Welcome to Our Sashiko Archive

Our Sashiko Archive is a collection of stories, reflections, and educational resources about Sashiko, Boro, and the cultural context surrounding Japanese hand-stitching traditions. While Sashiko is now often associated with visible mending, geometric patterns, sustainability, or slow fashion, these ideas are only one part of a much larger story.

This archive preserves more than eight years of writing, sharing, teaching, and conversation based on both research and lived experience. As someone born into a Sashiko family in Takayama, Japan, I have spent much of my life surrounded by the people, values, and stories that shaped the practice long before it became widely known overseas.

This archive is also closely connected to my book, Sashiko: The Untold Story, which explores the history, philosophy, memories, and cultural misunderstandings around Sashiko in greater depth. I hope this site becomes a place to begin, continue, or deepen your understanding of Sashiko beyond simple definitions.

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What is Sashiko?
Discover the history, purpose, and cultural background of Sashiko beyond the common stereotypes of “visible mending” or “embracing imperfection.”

What is Sashiko?
Discover the history, purpose, and cultural background of Sashiko beyond the common stereotypes of “visible mending” or “embracing imperfection.”

What is Boro?
Explore the meaning of Boro, how it emerged through generations of use and repair, and why it is best understood as an outcome rather than a technique.

Learn Sashiko from Atsushi
Find information about workshops, online classes, lectures, and opportunities to study Sashiko directly from a Japanese artisan.

About Atsushi Futatsuya
Learn about the author of this archive, his family’s Sashiko heritage, and the ongoing work of sharing and preserving stories connected to Sashiko.

Tag: NeedleWork

@SashikoStory *

Another advertisement post here.

atsushijp,

Another advertisement post here. I am thinking of the Sashiko Stitching workshop on 11/17 & 11/18 afternoon , for 3+ hours in Tribeca, NYC. You can visit our website from our profile for the detail of the workshop. The dates are still confirming and not being able to register yet….

@SashikoStory *

The origin of Sashiko is “Repairing”

atsushijp,

The origin of Sashiko is “Repairing” At the same time, Sashiko with the purpose of decorating the fabric is also the mainstream. Sashiko isn’t only about stitching a geometric pattern. This is one of the work in past. Let your imagination fly and enjoy Sashiko! ★ 刺し子の原点は補修。 同時に、着飾る為の刺し子が発展してきたのも本流。昔の刺し子になるのだけど、丁寧に時間をかけると相当なことができるのです。運針が基本ではありつつ、奥は深いなぁと思うのです。想像力が追いつく限りで刺し子を楽しんで頂ければ。 ★ 2018-07-31…

@SashikoStory *

Sashiko doesn’t require many tools to enjoy. Therefore, I “care” these few tools

atsushijp,

Sashiko doesn’t require many tools to enjoy. Therefore, I “care” these few tools we use. One of them is the Sashiko Needle. The sharp and supple needle will make better Sashiko stitches 😀 それほど道具の準備が必要のない刺し子ですが、だからこそ、針には特別な想いを抱いています。 布を傷めず、糸を通す。 油断すると爪を貫いてしまう程の鋭さの、しなやかな針です！ 2018-04-08 14:51:54 Source