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Sashiko, meaning ‘little stab’ is the Japanese art of stitching beautiful patterns using running stitch. Often used to add strength, texture and warmth to old garments, Sashiko has become synonymous with complex repeating patterns and precise stitching. Although most people will be familiar with the traditional white stitches on indigo fabric, sashiko thread actually comes in many shades, allowing for a wonderful variety of colourful designs.

In this class you will mark up, stitch and assemble one or two Sashiko coasters to take home.

This class uses Moyozashi Sashiko (pattern sashiko) which uses dashed line running stitches of even size where the stitches never touch each other to create the patterns.

You will choose from either a plastic sashiko template or one of the tutor’s own designs and transfer your pattern onto a vintage indigo square to stitch.

Once your stitching is completed, you will be shown how to attach a vintage piece of fabric to the back of your sashiko square on the sewing machine and learn to hand close your coaster using slip stitch and finally top stitch the coaster.

In this class you will learn:

– How to transfer a Moyozashi sashiko embroidery pattern using a variety of different techniques
– How to use and keep Japanese sashiko thread without it getting tangled
– How to tie the quilters knot
– How to tie an end knot that sits very close to where the thread leaves the fabric on the back
– How to stitch neatly in the style of Sashiko
– How to sew together your piece to a backing fabric, including hand sewn slipstitch and top stitch

Rob will bring examples of his work as well as a number of reference books for inspiration to continue your practice at home.

In the afternoon Rob is offering a natural follow on class of “Freestyle Boro and Sashiko stitching“ . We offer a discount when booking the full day option!

Basic hand sewing skills advised. If you are new to hand sewing we recommend attending our “Grandma’s Hands” Introduction to hand sewing repairs (fabric items) first.

About the Tutor: The class is taught by Rob Jones, a textiles designer who takes his inspiration from Japanese textiles disciplines including sashiko, boro, shibori and katagami stenciling. Rob’s Sashiko & Boro mending work was featured as inspiration for contestants on the semi-final of the Great British Sewing Bee in 2022 and he regularly visits Japan to travel, refresh his skills and purchase authentic Japanese threads and tools for use in his classes.

TIME: 11am – 1:30pm

Class Size: Max 8 students

Materials Included: Vintage indigo fabric and a vintage backing fabric, a sashiko needle, a skein of sashiko thread (in a choice of colours) are provided and are yours to keep after the class.
All tools and equipment needed to take the class will be available for use.

PRICE: £55 or £100 (booking the full day – two sessions) 

HOW TO BOOK: You can BOOK ONLINE(+ Eventbrite Booking Fee) E_mail or Call us on 020 7275 8043 (to avoid online booking fee!) Our  Booking Terms & Conditions

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

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.

In this class you will learn how to design and assemble a selection of vintage Japanese fabrics to create a Boro style panel which can be used as a table mat or attached to a tote bag or tee shirt.

This class uses freestyle Sashiko stitching which is practiced in Takayama in Japan to create unique textiles.

Your tutor will give you a selection of vintage Japanese fabrics including Kasuri (woven IKAT), Katazome (stencilled), plain and other pieces for you to assemble into your design.

Fabrics will be tacked on to a backing cloth to hold them together and then you will be taught how to create different types of sashiko stitches to create your own design using the fabrics for inspiration.

In this class you will learn:

– How to assemble a design from different pieces of vintage Japanese fabrics
– How to use and keep Japanese sashiko thread without it getting tangled
– How to tie the quilters knot
– How to tie an end knot that sits very close to where the thread leaves the fabric on the back
– How to tack your pieces onto backing fabric to hold them together while you stitch your design
– How to use different types, sizes and styles of sashiko stitching to create interesting designs

Rob will bring examples of historical ‘Boro’ pieces, a selection of his own interpretational examples as well as a number of reference books.

This class is a natural follow on class to the “Sashiko embroidered coaster” morning workshop. We offer a discount when booking the full day!

Basic hand sewing skills advised. If you are new to hand sewing, we recommend attending our “Grandma’s Hands” – Introduction to hand sewing repairs (fabric items) class first.

About the Tutor: The class is taught by Rob Jones, a textiles designer who takes his inspiration from Japanese textiles disciplines including sashiko, boro, shibori and katagami stenciling. Rob’s Boro mending work was featured as inspiration for contestants on the semi-final of the Great British Sewing Bee in 2022 and he regularly visits Japan to travel, refresh his skills and purchase authentic vintage Japanese textiles to show in his classes.

Class Size: Max 8 students

TIME: 2:30 – 5pm

Class Includes: Vintage Japanese fabrics and a vintage backing fabric, a sashiko needle, a skein of sashiko thread (in a choice of colours) are provided and are yours to keep after the class.

Other sashiko threads will be available for use in the class will also be available for embellishment

All tools and equipment needed to take the class will be available for use.

PRICE: £55

HOW TO BOOK: You can BOOK ONLINE (+ Eventbrite Booking Fee) E_mail or Call us on 020 7275 8043 (to avoid online booking fee!) Our  Booking Terms & Conditions

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