Modern Sashiko & Visible Mending

Japanese-inspired repair meets contemporary embroidery

Give your well-loved clothes a new lease on life in this relaxed, hands-on workshop exploring the beautiful art of Sashiko and visible mending.

Sashiko is a traditional Japanese stitching technique known for its simple running stitches and repeating geometric patterns. Originally developed as a practical way to reinforce and repair garments, it has evolved into a beautiful form of textile art; and it’s perfect for giving worn, stained or damaged clothing a second life.

In this workshop, you’ll learn the foundations of Sashiko stitching before experimenting with a range of modern visible-mending and embroidery techniques to create something uniquely yours.

What you’ll learn

We’ll start with the basics of Sashiko, including:

• How to create the distinctive Sashiko running stitch
• Traditional Sashiko patterns and geometric designs
• Planning and transferring designs onto fabric
• Choosing thread, needles and fabrics
• How to reinforce worn areas and patch holes
• Different approaches to visible mending and decorative repair

Then we’ll loosen the rules and explore some contemporary techniques, including:

• Freeform embroidery
• Decorative stitching and hand embroidery
• Layering patches and fabrics
• Appliqué
• Simple embroidered motifs
• Combining different colours, textures and stitch styles
• Using embroidery to embellish rather than simply repair

You’ll have the opportunity to experiment with different techniques and develop your own visible mending style, whether that’s minimalist and geometric, colourful and playful, botanical, abstract or wonderfully chaotic.

No embroidery experience necessary

Whether you’re completely new to hand stitching or you’ve embroidered before and want to explore visible mending, you’ll be guided through each technique step-by-step.

This is a slow, creative and social workshop, with plenty of time to experiment, stitch and chat. There is no pressure to create a perfect finished piece; the beauty of visible mending is that the stitches, patches and imperfections become part of the story.

All materials and equipment are provided, including fabrics, patches, threads and embroidery supplies. Just bring yourself.

Come learn to mend, embellish and learn how to make your clothes a little more you.