Workshop denim mending with Sashiko, Sun. 26 Jan., 2 - 5:30 pm

Mending is a wonderful way to practice hand-stitching and sustainability by extending the life of our clothes. It’s also a great opportunity to create space for yourself to enjoy the moment in busy daily life.

In this 3.5-hour session, we will explore the beauty of Japanese embroidery technique Sashiko and its application on denim mending. You’ll be working with your hands and simple tools. The workshop is beginner friendly, so you don’t need any hand stitching or embroidery experience to join. At the end of the workshop, you will gain the fundamental skills to mend your beloved pair of jeans to make it last longer and let it become your artistic expression. 

Date: Sunday 26 January 2025

Time: 2 - 5:30 (Amsterdam CET time)

Location: garment at Molukkenstraat 23g, Amsterdam

Workshop language: English

This workshop includes:

• an introduction to the history of Sashiko in Japan.
• a presentation of vintage Japanese textile examples and my Sashiko mending work.
• an explanation on mending materials, tools, and how to best use them to repair damages like holes and weak areas on your jeans, in an artist way.
• a demonstration + stitch along session on drawing, stitching and customizing 4 traditional Hitomezashi Sashiko patterns (see photos hereunder). You’ll also receive an instruction booklet with these patterns.
• a 0.5-hour free consulting session on various mending solution at the end of the workshop.
• a detailed PDF instruction with material list and recommended books via email after the workshop.
• coffee, tea and snacks

You don’t need to prepare any materials or tools for yourself as they will be provided at the workshop. Please do bring a pair of jeans or other denim items, preferably with damages like holes and/or weak areas. It’s also fine if you don’t bring jeans, we will provide scrap denim fabrics for you to practice at the workshop. You can choose either working on your jeans directly, or use the scrap denim fabric sample to practice first. I will also explain how to use your practice sample to patch your jeans (for reinforcing or decoration) to avoid wasting it.

A Sashiko starter kit costs 10 euro (incl. tax) can be purchased separately during the workshop. The kit includes 2pcs Sashiko needles, 1pc Japanese leather thimble, and 2pcs fabric markers. Participants can take free Sashiko threads which are enough to finish their projects at home.