Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 May 2022, Sashiko Stitching with Atsushi Futatsuya

14:00 - 17:00 BST (British Summer Time)

Hosted on Zoom by Atsushi Futatsuya

Sashiko is not about the precision of stitches but of the rhythm of repair and creating a deeper connection to fabric through stitching.

Atsushi Futatsuya is a Sashiko artisan and story-teller. Atsushi was born in a Sashiko family in Gifu Prefecture, Japan and has been tutored since childhood by his mother in the art of Sashiko. Atsushi focuses on the importance of tradition and process. His work not only communicates the beauty of hand stitching, but it also reminds us of a more spiritual relationship with cloth and how, through Sashiko, you communicate to the fabric while stitching.

In 2015, his mother, Keiko, started Sashi.Co to share the beauty of Sashiko and the process of ordinary Sashiko. Inspired by his mother, Atsushi started sharing his techniques and stories of Sashiko through Upcycle Stitches.

Outline of the workshop
Through this workshop, Atsushi will teach the essence of Sashiko Stitching - Unshin (needle movement). Instead of focusing on the results and accuracy of stitches by following the stitch-size-dot line, Atsushi will guide you through how to find your own Sashiko rhythm, which is central to this craft. 

The first session will cover the basics of Sashiko including terminology, history, culture, and mindset, after which Atsushi will guide you through the basic posture to master Unshin. You will have the opportunity to practice this technique as well as learn other techniques such as Kasane to begin stitching on the pre-printed patterned indigo fabric provided in the materials pack (see below). 

In the second session, participants are encouraged to continue developing the Sashiko technique with the support of Atsushi who will offer advice, guidance and be on hand to answer any questions. Atsushi will also teach you how to prepare the pattern which forms the stencil of the stitching and how to treat the fabric after stitching is completed. 

*Participants will receive a more detailed outline prior to the workshop, including what to expect and instructions of what to prepare before the workshop. Atsushi will also offer follow up guidance.

A materials pack will be sent to participants prior to the workshop containing:

• 1 skein of Sashiko thread (White)
• 1 of Sashiko thimble
• 3 of Sashiko needles
• 1 piece of dark indigo fabric with the Asano-ha pattern printed (100% cotton, made in Japan)
• 1 piece of Blue Colour fabric, 100% Cotton. Made in Japan.
• 1 piece of fusible Interfacing (white fabric)
• 2 piece of small swatches (dark indigo colour)
• 1 sheet of thread bobbin paper (original paper bobbin)
• 1 x chalk pencil
• 2 x Finger cot
• 1 x threader
• 1 x a small package of fabric, mylar paper and carbon paper and pattern paper

Please note: material packages are shipped on an insured, trackable delivery service. Any customs duties, delays, lost or undeliverable packages are the responsibility of the customer. Once a material package leaves the workshop tutors' hands with a tracking number, the seller has no further obligation to the buyer.

Material list (not provided)

• Scotch Tape
• Scissor

Recommended (optional)

• Thread clipper
• Threader (if one needs more than 1 in the package)
• Pin cushion (to put the needle)

Workshop Cancellation Policy
All places are non-refundable. However, if you let us know you are not able to make a workshop you have booked at least two weeks prior to the event, we will offer a credit note.

If you require additional information about this workshop please contact Catherine Harris, events@selvedge.org.