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The Sashiko Stitch Goes from Rice Fields to Runways
By Kelli Luu | 01 Jun, 2025
Discover how this ancient Japanese stitching technique is making its way to high fashion runways.
Sashiko is a special stitch that has been loved by Japanese farmers and fishermen for centuries. Now, it’s giving modern fashionistas and sustainability lovers a new way to wear their values.
Sashiko originated from Japan’s Edo period, a time of peace and economic growth, by working-class Japanese women. The precise embroidery technique became a practical way to repair and strengthen clothing.
Sashiko translates to “little stabs” in Japanese and it refers to small, consistent stitches that create unique geometrical patterns.
The pattern is often referred to as the “rice grain” because of its size and length which highly resembles grains of rice.
Like embroidery, sashiko also requires a needle work technique, prioritizing a running stitch with a single strand thread.
But not only is sashiko precise and attractive, it is also sustainable. Sashiko encourages embracing the flaws of old clothing with visible mending rather than tossing garments out.
This technique has the ability to give pieces from your wardrobe a second life, proving that sustainability can be stylish and functional.
Sashiko has fired up a new community in the United States, aligning perfectly with the modern sustainable fashion movement, allowing us to transform worn and torn pieces.
Workshops have been emerging nationwide, providing an experience where people can learn about this craft and apply it to their own clothing.
During the month of May, the Tulsa City County Library hosted their Asian American Festival, where they offered a free hands-on workshop for anyone ages 14 and up to learn the timeless stitch.
From July 7-11th at the Madeline Island School of the Arts in La Pointe, Wisconsin, a 5-day Sashiko retreat will be held where attendees will learn the fundamental elements of Sashiko and the rich history of how it has evolved from Japanese Sashiko Artisan, Atsushi.
Sashiko’s influence has not been limited to aspiring designers and DIY enthusiasts. It’s also making appearances on high fashion runways.
KENZO’s Fall/Winter 2023 collection highlighted sashiko stitching in an exciting way, blending traditional Japanese designs with bold silhouettes.
The KENZO Sashiko Stitch bomber jacket is one of the many memorable pieces from the collection.
Sashiko is just one of the ways creativity and sustainability can come together. Whether you are transforming the most rugged jeans in your closet or looking for a new fashion trend to try out, this ancient stitch is a pattern you don’t want to miss out on.
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