As a way to reduce waste and/or personalize clothing and household goods - we'll learn & practice together one method of visible mending: Sashiko Stitching.

Please bring something that’s worn, torn, or otherwise in need of repair. Best to bring non-stretchy fabric – denim, cotton, linen fabrics are easiest to repair.

Sashiko ("little stabs") is a Japanese textile tradition with roots in the 17th century. Working class folks were permitted only to use simple materials in their clothing: indigo for dye and hemp for fabric (no silk, no bright colors). Sashiko stitching provided both repairs and beauty to old rags and worn clothing. The simple, repetitive stitches are said to resemble grains of rice and provide both renewed strength and decoration to worn and torn cloth.

In this workshop - we'll recognize the deep history of Sashiko, select our favorite traditional (or modern!) Sashiko patterns, learn how to mark and patch our fabric, practice getting evenly sized and spaced stitches, and work towards mending a favorite worn or torn item of clothing that participants bring with them. We'll reinforce knees and elbows, add beauty and patches to collars and hems, and enjoy the slow and meditative stitching that is Sashiko.

DIY Studio

Boulder Public Library presents DIY Studio in STUDIO 24! Over the course of four months, this program series invites makers to increase their own agency. DIY Studio equips makers with the hands-on skills and confidence needed to tackle gardening, home repair, cooking, mending, electronics and more. DIY Studio will empower you to do-it-yourself!