Check our Hands-On Sashiko Workshop out coming up on June 24th and 25th. We have been longing for the Sashiko Workshop Opportunities, and this June 2017 Sashiko Workshop in NYC is our most pleasure to welcome whoever is interested in Sashiko technique and history. Please check the other article about “what you can expect out of our Sashiko Workshops” and come join us to fun 3 hours with Sashiko.
Atsushi as the instructor lives a little bit far from NYC, so don’t miss this great opportunity!
We, as Upcycle Stitches LLC and Atsushi Futatsuya, started hosting Sashiko workshops from September 2016 curated by Curious Corners LLC. This is our 4th opportunity to meet New Yorkers who are interested in Sashiko and its concepts. The participants are from many difference backgrounds, and we are very excited to meet new people and reunion the people who graduated the past workshop. We have received all good reviews and we are building our confidence that we are offering the satisfying workshop. Our goal is to provide the perfect satisfaction.
Summer is a great time to travel for vacation. Sashiko may not suit your plan. Sashiko stitching is in fact developed in a snowy town over the winter.
However, it is also nice to enjoy the summer warmth while stitching the beautiful Sashiko project. Come join us!
Meet me at the Opening Reception as well
I also plan to join the KOFU & Friends Pop-Up reception on Friday evening. I hope I can show you our Sashiko Arts and introduce Sashiko.
*Please be noted. Since Atsushi travel to the workshops from far, in case we do not get the minimum numbers of participants of 8 registers, we may need to cancel the trip and not being able to shop-up the reception.
We have been adding the Sashiko Swatches to the Etsy Store. I feel like I am making a Sashiko Swatches Collection there.
Every Sashiko swatches have its original uniqueness and beauty. Every fabric is hand-stitched, and of course, one-of-a-kind piece. They are a bit expensive (luxury for fabric), but I hope the fabrics will find home or project to be applied.
*A series of introducing Sashiko swatches is consist of many articles on this blog. The previous article is here.
The beauty of Sashiko stitches is based on how even the stitches are. As long as the stitches are even, the size of the stitch is the matter of preference. However, this small stitch is art-masterpiece. Enjoy the small beautiful Sashiko stitches.
Asano-Ha (Hemp / 麻の葉) Pattern is one of the most popular Sashiko patterns. With beautiful white fabric with brown Sashiko thread, this is a good Sashiko fabric to apply to your project.
The back side of these Sashiko swatches is cleaned up (the threads are clipped). They are well-prepared for your Sashiko project or even use them as the placemat by themselves.
Hitomezashi (一目刺し）are very popular because of its rich stitchings and beautiful patterns. We use Hitomezashi Sashiko fabric to make Sashiko Jackets and Bags with patch-working. They are pieces left in stock. A good opportunity to have one of these beautiful Hitomezashi fabrics in your project.
The Oshima-Tsumugi with Dorozome (Mud-Dye) is one of the most beautiful silk fabric I have ever know. When it gets ages, the vintage Oshima-Tsumugi, have the special appearance. Some people say it is insane to stitch on Oshima, but we challenged to do so. The vintage Oshima Tsumugi could be weak by aging, so we reinforce the fabric by performing the Sashiko stitching with back fabric. Enjoy the supreme beauty that Sashiko can create.
The fabric has one of the traditional stitching so-called “Tuzuki Yamagata”. The back of fabric is cleaned through, and the edge is trimmed by machine stitching. They are the finished products quality and be used as placemats. Include the beautiful Sashiko stitching to your table.
Indigo Dye Vintage fabric with Asano-Ha pattern with a hint of designing. The very beautiful piece of fabric to enjoy the traditional Sashiko stitchings.
Keep updated to our Sashiko Swatches Collection
We keep updating our Sashiko Swatches Collection from our inventory. We are a group of Sashiko artists and practice Sashiko every day. However, we sometimes decide to Not to use the fabric we stitched. I hope people can enjoy the Sashiko culture, (even without actually stitching), by adding the fabric to their project and/or home.
*This page invite Japanese readers to enjoy out contents in Japanese. Please be advised that an inquiry in English throughout the Japanese Sashiko Website (in the Japanese language) may not be replied appropriately. If you have any question in English, please use our contact form.
