Tokyo - Sashiko Stitching

Japan's most treasured textile tradition - learning the history, culture and philosophy of visible mending and precise stitched patterns.

Across all stitching techniques, what drew me to Sashiko is not only its visual beauty but the philosophy behind it. Developed in rural Japan during the Edo period, Sashiko began as a way to repair and strengthen textiles at a time when fabric was too valuable to waste.

Through generations of careful stitching, clothing could be mended, reinforced and passed down rather than discarded. The decorative patterns of Sashiko grew from practical beginnings, transforming clothing repair into decorative art forms.

As someone who works with reclaimed materials and values slow practices, I found a strong connection to the history and purpose behind the craft.

One of the things I love most about travelling

is discovering the textile traditions that help shape a country’s identity. During this trip to Tokyo, I had the opportunity to step away from the city’s fast pace and spend a morning with a local artisan in a private one-on-one workshop.

Off the back alleys of Tokyo I entered the studio of 'Canoha' to meet the insatiably friendly workshop host and Sashiko artist, Keiko.

The studio space and store was an absolute delight, we began by sharing stories over a warm green tea... Japanese portion size might I add, not a British mug full of what I'm used to. After the first steamy sip from the eloquently glazed vessel, I instantly felt the appreciation Japanese people have for their artistry and cultural craftsmanship.

Steel needle in hand, cloth in the other, the workshop began, following the geometric lines stitch by stitch. Although I'd tried my hand at Sashiko previously, with Keiko's guidance, she solved all the questions and difficulties I had from previous attempts while gently quizzing me on what brought me here today and how I look to use Sashiko stitching in the future.

It felt incredibly satisfying to learn the foundations of the technique from a passionate native of the craft. We explored the meaning behind the traditional patterns, and gained a deeper understanding of the role Sashiko continues to play in Japanese culture today.

Sitting quietly with needle and thread, I became absorbed into the rhythm of the process. The repetitive stitches felt meditative, and a reminder that making by hand encourages us to slow down and be present, resonating with my own craft of macramé while doing so.

Wanting to make the most of my experience and time with Keiko, I saved the project for later to explore the studio, discovering an abundance of her other creative works, Sashiko kits, educational books and tote bags, while noticing the incredible full length Sashiko skirt Keiko adorned, intricately stitched and detailed with impeccable accuracy.

Of course, no textile research trip would be complete without bringing home a few treasures. I very willingly spent a small fortune on authentic Japanese Sashiko threads and supplies, which will undoubtedly inspire future experiments back at the Mr Macramè Atelier.

Leaving the 'Canoha' studio grinning ear to ear, I boarded the busy bustling train back to the neon concrete jungle. With me, new found knowledge and skills I can't wait to utilise across future collections with Mr Macramé.

Aside from Sashiko

the remaining 72 hours I had here were spent enjoying all things art, food and fashion. Here's a little look at the teamLAB Digital Gallery - Issey Miyake designed gallery 2121 Design Sight, the Japanese Designer Hanae Mori 100 year anniversary exhibit at 'The National Art Center Tokyo' and the random rope installations spotted across the streets of Tokyo.

teamLAB Borderless 2121 Design Sight Gallery

teamLAB - Borderless - Digital Art Museum

21_21 DESIGN SIGHT

A cutting-edge design museum and research center located in the Tokyo Midtown complex in Roppongi. Founded in 2007 by renowned fashion designer Issey Miyake, it explores how design influences and enriches everyday life.

Japanese Designer - Hanae Mori 100 Year Anniversary

Rope & Knots on the streets of Tokyo

On the flight leaving Tokyo, for my inflight entertainment, I decided to finish off the Sashiko stitching project. While carefully stitching on the bumpy flight, an elderly Japanese lady across the aisle couldn't help but look over and giggle at my practice. She proceeded to give me a thumbs up, which I enquired... 'am I doing this right?!'

She didn't speak any English, so took the cloth out of my hands and showed me how to spread the stitches more evenly, to ensure less scrunching in-between each stitch.

I heeded the advice with little conversation, proceeded with the project, then showed her the completed Sashiko napkin upon landing. In return, she smiled, spoke aload of Japanese which I didn't understand a word of, handed me a coffee hard sweet then took a photo of me holding up my work like a show and tell 10 year old... My final parting gift from Japan... the opportunity to connect to a culture through the art of fibre... no language required, just a shared passion for art... a confirmation of why I love the practice of textiles so much. <3