Teaching Engagement: Sashiko for Stillness: Japanese Hand-Stitching

I had a small group at the Sashiko workshop hosted through SCTA on 2/21, but we had a fun time working together.

We worked on a stitched coaster piece made from fabrics that I naturally dyed. I premade the fabric squares and drew grids so we could get started right away.

I break my workshop patterns down into a series of steps, each one technically a Sashiko pattern. This allows students to sew at their own pace, and they can then progress through the series depending on how quickly they can sew and the time left. Students leave with a pattern handout so they can continue working towards the more complete layered pattern.

As a gift, I made Sashiko palm thimbles for the students. I usually sell these as an add on, but I wanted to set my students up for success with future Sashiko projects.

Working with this technique always leads to amazing conversations about Japan, one of my favorite places to nerd out about. We talked about the many artisans I met during my trip last year and the disciplines they shared with me. One of the students was preparing for an upcoming Japan tour, and it was exciting to share suggestions and learn about new places from them.