Category: Sashiko

Sashiko is a form of hand- stitching the Japanese had developed hundreds of years ago. I strive to leave this culture to the next generation by sharing the stitching technique and stories behind its history.

I believe the Sashiko is the process of mending, repairing, strengthening the fabric with putting thoughts of the family. Also, it was the Fashion the Japanese tried to enjoy in the limited resource and regulation. There are many “Sshiko looks” fabric available in the market. I hope people start enjoying their own Sashiko by appreciating the fabric they are already in Love.

If you are interested in any keywords below, the information in this website may be beneficial.

Upcycle / Repurpose / Sustainability / Janaese Traditional Stitching / Boro / Nogari / Mingei / Mending / Japanese Hand Made/

Recycle (Upcycle) what you love instead of Replacing it. You will love the item more if you repair it by yourself, with your hands.

Sashiko Denim Mending Live Streaming

10/29/201710/29/2017 atsushijp Leave a comment

Online Live Streaming sounded a bit overwhelming to me. I thought I would need a list of good equipment and streaming software. In fact, what I needed was a smartphone. I can film comfortable video enough for people to watch and to comment. So here we go. Sashiko Denim Mending Live Streaming by Atsushi & Upcycle Stitches.

Youtube Live and Archives

My free time is during the weekdays, noon to 3:30 pm. I am aware that this is not the best time for the people who are interested in Denim Mending with Sashiko.

Please enjoy the video archives on our Youtube Channel. If you have a specific question, please leave the comment on Youtube with mentioning the time in the video. I will answer the question in the following video I stream online.

I do not intend to form this live streaming as the “teaching” opportunity. If you would like to learn the mending techniques and the process intensively from me, please consider participating to one of my Sashiko workshops. I offer workshops/gathering opportunities focusing on Sashiko Mending besides the basic (core) Sashiko Stitching Workshops.

Regardless, I believe you can learn a lot by watching the unedited video with my mending process and reading Q&A.

Sashiko Denim Mending Live Streaming 11

Sashiko Denim Mending Live Streaming with your project

I am now a bit of confident to what I like to do.

Of course, I am proud of my professionals in Sashiko stitching. However, for the Sashiko mending with Denim Garment, I felt as if I was an amateur. Many people gave me the compliment that I should begin promoting myself as the Sashiko artist. Then, I decided to live stream with sharing my specialty.

It is a probably good time to start accepting custom orders. Here it is.

Sashiko Denim Mending Live Streaming 22

I will start working on this more closely after my workshops in November, the last workshop opportunity in 2017.

As you know, since everything is done by hands, there are so many projects I can do (possibly one or two per months at the most…?) Also, I set the fee lower than I usually do for the other Sashiko orders. I want to see if I can continue offering the service first. Customer Satisfaction is very important for me. Also, please allow me to use your order on Sashiko Denim Mending Live Streaming. Many people are interested!

Sashiko Stitching Live Streaming

In addition to Sashiko Denim Mending Live Streaming, I offer Sashiko Stitching Live Streaming on Instagram.

This is a simple live video with me just stitching with Sashiko thimble and needle. It is a good opportunity for you to see how actual Sashiko artist makes stitches. For this Sashiko Stitching Live, I talk mainly in Japanese. The comments there would be also mainly Japanese. However, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave it so I can switch the language to answer or to mention regarding your actions.

Viewers say it can be a good practice of Japanese 🙂

I also set the time frame for the live streaming. If I need to miss it, I will announce it on the Instagram account.

I will see you, every Tuesday and Thursday, starting around 9 am in Eastern Time Zone for an hour or so.

Sashiko Live Streaming

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.

Sashiko Pattern Preprinted or Transfer Pattern Yourself

10/12/201705/06/2019 atsushijp 3 Comments

I frequently get a common question when I talk about the process of preparing the Sashiko project. “Which is better, to get Sashiko Pattern Preprinted Fabric or to transfer patterns oneself?”

