ZOKIN. While sharing the Sashiko we practice, I occasionally come across the word “Zokin”. Have you ever heard of Zokin? It is a piece of fabric for miscellaneous purpose – which is well known for a cleaning rag. It is nothing fancy about Zokin. Even today, parents make (or purchase) Zokin for their children to bring them to school for cleaning their own school.
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I summarized my knowledge about Zokin on my website, including sharing what is Zokin and how to make a Zokin. It may look fancy, but it is just a piece of fabric for cleaning the floor. The stitching makes the fabric stronger so we can use the Zokin for a longer period of time – over and over again instead of using disposable paper towel. Some of the Boro may be from the usage of the fabric as Zokin. It is quite dirty after the repetitive cleaning. It is interesting that we find the beauty in this ordinary cleaning habit. ☆
先日の配信、「刺し子配信するよ〜」と言いながら、丸々一時間かけて雑巾3枚ほど作りました。布の耳を切るとか切らないとか、端を解れないほうにとか、雑巾ひとつとっても好みも作法もあるんだなぁと。雑巾なんぞ100円で買えてしまう時代で、むしろ使う側は購入した新品の方が好まれるのかもしれないのですが、日本語圏外で雑巾（ZOKIN）という言葉が聞かれるようになってきたので、僕自身、もう一度「あれ、雑巾ってなんだったっけ？」という確認がしたかった配信でした。好みは別として、大まかな理解は皆様と一緒で良かったです。
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一個だけ言うなら、油汚れを掃除した布を雑巾にする時は、しっかり洗ってからの方が良いね。洗ったつもりだったのですが、発酵臭の中、ヌルヌルする針で運針するのは、なかなかに大変でした。なんか、昔の部活を思い出しました（理不尽さ的な感じで）笑。
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2019-06-23 15:30:06
雑巾の配信たのしませていただきました。私はアメリカ生活長いにも関わらずいまだに雑巾を使います。わたしはただマットといものがどうしてもだめで(犬もふくめて家族全員) みかけは悪いのですが大小ありまして🤣日常なんです。うちの犬はベッド代わりに雑巾の上でねます。( ベッドを買ってあげるのですが食いちぎってだめにしてしまうので) どうせ捨てることになるならでかい雑巾を与えてみたら一度も食いちぎられていません😂。雑巾はいいですよー👍これからもずーっと雑巾です。
We make zokin all the time and for all different uses. A great way to keep very worn textiles out of the landfill. 💚👍
@zeinachahid2018
fascinating! what a great idea!
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I made some little clothes to use as cleansing clothes and buggers ones for the household cleaning out of old tees that look very much like those. Didn’t know they had a real name and a delightful name it is 💕
What a great idea, I use them but didn’t do any stitching, that will change now 👏👏👏😁
It is so lovely to know that there is a name for these. I often repurpose old clothes that have ceased to be useful for wearing in this way (but not as thoughtfully and beautifully as yours, I must admit). You have inspired me to be more intentional with making cleaning cloths so that they last longer and look better.
A beautiful tradition. It also teaches our children to be thoughtful and careful. The next thing to cleanliness is godliness!
I love that
Thank you for sharing about Zokin. I’d never heard of them and I love the concept. I look forward to stitching some together!