Boro (more accurately ‘Boro boro’), meaning ‘rags or tatters’ is the art of repairing fabric using scraps and stitching. A source of shame in Japan for many years, the fabrics are now highly prized and can fetch significant sums. Boro work follows the British wartime tradition of ‘make do and mend’ but was used out of necessity in Japan to prolong the life of clothes and bedding due to extreme poverty and the scarcity of textiles.

Your tutor is Rob Jones, a textiles designer who takes his inspiration from Japanese textiles disciplines including sashiko, boro, shibori and katagami stenciling. Rob works with indigo and a selection of natural plant dyes and works out of a studio under an old railway arch in Hackney. Rob regularly teaches Shibori and Indigo dyeing at Fabrications.

In this class you will learn:

– The history and origins of Boro

– How to repair a garment using scraps, both modern and vintage

– How to use sashiko stitching to enhance your work

– Practice using visible repair to enhance and strengthen textiles

 It is recommended that students bring an item of clothing you wish to repair although fabric and threads are provided should you wish to just practice or start on a piece of your very own boro.

Rob will bring examples of their work as well as a number of reference books should anyone wish to continue their practice at home.

If you attended the morning ‘Sashiko’ stitching session, you will be able to explore this in conjunction with the ‘Boro’ mending. A discount is offered when you book the full day!

Class Size: 8 students

TIME: 2:30 – 5pm

Please Bring:  An item of clothing you wish to repair although fabric and threads are provided should you wish to just practice or start on a piece of your very own boro.

Includes all other materials

Packs of indigo dyed shibori and vintage textiles will also be available to purchase on the day in addition to the class should you wish to continue your practice at home.

PRICE: £100 (Full Day – Sashiko & Boro) or £55

HOW TO BOOK: Contact us directly on 020 7275 8043 or BOOK ONLINE

Please Note: The workshop will take place in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps)