Introduction to visible mending with sashiko

What is sashiko?

Sashiko is a traditional Japanese technique used to reinforce and repair woven fabrics. It’s a beautiful technique steeped in history and there are several ways to add different stitch patterns and strengthen your clothing depending on the area of damage. We’ll be mending in a creative and visible way to celebrate the wear and tear our clothing collects!

This workshop is perfect for beginners and sewing enthusiasts alike and you’ll leave the workshop with the following:

• The confidence to get stuck into your mending pile with an understanding of the mending techniques covered and a sampler for future reference
• Understanding that mended is better than perfect and you deserve the chance to enjoy mending as a creative outlet
• Troubleshooting tips and tricks for different fabrics and yarns
• Knowledge about how to use different techniques across different garments
• A feeling of empowerment in knowing that by mending you are actively helping to tackle the textile waste crisis and reduce the amount of clothing sent to landfill

In this three hour workshop we will look at the best ways to repair denim and woven fabrics using sashiko. We will look at all the equipment you need to start with sashiko and cover tips and tricks to help along the way. I’ll run through the most popular sashiko techniques such as the running stitch, cross stitches, patching and creating patterns which we’ll test out on sample fabrics before moving on to repairing your favourite clothes.

All materials are provided: just bring your own item of clothing to mend or decorate; sashiko is best suited to woven and denim items. I will have a selection of threads and colours but if you think you’ll need a very specific thread or colour match then please bring this with you.

It is recommended that you bring an item that has a small area to repair to start with or something that you are happy to practice on.

This event is part of Sustainable Fashion Week 2025, hosted by Frome’s hub with Everyone Needs Pockets.