My answer is always on the one with transferring pattern by yourself. Why? It is simply more fun when you have better control on your own Sashiko project. Sashiko isn’t only about stitching. It is about making your own favorite item with stitching your own preferable patterns. Therefore, I recommend learning how to transfer the Sashiko pattern onto your fabric. It isn’t difficult at all.

Step by Step tutorial in how to transfer pattern

How to transfer Sashiko Patterns on to the fabric

Easiness of Sashiko Pattern Preprinted Fabric

At the same time, however, I understand it seems like easy to just purchase the Sashiko Pattern Preprinted fabric. You can start stitching right after your package arrives.

There are many options available in the market. Especially for those with Japanese semantics patterns are very popular. When we had a shop in Japan, it was one of the best-selling items in the DIY section. Upcycle Stitches LLC carries some Sashiko Pattern Preprinted Fabric, too. Regardless of my preference or recommendation, I would like to follow the customers’ need.

Please do not ignore, however, that it is quite simple to transfer the pattern on the fabric. Although it may take a bit of practice to make it neat, the practice will be rewarding in your long journey with Sashiko.

Upcycle Stitches provide the tutorials online

Well. Yes. It may be easy for me to say it. I understand your worries.

Therefore, I uploaded a free online tutorial video how to transfer the Sashiko pattern onto the fabric. In the video, I introduce all the necessary materials to process it. Upcycle Stitches even sell the DIY kit for the practice of transferring the pattern with a reasonable budget.

Once you get used to it and keep the essential items in your box, it is completely up to your imagination to have Sashiko pattern on your Sashiko project. I want you to enjoy the freedom and the result with it.

Silk Screen the pattern for the bigger project.

The more I introduce Sashiko among my workshop participants, the more we understand the needs for Sashiko Pattern preprinted Fabric. Therefore, Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya and I start considering to invest into silk screen printing. This allows us to prepare a bulk number of pre-printed fabric for customers without adding enormous variable (labor) cost.

It is, however, going to be a big investment, and we would sincerely appreciate your support on our Patreon page. You will get the exclusive deals there, too. Also, we would like to know what kind of patterns would suit to the U.S. market. Would you prefer the traditional geometric patterns? Or something I like such as Kamon family patterns? I wouldn’t make the picture based patterns since the customers’ preferences would vary a lot.

A.Traditional Geometric Pattern

B.Kamon Japanese Family Pattern

Please let us know by leaving the comment. Which do you like better? Geometric or Kamon?

Contemporary Boro | By Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya

10/02/201710/02/2017 atsushijp Leave a comment

The word of “Contemporary Boro” may confuse you a bit. But let me try to explain.

Boro is a type of Japanese textile that has been mended and/or patched together over and over. The appearance of Boro implies that the textile is old and very used, like a torn rag. Therefore, I initially thought the combination of words, contemporary (current/new) and Boro, might confuse the audience. Boro is the result of repetition of stitching over time found in from the past. The Japanese, who lived in a small village surrounded by mountains, had to repair the fabric by hand-stitching because of limited resources. They didn’t have enough money or logistics to get the new fabric from the market. In other words, they had to repair instead of replacing the fabric. They patch a hole one fabric, then kept using it. When they find another hole, they patched it or mend it. The repetition of hand-stitching repairing made a great art piece, and it is called Boro.

*Boro in Japanese means a completely torn rag textile. Sometimes it means “No Use.”

Introducing the word of Contemporary Boro is one of our challenges to share the beauty of Sashiko. We believe that Boro artworks by Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya will wide-open the possibility of Boro Art.

BORO_001US (Keiko Futatsuya)	BORO_002US

Contemporary Boro For Sale

These are the Boro Artworks created (mended, repaired, patched and stitched) in 2017 by Keiko Futatsuya’s hands. Keiko mended holes on the big torn Boro fabric, which will not function as textile, and patched the other small swatches of Boros into the big art piece. Since Keiko performs Sashiko on the Boro in 2017, we call it Contemporary Boro. Although there are numbers of beautiful Boros in the antique markets, it is rare to have a Boro art piece repaired in 2017, by hand-stitching as the Japanese used to do in 19 century. Keiko is a Sashiko artist who can recreate the Boro. It is my pleasure to introduce Keiko and her works to the world.

