Another frequent question in Sashiko. “Which side should I look when stitching?”

Another frequent question in Sashiko. “Which side should I look when stitching?” and then following “Should the back side look as good as the front side?” If you follow me long enough, you know I will say, no “should” but it “can”.
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In Sashiko, the mending was(is) a last resort in its original proces. They (we) stitched first to make fabric stronger, yet we didn’t have much fabric to cover the “back/wrong” side. So, Sashiko developed its culture to make both sides “good(okay)” – just in case that the hiding side may need to appear to others.
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To answer the question above, we “don’t have to” make the back side neat as the front side. So, no “should”. However, I hope they will try to learn how to make both sides beautiful. Then, they “can” choose what is the best. Saying “no” simply due to lack of the skill can repaint the culture. The photos show examples of a workman Jacket with a single layer fabric. You can tell which side is back because of the hems, but both sides are considered as “finished” (They wouldn’t show off the inside on purpose, though, like I do now for the educational purpose). In Sashiko, due to its “ordinary”, there are reasons & stories for why. There is nothing wrong with covering the backside after Sashiko. However, it is painful to see someone redefining due to a lack of practice. Again, Sashiko isn’t difficult, but not shallow.
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うーん……。「刺し子の裏はどうするの？」という質問に、「刺し子は表が綺麗であればいい」という英語での議論。なんで決めつけるかなぁ。表も裏も綺麗にできてから、「表が綺麗な方が良いよね」となってほしい。望みすぎですかね？できないのは良いんです。学べば/練習したら良いだけだから。「できないことを基準にされる」のが苦しいんだろうね。金曜日の配信で語ります。
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2020-07-18 20:49:52

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