About Sashiko: Sashiko is a form of Japanese folk embroidery using the simple running stitches to create a patterned background. The geomtric patterns include straight or curved lines of stitching arranged in a repeating pattern. The Japanese word sashiko means little stabs or running stitches and refers to the small stitches used in this form of needlework. Originally, sashiko was used as a form of darning to repair or add strength to worn areas of clothing, or to create insulated double-layer coats.

Sashiko provided such a practical purpose of strengthening and giving warmth to homespun fabrics. This simple running stitch was born from the necessity of conserving and repairing garments at a time when cloth was not so widely available to farmers and fishermen. Their wives made sashiko items at home especially in long winter time when outside works were limited. Once garments were well worn to the point of looking like a rag, good part of every garments were cut out, and pieced and patch worked to make a new garment. It was an inherited skill taught at a young age and the skill was judged as to their suitability for marriage.

The Workshop: Nowadays, sashiko is used for surface embellishment and decorative purposes. Due to its beauty and durability it has become an art form that is very popular with quilters. The objective of this workshop is to get familiar with the basics of sashiko. You will learn sashiko stitching using a sampler with a pre-printed sashiko design. You will also learn how to trace sashiko patterns onto a fabric so that you can stitch on your favorite fabrics and create your own designs.
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About Miho Takeuchi: Miho Takeuchi has been a traditional Sashiko instructor and designer in the United States for the past 10 years. Japan is the home and origin of the beautiful hand stitching art of Sashiko. And like Sashiko, Miho was born in Japan. She grew up in the countryside in the mid-section of its main island.

In Japan, Miho was surrounded by Sashiko without even noticing it. There was Sashiko in one form or another, from Noren (traditional fabric room dividers), to everyday items like coasters, pillow cases, uniforms for martial arts and so on.

As she got older, Miho was drawn to the artistry Sashiko, the simplicity and the effectiveness that the simple  running stitches provide to items in everyday life. Today, she is devoted to providing as much information as she can about anything related to Sashiko, Japan, fabrics, hand crafting and more. Sashiko is Miho's passion.



Workshop Notes: Please read the class policies before registering for this workshop. You may bring a lunch or purchase one at one of the coffee shops or cafes near the museum. There is a parking lot behind the museum that is available only on weekends. We suggest you park there, as street parking is limited to two hours. If you are not familiar with this parking lot, click here for details.

FEE: $35 members/$40 non-members
A materials fee of $28 will be collected at the workshop.
This workshop is limited to 10 students, so register early!

Click here for the supply list and information on materials.

If you would prefer, you may mail in your registration. Please open the registration form by clicking here.