Enjoy Clean Boro hand-stitched in 2017

Sometimes, a piece of Boro art can be dirty and dusty. It is no wonder because the Boro may have been kept in the storage room for many years. However, there is a problem of cleaning Boro. Since no one touched the boro for many years, some parts of Boro fabric is completely damaged and the washing process, even gentle hand wash, can destroy the Boro piece. From time to time, the dirt function as the adhesive and washing makes the boro into pieces.

We know that from experience

We purchased a 100+ years old rain jacket from an antique market. They used to make a rain jacket by inserting water-resistant paper in between fabrics. They made 3 layers of fabric-paper-fabric to make the water resisting cloth. This is the fact we learned after we purchased and washed it. By washing the piece we purchased, the weight become 1/3 of the original fabric. The water-resistant paper and other damaged fabric were washed away with the dirt on the fabric.

The Contemporary Boro we introduce is washable. We repeatedly washed the original Boro, then mended and repaired as the Japanese used to do. The fabric may be very fragile, but not dirty or dusty. In fact, we believe the true value of Boro can be found in usage in daily life. We think this boro can be a great wall-decor, but also you may use it as home-decor like a table runner or placemat for flower vase. Again, it is washable. (Please wash gently with hand).

We don’t know how many these Contemporary Boros we can make throughout our lives. However, we are working on collecting the boro pieces and mending them to introduce more of these beautiful artwork we are proud of.

Sashiko Q&A | to introduce what Sashiko is

09/02/201709/03/2017 atsushijp Leave a comment

Here is a Sashiko Q&A to give you a general understanding of what Sashiko is. Please contact us if you cannot find the answer here. I will update the Q&A periodically to answer questions.

*Revising Ongoing. Send us your questions to enrich the Sashiko Q&A contents.

What is Sashiko? What is Boro? Any difference?

Sashiko is a form of stitching developed in Japan a few hundreds years ago.

In my definition, Sashiko is a process of repairing, mending, reinforcing, strengthing and decorating by hand stitching. Boro is a result of Sashiko or a piece of fabric work in the process of Sashiko. Boro (mean worn fabric in the Japanese language) doesn’t mean the technique or process. Sashiko doesn’t mean the product of Japanese symmetric patterns. Sashiko is a process, and Boro is the result. This is my definition in between them. You may use any kinds of fabrics, threads, or how many layers of fabrics to do Sashiko (typically 1 or 2 layers of fabrics). Boro can be anything unless it is the result of mending or repairing with patches: patching the worn part of the fabric.

I am still on the research to understand what Sashiko and Boro are. Please refer the links below to read more articles about Sashiko and Boros.

Where can I purchase your products listed online?

Almost every product I list online is for sale. If the price is listed, it is the last product the producer (either me or Keiko) decided the artwork is in the completed shape. If the price is not listed, the artwork is still under the small process to make them better. When the photos are listed, the product is almost ready to be in completed shape. Usually, the price is not listed because we feel “we could do something more.” Please contact us for the further details if you find something interests you. We will send you more information with the price.

Our artwork is “one-of-a-kind” product. Once it is gone, we will not be able to create the exact same one. We may ask you to let us have some time to take photos for the records.

Sashiko Road Trip | Visiting your city with Sashiko

08/30/201708/30/2017 atsushijp 1 Comment

One of my hopes in future is to plan a road trip in the United States with Sashiko products and Sashiko supplies. Visiting local craft stores and introducing Sashiko to the store owners would encourage the movement of Sashiko stitching. I also hope that I can come up with the idea for the wholesale options when I am on the road. Introducing the Sashiko supplies, talking about Sashiko Arts with actual Sashiko products, and possibly offer the workshops in the local stores would be a fantastic opportunity for me to achieve my goal; to introduce Sashiko to the world.

