Suitable for: Adults 16 yrs +. No experience required
Price: £55
Location: Studio 6.03A St Margaret's House, 151 London Road
Sashiko Workshop Edinburgh: Discover Traditional Japanese Stitching
Discover the timeless beauty of Japanese Sashiko stitching in this creative, relaxing and inspiring Sashiko Workshop in Edinburgh, led by guest tutor Karen Giroud.
What is Sashiko?
Sashiko (pronounced sa-shi-ko, meaning “little stabs”) is a traditional Japanese hand-stitching technique that has been practised for centuries.
Originally, people used Sashiko to strengthen and repair everyday clothing and household textiles. Small, even stitches helped make fabrics more durable, while carefully planned patterns added beauty and character.
Over time, this humble repair technique evolved into a much-loved textile art form. Today, stitchers around the world celebrate it for its distinctive geometric patterns, rhythmic stitching and the mindful process of creating something by hand.
Traditional Sashiko was often worked with white thread on indigo fabric. The designs featured repeating motifs inspired by nature, geometry and everyday life. Modern Sashiko embraces many different colours, fabrics and creative approaches. This makes it a wonderful technique for textile artists, makers and anyone who enjoys mindful hand-stitching.
The Art of Slow Stitching
One of the joys of Sashiko is its accessibility. You do not need previous embroidery experience to enjoy this craft. The beauty comes from the simple running stitch, the repetition of the patterns and the satisfaction of watching a design gradually emerge. The slow, meditative rhythm of stitching makes Sashiko a wonderful way to take time away from screens and busy routines, creating space for creativity and relaxation.
What You Will Learn in the Sashiko Workshop
This Sashiko Workshop in Edinburgh is suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced stitchers and sewists who would like to explore a new textile technique.
During this engaging workshop, Karen will introduce you to the fundamental techniques of Sashiko:
- how to plan and grid out designs,
- transfer patterns
- create the even stitches that give this traditional craft its distinctive character
- how to turn your completed Sashiko sample into a practical and useful coaster or lavender bag.
Using templates and expert guidance, you will create your own Sashiko sampler on quality fabric, building confidence with the essential skills before exploring your own future projects.
The techniques you learn can be applied in many creative ways – from decorative textile art and handmade accessories to embellishing or adding beautiful repairs to well-loved garments.
The workshop is suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced stitchers. Also sewists who would like to explore a new textile technique and discover the calming, creative world of Japanese stitching. As all materials are included, provided by Karen, you can simply arrive and enjoy the experience.
Explore More Textile Workshops at Artisan Stitch
If you enjoy creative textile techniques, then you may also like our other Textile Workshops. These include Free-Motion Embroidery, Hand Stitching/Slow Stitching, Gel Printing and Needle-felting.