Aya Fiber Studio

Instructor Atsushi Futatsuya will share his lifelong Sashiko practice in 3-days of intensive stitching as a rich experience.

The 1st Day is [Core & Essence] where you learn the most important elements of the Sashiko they practice. The 2nd & 3rd Days are [Application & Practice], which includes stitching on your favorite garment, Hitomezashi, (Invisible) Mending, and learning/practicing throughout the process of Sashiko we practice. Atsushi is the third generation of a surviving sashiko family in Gifu prefecture, Japan.

In this 3-Day Workshop, you will learn both the spirit and skills of sashiko stitching from the (authentic) Japanese Sashiko Artisan, Atsushi Futatsuya!

Sashiko is a form of traditional Japanese stitching. Sashiko can be Art. Sashiko can be decorative (visible) Mending. However, Sashiko is more than what is introduced now in English. Unfortunately, the Sashiko introduced in English is simplified & romanticized. In this 3-day workshop, you will learn about the aesthetic perspective and history of Sashiko, the form of Sashiko, the rhythm of stitching, how to use proper tools and make beautiful stitches, and how to find your joy in stitching. You will learn how to transfer patterns to fabric and we will discuss ideas for future projects and how to use sashiko as part of a mindful mending practice. 

This is a unique opportunity to learn authentic Sashiko stitching from a traditional master, Atsushi Futatsuya, a third-generation Sashiko artist. You will be learning directly from his traditional family wisdom and years of experience as a Sashiko educator. Following a lecture and demonstration by Atsushi, you will practice this meditative art and advance your Sashiko skills with lots of hands-on guidance.

In the first 6 hours of the workshop, Atsushi will introduce the most important element in Sashiko Stitching – Unshin (Needle Movement).

Day 1:

This Day's 1st workshop is a learning opportunity rather than “let’s enjoy Sashiko together”. The participants will learn the important techniques and mindset of Sashiko on the first day. This workshop will be the foundation of the following days.

• Learn the basics of Sashiko Techniques
• Rhythmical Running Stitching - Unshin
• The appropriate posture of Sashiko stitching.
• How to use the thimble & needle appropriately.
• How to make even stitches
• Hands-on workshop with stitching the Asanoha pattern.

Day 2. Apply Sashiko to your own life [Application + Practice]:

On the 2nd Day, we will apply the technique shared on the first day 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)

Day 3: Hitomezashi [Application + Practice]:

The powerful and vivid beauty of Sashiko stitching, which is a bit different from Sashiko Running Stitches, is mainly from Hitomezashi Sashiko. Over the Hitomezashi Sashiko Workshop, Atsushi will share how to prepare the fabric, how to create the pattern, how to move the needle and thimble (A great opportunity to review the first Sashiko Stitching Workshop), and how to use the vintage fabric to collaborate Sashiko.

When people enjoy our Sashiko Items, they are so surprised by the beauty of Hitomezashi.

Supply Fee: $150.00 (approx)

(Please purchase the package from the Instructor - Authentic Japanese Products imported from Japan) 

Atsushi strongly prefers students purchase the Supply Package Online before the Workshop Starts. The participants will receive the designated follow-up website with the link to purchase the special package.

Items in the Supply Package :

List of Class Materials (in a Required Supply Package)

For Day.1 

• 1 skein of Sashiko thread White. 
• 1 of Sashiko thimble 
• 3 of Sashiko needles (Wrapped with Black/White paper in the same package of the thimble).
• 1 piece of Dark Indigo Color Fabric with the Asano-ha pattern printed (About 27" x 11")
• 1 piece of Light Blue Color Fabric (About 27" x 11")
• 2 piece of small swatches (Dark Indigo Color)
• 1 sheet of Thread bobbin Paper
• 1 piece of Chalk Pencil
• 1 x Finger cot & 1 x threader 
• 1 x Surprise Item

For Day.2 & Day.3

• 1 skein of Sashiko Thread, 145 meter - Color of Their Choice from 15 colorsA
• 2 skein of Yokota Sashiko Thread 40 meter, both Thin & Thick
• 1 Natural Dye Sashiko Thread - Color of Their Choice 
• 1 x Basting Thread
• 1 x Fabric Set For Hitomezashi (specifically prepared for the workshop)
• 1 set for practicing the pattern preparation & mending: Swatch size is about 13" x 8 ") *Subject to a minor change in Size.
• 2 Pieces of small Cotton Swatches
• 1 Thread bobbin Paper
• 1 small surprise Item
• Threaders & Finger Cots are available per request.
• PDF of Graph Paper
• 1 x Surprise Item

Students must purchase before the workshop at the Follow-Up Page. The supply will be shipped to Aya Fiber Studio in advance.

Atsushi encourages you to bring to maximize the workshop:

We do not use these Tools “all the time”, so you may use tools that Aya Studio has. However, the number of tools is limited, so if you can bring one, please do so. 

• Ruler (s)
• Scissors (Fabric Scissors will be better)
• Notepad & something to write with
• Scotch Tape
• Pincushion / Needle Rest
• Regular Sewing set 
• Sewing needle
• Sewing thread
• Pins
• A bandage or masking tape to protect the finger’s nail 

You can enjoy a 3-day workshop with the materials in the package. However, to maximize your experience, please consider bringing items (supplies) below.

• Any garment they would like to have Sashiko stitches on for Day 2. Several options would be great for mending & for actual stitching. 
• Any (Sashiko) threads, needles, thimbles, and fabrics that they would like to confirm how to use (not required).
• Any books/kits/publications they would like to share (I do not have recommendations for books in English, though)