Let me know that You Are Interested

The plan may sound like me being a peddler. Somewhat yes, because I will be someone who travels about selling my products and service.

However, I do not just want to be the salesperson. I would like to introduce and talk about Sashiko, to represent us in the local place to spread what we love about Sashiko. Sashiko isn’t only about stitching or Japanese symmetric pattern. It is about how we perceive our life and how to enjoy (savor) our life.

I would need to set up the numbers for the wholesalers to keep this going, but my priority is the passion of the store owner. I want him/her to share the passion of Sashiko to the local customers. It is the best way to spread what we love about Sashiko.

Please contact me to let me know you are interested to have me and talk about Sashiko. I will register you as a destination of my road trip, and when I finally can leave to a road trip, I will let you know that I am coming. There are no fees to register or have me to your store. You don’t even have to purchase anything from me if you decided that Sashiko is not your taste. So, please contact me from the link or the form below if you are qualified as my Sashiko Road Trip Destination.

Conditions for the basic Road Trip

Owns a store(s)/shop(s) of hand-craft, preferably with embroidery, patchworking, and quilting line ups. The Japanese/Asian theme store is also a possibility. You do not have to be the owner of the store if you can involve the owner or a manager into the discussion.
Willing to provide me an overnight stay; either in the store or owner/registeree’s place. A room in a hotel would be fine, but I prefer to talk for as many hours as possible in a limited time, so please consider to provide me a room / a place to stay. I will be happy with a regular room temperature (not freezing or heating) and roof/wall to avoid wind and rain.

Sashiko Road Trip _ Let's talk about it. — Let’s talk about Sashiko.

*I would like to keep the Sashiko Road Trip as my life-work. We don’t have much budget, so your understanding and support would be very much appreciated. A room to stay would help me a lot in terms of saving expense, as well.

*If you do not have a physical store on the street in the commercial zone, please mention that first. It is my intention to spread the beauty and its concept of Sashiko. I would like to visit you with the customized offer to your offers.

Possible Sashiko Road Trip as of 2017~2018

As I occasionally mention in this blog, my primary job is to take care of my family. I am a home-maker to support my wife and 2 years old daughter. As much as I wish to travel more than a week, like a month of visiting to-be-friends, I would only have a few days of the road trip. The maximum days would be 4 days including the weekend.

Because of this limitation, I set the maximum distance from our house. If your shop is located within about 300 miles radius of Lewisburg, PA (17837), the road trip to your place would be possible.

Sashiko Road Trip 300 miles Radius

If you would like to have me but reside outside of this radius circle, please consider to have me for the workshops or other opportunities. When the travel expense is paid and will be able to have opportunities to introduce Sashiko, I am willing to invest my time to travel.

Sashiko Road Trip to the world.

I limit myself to travel within a small part of the world due to my priorities.

However, my hope and wish don’t have limitation. When I have more time and less responsibility, I am willing to (and more than happy) to make a Sashiko Road Trip at anywhere in the world. I may visit your country, and possibly your city. Please come back to the website from time to time and/or subscribe our newsletter for the latest information. I will advertise the road trip in advance with a good time manner.

Hope to see you at anywhere in the world.

Sashiko Instagram | Photos from Sashi.Co & Us

08/28/201703/31/2019 atsushijp 1 Comment

We started an Instagram Account about 2 years ago and haven’t been active so much until recently. Since our Sashiko Instagram Account starts getting some attention, we enjoy sharing our Sashiko arts and hear from followers their opinions. Your voice is always our encouragement to continue Sashiko. Let’s enjoy Sashiko more by sharing the photos of Sashiko Achievement.

Find and follow us on Pinterest

Upcycle Stitches Pinterest

Sashiko Instagram | Photos from Keiko & Atsushi

Follow on Instagram

The photos are displayed in a chronological order.

Find your favorite photos by clicking “load more” and click the like button so we understand which photos are more attractive to the followers. Your action encourages us to make more Sashiko arts.