If you find an Art piece you want in Japanese Sashiko Website
Both websites from Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya and UpcycleStitches.com are managed by Atsushi Futatsuya.
Since my main focus is to introduce Sashiko in English, most of the information and products are available in UpcycleStitches.com. However, because of an inventory issue, some of the art pieces, especially those are “one-of-a-kind” pieces may be only available in Japanese website. If you find an art piece you would like to purchase in Japanese website, please contact me so I can send you the necessary information to do so.
Upcycle Stitches offer a variety of online tutorials and information regarding Sashiko as well as the other Japanese hand-crafting. One of the significant activities of Upcycle Stitches is the HandsOn Sashiko Workshops, where you would meet me and learn Sashiko directly. I will put my hands on your hands to teach how we use Sashiko needle and thimble.
Since we do not have a studio yet, the location of workshop varies. As of 2017, we offer Sashiko workshops in NYC / Brooklyn area a few times per year.
The schedule above is linked to my partner’s website in NYC. Please register yourself first to participate the HandsOn Sashiko Workshops. The Partner is Curious Corners LLC.
Asano-ha Sashiko Stitching Workshop
Asano-ha Sashiko Stitching Workshop is the basic but fundamental class Upcycle Stitches LLC offers. Besides the Sashiko mending workshop, every workshop we offer requires participants to take this fundamental workshop. Sashiko stitching is different from a regular hand-sewing. Please find out how it is different. I will sit next to you, I will teach you until you get comfortable (or give up) the way we do Sashiko stitching. Therefore, the maximum seats are 6 in most of the workshops with 3 hours duration.
In this class, you will learn to stitch “asano-ha” (hemp leaf) patterns with running stitch and go home with a fabric large enough to make a tote bag, placemat, patchworking, or your own project after the workshop. This will open up your eyes to Sashiko world we traditionally follow.
*Please contact Atsushi if you believe you know the basic techniques to use Sashiko thimble and needle. I will confirm it over the Internet and may void the prerequisites.
– Skein of white sashiko thread (approx. 145 meters)
– Sashiko Thread Bobbin Paper
– Indigo fabric with asano-ha patterns printed on
– Interfacing and Cotton Poplin fabric for tailoring the project at home
– PDF data of extra Japanese Traditional Sashiko Patterns
– Access to Atsushi by e-mail with questions regarding the workshop and follow-up
*You do not require previous stitching or embroidery experience to take this class. All tools are provided. You are welcome to bring you own sewing tools, but not necessary.
Sashiko Mending Workshop
Mending is very fun. I realized how fun Sashiko is by keep enjoying mending to my jeans. So here is a HandsOn Sashiko Workshops for making your garment to one-of-a-kind piece.
I believe that the Sashiko is not only the result as the fabric with stitches but also a process of mending, repairing, and reinforcing the fabric. In order to enjoy mending process more, we developed the Sashiko Mending Workshop. I do not spend a lot of time on teaching you how to use the Sashiko needle and thimble. Of course, I will show you how, but will not sit next to you and hold your hands to teach you the way. Instead, I will share how to enjoy Sashiko mending by working together for 3 hours with hands on. Our goal in this workshop is to share all the basic information you need to enjoy Sashiko mending by yourself after you go back to home.
Bring your favorite old clothing in soft denim, cotton or linen. You will learn basic techniques to mend holes, tears and reinforce parts with sashiko embroidery.
This workshop comes with:
– Indigo fabric patch
– 3 kinds of denim fabric patches
– Extra patches of vintage fabrics and sashiko fabrics from Japan
– Tools to learn how to transfer pattern to the fabric
– Sashiko needles
– Sashiko thimble
– Skein of sashiko thread
– PDF data of extra Japanese traditional sashiko patterns
– Access to Atsushi by e-mail with questions regarding the workshop and follow-up
We highly recommenbringingng soft cotton fabric or worn-out denim. It is difficult to work with thick, hard cotton and linen, or brand-new raw denim. Please do not bring wool or silk fabric.
We recommend this class for those who have basic stitching or hand sewing experience. In case you are the absolute beginner, please watch a YouTube video of basic sewing before the class.
All tools are provided in the class. Feel free to bring your own sewing tools but not necessary.
