SASHIKO ABD BORO INSPIRED MENDING  Beginner to Advanced

This immersive 4-hour lecture and hands-on workshop introduces fiber artists to the rich cultural traditions and contemporary applications of *Sashiko* (a decorative reinforcement stitching technique) and *Boro-inspired patching* (the art of layered mending).

We'll begin with a visual lecture exploring the historical context of these Japanese practices, examining their origins in rural necessity, their evolution into aesthetic expression, and their recent resurgence within the slow fashion and sustainability movements. Participants will gain an understanding of the symbolic meaning, regional variation, and technical structure behind traditional Sashiko patterns, while also engaging in a discussion about how visible mending serves as both a practical and political act in textile work today.

Following the lecture, participants will shift into a guided hands-on session, where they’ll practice basic Sashiko stitching techniques, experiment with layered Boro-style patchwork, and explore methods for creatively repairing or embellishing a Japanese textile panel. The finished piece can be hand sewn into a pouch using class-supplied materials. The small class size allows for personalized instruction, critical dialogue, and experimentation with how these techniques can be integrated into each artist’s broader fiber practice. No prior experience with Sashiko is necessary, though experience with the running stitch is helpful.

Prerequisite skills:  Threading a needle, running stitch

Pre-class homework:  None

Students bring:  Straight edge, scissors, safety pins

Class duration:  4 hours

Instructor:  GAIL CLEMENT is a dedicated Sashiko teacher with a lifelong passion for stitching, mending, and the rich textile traditions of cultures around the world. With years of experience in hand-sewing techniques, Gail specializes in the art of Sashiko, blending its deep-rooted Japanese heritage with contemporary approaches to mindful repair and design. Her teaching emphasizes both the meditative rhythm of stitching and the sustainability of hand-mending, inspiring students to connect with fabric in meaningful ways. Through workshops, lectures, and hands-on instruction, Gail shares her love for slow stitching, helping others discover the beauty and resilience of handmade textiles.

Date and time:  Friday, June 5, 2026 1:00pm to 5:00pm 

Materials fee:  $50.00 to include:  Sashiko needle, tapestry needle, Japanese fabric swatches, ramie panel, lining panel, mending template, Sashiko thread, stencils, wash away Sashiko pattern transfers, wood buttons, cording, pouch pattern

Class fee:  $75.00

4 to 8 students