない論理的で西洋的な変化を「日本人すら」、日本の日常の手仕事の刺し子に持ち込んでいるのが嫌なんだろうと思います。
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私が尊敬する刺し子の署先輩方も、試行錯誤を繰り返されています。でも、なかなかに声は広がらない。それは「刺し子の技術」と「声を広げること」は全く別物で、寧ろ反比例すらするかもしれないと思う程に「別人格」が必要に思います。私の中にも二人存在していて、だからこそ己の中の矛盾を感じているのかもしれません。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子
