Learn basic Sashiko stitching in this class with fiber artist Nanci Hill Feeney, all while creating decorative fabric patches. (How useful!) Sashiko literally means “little stabs”, and is a visible form of decorative stitching that began in the 1600s in Japan. Poor communities, particularly rural ones, lacked the means to buy new textiles, so they repaired clothes and other items with what was available: a needle, some thread, and scraps of fabric. Nanci delights in showing others just how ornamental the Japanese art of combining simple stitches and bits of cloth can be.
This introductory Sashiko class is designed to give you a solid foundation in Sashiko. Nanci introduces some specialized materials, then demonstrates the basic needle technique. It’s amazing how many different patterns can be made just with this one stitch. Copy the provided patterns or use them to inspire your own. By playing with multiple colors of thread or combining parts of several patterns, it’s easy to change up the look.
Not all patterns require transferring but, for the ones that do, Nanci demonstrates three different techniques. She also shows different methods for finishing the edges of patches. One important thing you’ll learn is how to attach them to a piece of clothing or other fabric item – a practical and fun way to show off your work.
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