The Book of Boro: Techniques and Patterns Inspired by Traditional Japanese Textiles, Susan Briscoe

The Book of Boro is a tender homage to the Japanese tradition of mending cloth, sharing a curated collection of contemporary projects infused with the spirit of sashiko and boro. Through simple patchwork, evocative dyeing, and slow stitching, Briscoe revives “boroboro” — cloth reborn from wear — guiding readers to transform jeans, linens, and upcycled fabrics into expressive, repair-led tapestries. A stitch directory offers both traditional (running stitch, raw-edge appliqué) and playful contemporary options (chain stitch, whipped running), while techniques for ageing and distressing create authentic, storied textures.

Structured to bridge heritage and hands‑on creativity, each of the book’s ten projects—from tote bags and cushion covers to hanten jackets and quilts—invites makers to embrace imperfection and narrative. With its thoughtful blend of history, philosophy, and craftsmanship, this volume is a manifesto for slow sewing: purposeful, personal, and beautifully patched.

About the Author
Susan Briscoe is a textile storyteller and practitioner whose work explores the poetic and practical intersections of mending, memory, and cloth. With a deep interest in traditional Japanese techniques, she translates the essence of boro into accessible, contemporary projects—imbuing each needle-and-thread moment with reverence for process and material.

Publication date: 2020
Publisher: David and Charles
Pages: 128
ISBN: 9781446308325