We develop the Hitomezashi Sashiko workshops for those who enjoyed the Asano-ha Sashiko Stitching Workshop. More information is coming soon.
*The image is the Final version of Hitomezashi Sashiko with Japanese vintage fabric. They can be the equivalent of graduating art-piece after taking Hitomezashi Workshops.
I enjoy hearing from Sashiko Workshop participants after they finish their project at home. A Sashiko Workshop Graduate makes very beautiful Sashiko pieces. Today, let me introduce a beautiful Sashiko patched Jacket from a student who overcame the challenge of learning how to do Sashiko stitching.
Beautiful Patches by Sashiko Workshop Graduate makes
A workshop graduate patched a vintage Jacket with Japanese vintage fabric with Sashiko stitching. The patching and stitching make it “one-of-a-kind” jacket. It is so unique and exclusive. This jacket could be displayed on the shelf of fashion store, I believe. I am so proud of her continuing her stitching experience.
I do not teach how to make patches in the workshop, but the basic Sashiko stitching technique can be very useful in your stitching project.
Our Sashiko Workshop will give you more possibility
In 3 hours basic Sashiko workshop, I focus on sharing how to use the Sashiko Thimble and long Sashiko needles. By learning the method, you will experience the “speed” of Sashiko stitching. The faster your stitching goes, the more project you can make. It is the first step to makes “more” to have “better” result. Only practice makes it perfect.
Learning the new method can be challenging to many people, especially those who have previous stitching experience. However, I will not give up teaching you unless you decide not to follow the technique we use.
*Please be advised that the method we use it NOT the universally “right” method. We established the stitching techniques and follow it since we believe this is the most productive and efficient. There is no need to follow it. It is up to you. Our goal is to share the Sashiko stitching to the world.
I hope you can join our team to enjoy Sashiko more by stitching more!
Among a selection of many colors for Coron Sashiko Thread, the two colors of Original White Bright White are the most popular colors. We, as a group of Sashiko artists, also use a lot of both original white (#10 / unbleached white / ecru ) and bright white (#12 / bleached white). The white color thread and Indigo Dyed Fabric is the most popular and traditional Sashiko combination. When you research on Sashiko, you would see the dark blue fabric with white Sashiko stitching on.
Which is the better choice? | Original White Bright White
Both color, #10 and #12 are great for Sashiko stitching: the same quality cotton thread with a twisting for the Sashiko purpose. The #10 has the original color of cotton, which is a bit more creamy ecru color. The #12 has the bleached color, so it is bright white as you would imagine for bleached white. The comparison of light color may be a good example. #10 is more like the warm white, and #12 is more like the cold white. I personally like the #10 ecru color, but at the same time, I enclosed the #12 color on the workshop materials so participants can ask questions about color transferring from fabric to thread.
Here, I took a photo of the comparison on Indigo Dye Fabric.
In the photo, without stitching, the #12 looks much more white like. #12 is bleached so it looks really white, but after making stitches on the Indigo Fabric, both #10 and #12 looks “white.” I will make a sample fabric later on.
Which thread did the Japanese use in their tradition?
I am still in the process of researching, but some people in the northern region had a shame of using the white thread because it means a lack of effort of dyeing the thread with natural dyes (Natural Dye Sashiko Thread.) At the same time, some people who lived close to the castle town thought of using the original white to enjoy the pattern and its Indigo and white contrast. The Japanese had a technique to bleach the cotton thread by using nature such as snow, rain, and sunlight.
As the answer to the question, I would reply that the Japanese used both white colors as well as the Natural Dye Thread.
Each Sashiko project requires the appropriate thread color, I believe. I hope you can find the best matching color to your project.
Upcycle Stitches LLC is an official distributors of Coron Sashiko Thread in the United States. Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya has a good partnership with Coron manufacture and Keiko obtain the permission to distribute their thread in the United States for us. As of Spring 2021, we are not looking for the wholesale option with distributors due to the limited amount of production. However, some bulk discount may be available when you would like to purchase more than 20 skeins. Please contact Atsushi for the details.
We have in stock these colors.
15 Solid Colors
5 Variegated Colors
2 Original Colors (Dyed Synthetic but looks natural)
*[Update in 2022] We are notified that there are similar Sashiko thread with similar name (Coron) available in the market. I have not confirmed if they are the identical thread to the one we use. In order to fully enjoy the purpose of Sashiko Thread, please purchase them from one of our web platforms. Thank you.
