Sashiko Retreat 5-Days Special Package (For 2026)

Part.1 - Sashiko Stitching with [Core & Essence]

This Retreat is a learning opportunity rather than “let’s enjoy Sashiko together”. The participants will learn the important technique and mindset of Sashiko on the first Part. This Retreat will be the fundamentals of the following days.

• Learn the basic of Sashiko Stitching
• Rhythmical Running Stitching - Unshin - as the Core & Essence.
• The appropriate posture of Sashiko stitching.
• How to use the thimble & needle appropriately.
• How to make even stitches
• Hands-on Retreat with stitching the Asanoha pattern.

Part.2 - Sashiko and Mending

- and yes, we will extend it to Boro.

On the second part , we will apply the technique I shared on the first Part on to the actual project. The participants will learn the following.

• How to prepare the fabric (Transfer the fabric / pre-stitching).
• How to mend the garment with Sashiko techniques.
• How to make Boro (What is Boro after all)

Part.3 Hitomezashi Sashiko

On Part 1 and 2, the focus of students is to find their own rhythm in stitching. However, some styles of Sashiko require a bit of more “control” besides their own rhythm. On Part.3, we will introduce a different style of Sashiko with the same form, ideas, and techniques we cover on the previous days.

• Understanding Hitomezashi with Grid.
• The Hitomezashi & Its Rhythm.
• How to proceed with Hitomezashi.
• How to apply Hitomezashi to future projects.
  

Part 1 will be a very strict form of teaching as every participant are required to follow the direction of Atsushi. Part 2 and 3 will be a bit more easy like an independent study while using the technique & understanding of Sashiko of Part 1st.

What to bring for the 5-Days Sashiko Retreat?

Almost All of the necessary specific tools & supplies will be in the special package above (required to purchase). Most of the items are exclusively prepared for this Retreat, so please purchase the package after confirming your registratiuon to the Sashiko Retreat.

Besides the unique tools & supplies package you would purchase from us, it would be a good idea to have several general sewing tools. Please bring the tools below for the better experience (not required, but strongly recommended). The tools listed below are NOT included to the material package you purchase.

*I recommend bringing espceially the item colored with Orange in supplies section.

Tools:

*We do not use them all the time, so if the Retreat Studio has some, you may be able to use theirs instead of bringing your own to the Retreat. However, it is recommended to bring them to make the Retreat more comfortable.

• A solid Ruler (s), preferablly longer than 8" (Sample Link)
• Scissors (Fabric Scissors would be better)
• Notepad & something to write with
• Scotch Tape / Masking Tape (Sample Link) *You would need only 1 roll of Masking Tape.
• Pincushion / Needle Rest
• 1 or 2 Crayola Washable Marker (ideally fine top) with Dark Colors. (Sample Link)
• A ballpoint pen (cheap one is fine) (Sample Link).
• nailclipper (for the purpose of preparation below).
• Regular Sewing set
• Sewing needles / dressmaker pins (to hold fabrics)
• Sewing thread
• Pins
• Bandage or masking tape to protect the finger’s nail - only if you would like to protect the nail (the detail is listed in the preparation below).

Supplies:

• One (or more) Cotton Garment (such as denim pants or shirt) with mending or stitching needs. A large hole and /or severe tear may be too much to complete within the Retreat. A hole of about 2~3 inch diameter would be the ideal for patching. The Garment doesn’t have to have holes or damages. I will explain how to apply Sashiko to mending/repairing. Stretchy fabric including stretch denim and T-shirt are not ideal. For the details of what is best to bring, please check here → (The Article of “What is the suitable fabric for mending & stitching on").
• You may also bring any garments you would like to have Sashiko stitches on, mainly for Part-2. Several garments/options would be great for mending & for actual Sashiko stitching. Stretchy fabric (stretch denim), hard fabric (raw denim or canvas), and other non-cotton fabric are not recommended to practice Sashiko for the first time.
• Also any fabrics you would like to use for mending (A piece of fabric for mending will be provided in the package, but you can use your favorite one).
• Any (Sashiko) threads, needles, thimbles and fabrics that they would like to confirm how to use (not required).
• Any books they would like to share (I do not have recommendations for books in English, though).

Preparation:

After completing the purchase of the necessary package, please read below to prepare if necessary.

• It may be a good idea to cut the nail on the dominant hand (the hand with the needle). One can learn Sashiko with long fingernails, but it may be an obstacle in the first process of learning.
• In the process of learning the "Unshin - Running Stitch", I "may" ask you to use your nail to control the needle. It "could" scratch your nail a bit. If you would like to protect your nails, please bring bandages or thick tape, or even prepare a fake fingernail for this purpose. You may not need this process at all. I just need to be as detailed as I can.