Sashiko and Boro are both our focus. In fact, we believe, the Sashiko is a process of appreciating the fabric, and the Boro is the result of its appreciation, repetition of Sashiko. Our goal is to introduce the concept and products of Sashiko. By sharing the beautiful arts/crafts of Sashiko and Boro, we hope to influence to the society, even a bit. In the fast-speed society, this slow-life may help some people to realize the importance of appreciation by reconsidering what we have. We appreciate fabric by repairing, mending, reinforcing and strengthening instead of replacing them and throwing them away. Mottainai – they are too good to waste. We, the Japanese, had a beautiful mindset with appreciation.

Join our slow, powerful, yet small movement to appreciate what we have. It is beautiful. It may be the next trend in the Fashion. Tired of wasting? Bored with looking alike all the time?

Let’s enjoy our life by appreciating it.

Sashiko Swatches Collection 4th | #015 ~ #019

08/22/201708/22/2017 atsushijp 1 Comment

One of our Sashiko Stitched Swatches is sold out. We are so happy to share these beautiful all-hand-made pieces of fabrics. We still have been adding the Sashiko Swatches to the Etsy Store. It is our Sashiko Swatches Collection 4th here.

The price may surprise someone who is not familiar with real Sashiko. We believe the pricing isn’t outrageous because of the materials (Japanese Vintage Fabric and Natural Dye Thread) and the time we had to invest in. At the same time, we would like as many people as possible to enjoy the touch and beauty of Sashiko Stitched Swatches. If you have any idea or advice on that, it would be very appreciated. Well, first, I probably should advertise them better since not many people visited the page yet.

*A series of introducing Sashiko swatches is consisted by many articles on this blog. The previous article is here.

Sashiko Swatches Collection 4th Edition

1. #015 Indigo Vintage Long with Asano-ha

*Click the title to purchase and for more detail. It is a long vintage fabric with a hint of Sashiko. A very rare fabric in the market.

The Japanese Vintage Fabric, especially those with Natural Indigo Dyes, has been geeting so popular over years. The thin cotton fabric with Indigo Dye, and beautiful Sashiko stitches could be used as the window hunger (Noren) before. It is stunning.

2. #016 Indigo Vintage Fabric with Kagome

*Click the title to purchase and for more detail. A small, trimmed fabric. Good for a placemat, coaster, and as the materials for your project.

Thick Indigo Dyed Fabric with basic Kagome Sashiko Stitching. The reasonable price will expand the options in your Sashiko (or any kinds) projects.

3.#017 Thread Bobbin (Itomaki) Sashiko

*Click the title to purchase and for more detail. The one-of-a kind. We don’t have the pattern any longer.

The Japanese used the Thread Bobbins (Itomaki) as the picture shown above. The stitcher this Sashiko used its image to express the passion of Sashiko, I believe. The Sashiko stitching with Classic Sashiko Itomaki Bobbins.

4.#018 Kamon and Vintage Fabric

*Click the title to purchase and for more detail.

The Kamon (家紋）Pattern is something we all Japanese appreciate. The Indigo Dyed Fabric with the Kamon Pattern Stitched is very special for us. The stitcher used chasing stitching (追っかけ – Okkake) to reinforce the stitching. This piece of fabric can be a great addition to your garment or any other projects to make it “one of a kind.”

5.#019 Kamon with Bird. Lighter Indigo with White Thread

*Click the title to purchase and for more detail. It is the similar item from #001.

Gorgeous Sashiko fabric with Kamon sytle bird designing.

We have 3 kinds of options with different types of fabric and different colors on the exactly same design and craftsmanship.

We Keep updated to our Sashiko Swatches Collection

In order to make Big Sashiko Project, such as Jackets and Bags, we would need to collect many types of fabric, Sashiko artisans & craftsman. We sometimes test the stitching result to see if the thread color matches the fabric, either the design match to the big project. We are happy to share some Sashiko pieces we didn’t use. A concept of Mottainai – too good to waste – is here.

This was the page for Sashiko Swatches Collection 4th, and 5th will be coming up soon.