Because of our business size, we do not have a large inventory. Therefore, from time to time, the threads get sold out. Especially these colors of #10 and #15 are very popular, and they may be sold out. In a case of unavailability due to inventory, please contact us for open-order. We will make sure that you would get as soon as possible without extra fees. Waiting time will not exceed 2 weeks after receiving the open order.
Coron Sashiko Thread is one of the best Sashiko thread.
We have been so many years of relationship with Coron Thread Manufacture Company. We sincerely believe their thread is one of the best thread available in the market. They are made in Japan and made from Egyptian Cotton 100%. They aren’t the cheapest option, but the price is reasonable considering the length of thread (145-meters) and the quality. In fact, it is the best option to get the better Sashiko result. I always use Coron Sashiko Thread and merely use the other brand thread.
I hope you find these thread appropriate (the best) to your Sashiko project.
Keiko Futatsuya is a founder of Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya and a Sashiko artist herself. What makes her so special is her Sashiko designing sense. She always surprises me with her new Sashiko design. I believe she is a type of genius in Sashiko designing.
30+ years of Sashiko experience
Keiko studied a dressmaking in vocational school after she had graduated high-school. When she was in early 20’s, she married to Yuichi Futatsuya, who was the second generation of Sashiko business. First, she wasn’t allowed to make Sashiko art pieces for sale since she was an outsider and didn’t share the traditions. However, regardless of strict restriction, she learned how to stitch from other Sashiko artisans and enjoyed the beauty of Sashiko. Even when her products didn’t line up on the store shelve, she kept making Sashiko art. It is simply because she liked Sashiko.
After so many years of Sashiko experience, Yuichi and I decided to shift the Sashiko business from “making many small products as craft” to “making one-of-a-kind art.” In the process of making one of a kind art, Keiko’s sense of Sashiko designing finally got a spotlight.
It isn’t easy to anticipate the result in Sashiko
In terms of Sashiko stitching, she doesn’t have the best skill. Although her Sashiko technique is sufficient to call her artist, her significance is to anticipate the result in Sashiko and Vintage Fabric combination. For example, a woman in her 70’s, who is also a part of Keiko’s Sashi.Co team, has the supreme Sashiko technique. Her hands move like a machine and Keiko strongly depends on her skill. However, the supreme Sashiko technique doesn’t connect to the ability to make a beautiful Jacket.
*Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya is a group of Sashiko artisans. Not all the Sashiko stitchings are done by Keiko, but everything is supervised by Keiko.
Keiko’s basic knowledge of dressmaking, her 30 years of observing and enjoying Sashiko, and her design sense make this completely exclusive collection possible.
It isn’t easy to anticipate the result of Sashiko product. It may look on a paper, on a computer screen, or even on a process of matching the fabric and thread. However, the result can be very different from what we imagined after stitching Sashiko on the actual fabric. It is the beauty of hand-making art.
Things Only Keiko Futatsuya can do
In addition to her Sashiko designing sense, she has a great technique to repair the BORO.
The 2 photos below is the Boro of before and after. In order to complete this challenging repair project, the artist has to have an understanding of the vintage fabric, good Sashiko techniques, and the sense of matching all the vintage fabrics. By looking at these results, I cannot change my mind that she is the genius in Sashiko stitching and Boro repairing.
Keiko Futatsuya is a supervisor of Upcycle Stitches LLC operation regarding Sashiko such as workshops, tutorials, and articles. If you have any questions about her, please contact us. She doesn’t speak English, but I am happy to translate your question and ask her on behalf of you. Please be advised that the question and answer may be shared on this website after getting the permision.
Hello. My name is Atsushi Futatsuya. In the USA, I often introduce myself “Azu” as my nickname. It is an honor to share what Sashiko is based on my life-long experience.
Meet Atsushi Futatsuya on Youtube
It is much easier to know who I am by watching me talking. Please check what I would like to share about Sashiko on the Youtube Channel.
