Prunus Domestic

Intro to Clothing Repair with Sashiko

Class Description

Sashiko is a traditional Japanese mending and decoration technique. It is a fantastic way to repair both woven and knit garments as well as being a fun way to add decoration.

In this hands-on, project-driven class you will learn how to decorate and repair your clothes and other textiles. We'll cover:

Included in the class is everything you need in order to do Sashiko:

If you have garments you would like to repair, please bring them to the class. I supply patch material for both woven and knit garment repairs, although we'll stick to the denim squares for the demo projects if not making a repair.

Class Offerings

Classes are offered through Skillcraft Institute in Portland, OR.

Resources

Local Shops (Portland, OR-area)

Books

My top two favorite reference resources for Sashiko are "Essential Sashiko" by Boutique-sha (PQ, BFB) and Susan Briscoe's "Ultimate Sashiko Card Deck" (PQ). I think both serve very well as a reference for not just design ideas, but also how to sew the designs in a way that flows well and is easy to apply.

I believe I've seen Essential Sashiko at all three shops mentioned above. I've only seen Ultimate Sashiko Card Deck at Pioneer Quilts. You can of course find both online.

Needle & Thread

If you need Sashiko supplies, I'd recommend picking up Sashiko needles and thread from one of the Portland-region stores, listed above. I highly recommend using actual Sashiko thread since it holds up very well to the way Sashiko sewing is performed. Sashiko needles are well-matched to the application due to an eye that is sized correctly for Sashiko thread, a diameter that slides pretty easily through even denim, and a shaft size that is relatively uniform along the entire length even when you get to the eye.

Templates

I have published a number of templates online for free if you have access to a 3D printer. I have both decorative and foundational templates.

If you live in Multnomah County, there is a 3D printer service. The West Linn library has a similar program for Clackamas County residents.

You can also buy stickable, printable, washable embroidery transfer "paper". I believe this might also be sold as washable stabilizer. Sulky is a well-known brand for this product.

Plastic templates are also available to purchase online and in shops. There are several formats and I find the thin ones (less than 1mm or 1/32") to be the ideal format. Some templates are laser-cut acrylic and around 3-4mm / 1/8" thick, but I've found those to be rather difficult to mark through.