Japanese Shima Kasuri Textile for Sashiko

08/17/201708/17/2017 atsushijp 2 Comments

A pile of sample swatches of Japanese Shima (stripe) and Kasuri textile has arrived at the Upcycle Stitches. About 50 kinds of beautiful fabric made in Japan is available for sale and to be used in custom order. Some of them are not suitable for Sashiko. We will recommend the best fabric based on your preferences. I sincerely respect the manufacturers of Japanese Shima Kasuri Textile and I would like to continue using these beautiful fabrics as long as we can. The beautiful Japanese Shima fabric and Kasuri fabric with collaborating Sashiko stitching will make very unique, and beautiful house goods, such as coasters, placemats, and more. Even bags and jackets are available to made to order.

Sashiko Dinning Goods

*The photo shows the placemats and coasters made from Indigo Dye Fabric with Sashiko stitching

Indigo Dye, Shima Stripe, and Kasuri

When we enjoy Japanese traditional fabrics, we come across these keywords of Indigo Dye, Shima, and Kasuri. The Japanese cared what they wore in their unique fashion sense. Some of them were developed during the period when Japan closed its country border to the foreign countries. The era of National Isolation. We appreciate the hand-craft culture, and sincerely respect those who inheritance the technique and culture to continuously produce the great materials.

We are happy to introduce some of these beautiful fabrics to the world, with our proud technique and culture, Sashiko stitching.

All the samples of Japanese Shima Kasuri Textile

We have more than 50 kinds of fabric in form of small swatch.

As of now, we don’t share the most samples, but you are welcome to visit us to check the sample book. When we can build enough inventory, we will start providing the samples to retails shops/studios across the US. Although the sample is not available, the fabrics are available for sale. Please contact me for more detail. I will send you a PDF with photos of the sample and the price sheet.

*Some fabric is available for sale as well as sharing the samples.

Contact Atsushi in Upcycle Stitches

Hand-Stitched Sashiko Jeans ~ ASANO-HA CO1

07/29/201708/09/2017 atsushijp 2 Comments

A challenge in 2017 of Modern Denim Fashion came out pretty good. It is still in the process of Sashiko, I thought of sharing the beautiful image of the progress. I received an interesting question if I am hand-stitching or not. Yes, everything is done by hand so it is genuine Hand-Stitched Sashiko Jeans. It took about 20 hours to complete the Asano-ha pattern. Here is a step by step image how used jeans turn out “one-of-a-kind” Sashiko Jeans.

Each process of Hand-Stitched Sashiko Jeans

Hand-Stitched Sashiko Jeans 1 — New Denim is difficult to do Sashiko on. Pick a used jeans with soft fabric.

Hand-Stitched Sashiko Jeans 223

Hand-Stitched Sashiko Jeans Final — After filling the final line, we can enjoy the beautiful Asano-ha pattern.

Time-consuming but very rewarding

Since it is hand-stitched, the process of making Sashiko stitching is very time-consuming. Some may say that using the machine would speed up the process and avoid the troubles of spending so much time. In fact, there is a sewing machine to make “Sashiko look stitches” available for sale in the market. However, I believe, the imperfectness of hand stitching make the pattern more beautiful. Even speaking of the speed, when we make a stitched to the tailored jeans or jackets, hand-stitching may be faster and efficient.

Hand-Stitched Sashiko Jeans 2233

My goal is to keep this culture and share the technique

As I keep mentioning in this website, my goal is to keep this Sashiko culture to the next generation by sharing the technique. At the same time, for those who are interested in wearing Sashiko jeans, I will restart accepting the order to perform Sashiko stitching on the customer’s garment. It is a time-consuming process, so I cannot take many orders… so sharing the technique is also very important to achieve my goal.

Hand-Stitched Sashiko Jeans 12

Regardless. Look at this photo. It is so cool and beautiful.

The hand-stitching with “recycle, upcycle, repurpose” concept in sustainability with Slow Fashion may be your choice. Repair it instead of replacing it. The recycle and sustainable fashion can be fashionable and cool.

Hand-Stitched Sashiko Jeans Marina