Atsushi Futatsuya offered Sashiko Workshop mainly in East Coast of the USA, NYC and Brooklyn Aream before Covid. (Atsushi lives in Central PA – Zip 17837, 4 hours driving from NYC). In order to learn Sashiko from him, attending a in-person workshop is the best way. Alternatively, the Online Sashiko Class is available for those who wish to learn without traveling.
Sashiko Workshop Update in Covid-19
Under the pandemic of Covid-19, in order to secure everyone’s safety, all of the In-person Sashiko Workshop has been cancelled for 2020. Instead, I had spend as much effort as possible for developing the better Online Sashiko Class. After sharing the Online Sashiko Class with more than 50 students (who are now my friends), I believe I can deliver the same contents via Online. Please check our Online Sashiko Class.
Let me please introduce myself to share why I am running this website to share what Japanese Sashiko is.
I was born in Sashiko Family
Did you have a “planned future” in your childhood, that your family kept mentioning?
I was born in a surviving Sashiko Family in Gifu prefecture, Japan. In my childhood, my friends were Sashiko artisans who worked in our family business. There was a pile of fabric, scary numbers of needles and thimbles, and so many colored threads. I strongly remember many people told me that I will take over the business when I get older. It was the Japanese tradition for the first-born child to take over the family business, especially in the traditional crafting family.
And, of course, I hated my fate.
Regardless of my Sashiko techniques I naturally learned, I purely didn’t want to be in the Sashiko business in my adolescence. It wasn’t easy to get out of the rails many people prepared, so I decided to get out from the country. I decided to go to the university in the States.
Sashiko Business to Sashiko life-style
After I had graduated from the university, I started working in Tokyo. I still didn’t want to take over Sashiko business. My parents were still 50’s, and I thought I could avoid a serious conversation about who would be responsible to the family business later on.
However, in 2008, my father called me if I could help him to run the business. The business went into a bad debt, and they could use some help from financial aspects. After deep consideration, I decided to go back to the family business mentioning that I am only doing so to “help,” not “take over.”
Sashiko as Business is very difficult to operate
After I spend some weeks checking the financial sheets, I realize that the Sashiko as a business could be very difficult to operate. In Sashiko, almost everything is hand-made. The keywords for business models of ordinary manufacture industry such as productivity, cost reduction planning, just-in-time system, and a lot more didn’t apply. I tried to understand the reason of debt. After all, recalculating all the possible cost, even if they are all done by hand and unique by one, helped to figure the “right” price. After two years of looking Sashiko with numbers, the company could avoid the bankruptcy. However, I couldn’t see the future. I didn’t find the possibility of growth.
Share what we are proud of
In 2010, I changed my mindset. Instead of focusing on growth, I started planning on “soft landing” of the business. It is almost impossible to make a fortune of money. However, I thought, it may be possible to “soft-land” the business so everyone can avoid the miserable bankruptcy. At that point, my mind shifted from numbers to what Sashiko actually is. I realize the beauty of Sashiko. It is the time I start trying to repair my denim jeans.
Around this time, I started introducing Sashiko in English. Then, I had opportunities to perform workshops in the Netherlands.
Why am I doing this?
As much as I enjoyed introducing Sashiko, the beautiful culture we were proud of, I started to wonder if why I was doing this besides the fact I was born in the family. I couldn’t find the purpose of sharing Sashiko, especially after I realize that Sashiko as a business may discontinue after elderly artisans stopped working for us. I coulnd’t reason myself to continue Sashiko business with sacrifice my days in 20’s.
Then, the Tohoku Earthquake occurred in 2011.
By supporting Tohoku throughout Sashiko, I realize the meaning of continuing Sashiko culture, to pass down the culture to the next generation.
After my father had passed away
In 2013, on October, my father had passed away unexpectedly.
Although my mind wasn’t ready to take over the business without my father, I had a determination that I was the one to take over his will to the company. I didn’t hate the fate I had as Sashiko Business Manager.
Long story short, life is full of dramas, my mother and I were fired by the new stakeholders who found out that the company had some cash. We knew the reason for this inhuman action. My mother and I were troublesome to deal with. We didn’t care about the short-term profit. We focused on how to continue the culture in form of a business entity. In 2013, I lost the identity as Atsushi Futatsuya as Sashiko business manager.
