Sashiko – Sustainable and Mindful Embroidery

Hey there!

Let’s chat about something super cool—how hand embroidery can play a role in sustainability!

We live in a time where there’s way too much stuff. In fact, there is more than sufficient clothing today that can provide for the next 6 generations! Gone are the days when a well-loved sweater would be patched up and passed down. But guess what? Mending is making a comeback—and not just any mending, but visible mending!

What is Visible Mending?

Visible mending is all about fixing clothes in a way that makes the repair part of the design—think colorful stitches, creative embroidery, and unique patches instead of trying to hide the wear and tear. Hold on…it’s not just about fixing clothes; it’s about celebrating the stories they hold while making fashion more sustainable. By mending instead of discarding, you reduce waste, save money, and create something unique. Inspired by traditions like Sashiko and Boro, visible mending turns flaws into art—one stitch at a time.

So why hide the wear and tear when you can make it a statement? Make it a topic of conversation—an icebreaker!

Meet Sashiko: The Art of Mindful Stitching

One of the most famous visible mending techniques is Sashiko—a traditional Japanese embroidery style that uses just one simple stitch: the Running Stitch!

Originally, Sashiko was a practical repair method used in the 17th-century by farmers and fishermen to reinforce worn-out clothing. But over time, it became a stunning art form, with intricate geometric patterns that symbolize good fortune, protection, and resilience. Even today, Sashiko isn’t just about aesthetics—it strengthens the fabric, adds warmth, and offers a meditative stitching experience. If you’re looking for a way to slow down and embrace mindfulness, this is it!

Sashiko patterns are more than just pretty stitches—they tell a story! For example, Asanoha (hemp leaf) – Represents growth and resilience and Seigaiha (waves) – Symbolizes endless good fortune. These designs weren’t just decorative; they were believed to bring protection and blessings to the wearer!

Sashiko & Visible Mending: A Perfect Match

While Sashiko is no longer just about necessity, it has found a new life in slow fashion, upcycling, and handmade crafts. More people (and even designers!) are using it to add charm to old clothes rather than tossing them away.

Ready to give your clothes a fresh new look? Here’s a simple way to start:

1. Find something to mend—a torn knee, a worn-out elbow, an old pillowcase, or a stained shirt.
2. Choose a patch—cut a fabric piece slightly larger than the worn-out area.
3. Secure—use simple Running Stitches to attach the patch on the inside of the fabric if it is a tear and over the fabric if it is a stain.
4. Stitch—trace a sashiko pattern over the patch, spilling it onto the original fabric, and stitch it.
5. Remove the initial stitches holding the patch once you’re done.

And that’s it—you’ve just given new life to your old fabric!

All image credits: Erin Eggenburg @ www.wrenbirdarts.com

Learn to Sashiko- step into the world of mindfulness and mending

To help you get started, I’ve put together a simple tutorial on Sashiko. This printable traditional pattern will help you get started and practice after the tutorial.

Don’t forget to print out this Sashiko PDF pattern sample for application.

sashiko_visible mending

What do you think about mending? Have you ever tried it? Tell me your story!

Let’s stitch a little, mend a lot, and make fashion more sustainable—let’s make something beautiful today!

With love,

Sarah