Upcycle & Sashiko Culture as Atsushi Futatsuya
After the unbelievable moment that our life changed, I decided to move to the United States. It was just too painful to stay in Japan. I told my mother that she could come with me, but she decided to stay in Japan. She had many friends, her precious dog, and my brother who just jumped into the society. She couldn’t just leave things behind. As much as I worried about her, we decided to start our new life without Sashiko.
Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya started in 2015
About June in 2014, my mother called me with a serious voice, saying “I would like to do Sashiko…”
She loves Sashiko. She couldn’t live without it. She could enjoy just stitching, but she also wanted to make big pieces and entertain people who love Sashiko. She asked me if I could help her to make her Sashiko as a business again. Although I was expecting to be a stay at home dad in the coming year, I agreed to help her to be Sashiko business owner. Then, she started the project called, Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya ~ Designing a life with Sashiko ~ with many helps around her.
What can I do as Atsushi Futatsuya?
Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya is getting bigger, and my mother enjoys her projects more and more. She provides beautiful Sashiko fabric to a fashion brand, she repairs the most beautiful vintage fabrics for a fashion designer as “To-Be-Boro”, and she makes great Sashiko pieces with her friends. Her income itself isn’t enough to support her days yet, but her enjoyment is what I value the most.
In 2017, I established a company called Upcycle Stitches LLC. This website is the company’s website.
I host Sashiko workshops. I provide Sashiko supplies and materials with sharing Sashiko techniques and skills. Based on my experience, it is my time to think what I can do as Atsushi Futatsuya, not as the 3rd generation of Sashiko business family.
It is our new journey to embrace Sashiko. My mission is to share what Sashiko is, to the world. Again, Hello world. This is Atsushi Futatsuya. I am a Sashiko Artisan and Curator of Sashiko Story.
Support Atsushi & Keiko’s Activity
In 2019, I learned that there is a platform to support the artisans/story-teller. It is called “Patreon”. We made a platform mainly to support Keiko, and I share many Sashiko stories on there (As of November 2020, I have about 100 stories to read). Those stories are not about “How-to do Sashiko”, but more like “What is Sashiko in the Japanese culture”. I have many more stories to share to the world. Your suppport is very much appreciate for us to continue our activity.
We have been practicing Sashiko stitching for more than 30 years. The founder of Sashi.Co, Keiko Futatsuya, has 33 years of Sashiko experience and some of her friends (Sashi.Co member) have even more years of experience. I have about 8 years of experience. Well, I was born in Sashiko family, so I started holding a needle when I was a child to “practice” Sashiko. In these years, we accomplished many Sashiko projects and created many Sashiko Stitched Fabric.
A size of big enough to keep Sashiko stitched fabric
Let’s say, in order to make a jacket, we first trim the fabric and stitch Sashiko. Then, we cut the fabric based on the dress pattern (jacket pattern) to tailor them. In the process of tailoring, we have some leftovers. Leftovers are as valuable as the fabric we used for the project, so we do not throw them away. We keep it for the next project. The Japanese in past used to say, “if we have a size of fabric, large enough to wrap three soybeans, we would keep it.” In current society, the small fabric (or fragment) may not be as useful as before. Well, however, we kind of keep them anyway. We are proud of following the tradition and respecting the concept of ancestors although we may be just a type of hoarders.
We kept a pile of good Sashiko stitched fabric. Most of them are the type of vintage fabrics.
When we started to share the Sashiko technique, culture and mindset, we decided to provide this valuable fabric to someone who can share and appreciate the same concepts. Finally, I got enough time to introduce one by one, arranging a small pile of Sashiko stitched fabric.
Here is a list of articles about Sashiko stitched fabric available online.
Since most of the items is one of a kind product, we listed them on Etsy store. You can view them on our Etsy store, too.
I love these Sashiko stitched fabrics since they are the best material for mending project. The vintage fabric with strengthing by Sashiko is always a good idea to repair my garment beautifully. I hope you would be able to find your favorite fabric for your favorite fashion item.
Also, our customer shared a nice idea of its usage.
After trimming the edge of the fabric, then put it in a frame. It would be a nice wall decoration. It could be a part of quilting or/and patchworking project.
If you have done any Sashiko project by using our Sashiko Stitched fabric, please share your idea with us. I would love to introduce it on this website. People would love your work and ideas!
